The superintendent profession is changing fast.
To understand how superintendents feel about their work, rewards, and prospects, Faststream Recruitment surveyed over 1,000 professionals across all major maritime regions. The result is The Superintendent Employment Report 2025, an in-depth look at the realities of one of the industry’s most vital and demanding roles.
What’s inside the Superintendent Employment Report
The findings reveal a profession that’s highly mobile, reward-driven, and under pressure, yet still proud of its contribution to global shipping. Key themes include:
Pay and rewards: 80% of superintendents received a pay rise, but most increases were modest.
Bonuses: Performance-related rewards are growing in importance.
Benefits: Comprehensive medical cover and the Annual Wage Supplement are now key differentiators.
Retention: Four in five superintendents plan to look for a new role within the next 12 months.
Engagement and well-being: High stress levels persist, with workload, leadership style, and poor work-life balance cited as major factors.
Why it matters
For employers, the data highlights the urgent need for stronger retention strategies, competitive compensation frameworks, and better communication around benefits.
For superintendents, it offers valuable insight into market trends and what peers across the world are experiencing.
Whether you’re leading a technical team or managing your own career, this report provides a powerful snapshot of today’s superintendent landscape and where it’s heading next.
