Longshore Workers
(NOC 7451)
in All Trades and TransportationLongshore workers transfer cargo throughout dock area and onto and from ships and other vessels. They work for marine cargo handling companies, shipping agencies and shipping lines.
Job Outlook
average
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, which will provide additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Longshore Workers most commonly work full-time hours. Also, a average portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 44% of Longshore Workers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $89,522. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$17.21
Minimum$28.00
Median$40.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,401
Minimum$50,979
Median$116,101
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.50
Minimum$27.25
Median$35.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Longshore workers transfer cargo throughout dock area and onto and from ships and other vessels. They work for marine cargo handling companies, shipping agencies and shipping lines.
Job duties
Longshore workers:
- Use industrial trucks, tractors, and other mobile equipment to transfer cargo like containers, crated items, automobiles, and pallet-mounted machinery around dock to within range of cranes and hoists.
- Use winches or other hoisting devices to load and unload cargo onto and from ships and other vessels.
- Use mechanical towers to load vessels with materials like coal and ore.
- Use equipment to transfer bulk materials like grain to hold of vessels.
- Connect hoses and use equipment to transfer liquid materials into storage tanks on vessels.
- Carry out other activities like lashing and shoring cargo aboard ships, opening and closing hatches, cleaning holds of ships, and rigging cargo.
Sample job titles
- boat loader
- dock hand
- dockworker
- longshore worker
- ship loader operator
- stevedore
- tanker loader
- wharfman/woman - marine cargo handling
Skills
- You should have good health, physical stamina, and strength. Agility, coordination, and a mechanical aptitude would be helpful. You must be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- Some high school education may be required.
- On-the-job training is provided.
Other considerations
- Movement to foreman/woman or supervisor of longshore workers is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$59,637 median annual incomeCape Breton
$50,512 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$14,960 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$59,818 median annual incomeSouthern
$47,120 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Transportation and warehousing
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
35-44
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$41,040 median annual incomeLess than high school
$46,661 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$59,436 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$51,838 median annual incomeBachelor
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.