Big Paychecks Can’t Woo Enough Sailors for America’s Commercial Fleet

KINGS POINT, N.Y.—Some of America’s best starting salaries are at sea. And they aren’t luring enough workers.

Straight out of college, graduates from the country’s maritime academies can earn more than $200,000 as a commercial sailor, with free food and private accommodations. Commercial sailors travel the world. Coffee breaks come with an ocean view. At night, the sky explodes with stars.