How to become a Stevedore

Also called: Wharf Labourer

Transfers cargo between ships and other forms of transport or storage facilities.

Main tasks

• Loads and unloads cargo from ships using appropriate techniques and equipment such as forklifts, gantry cranes, reach stackers, straddle carriers, front-end loaders, excavators, mobile wharf cranes or conveyor systems
• Secures cargo using ropes, chains and other devices
• Transfers cargo between vessels and wharf storage facilities, and between storage facilities and road or rail transport
• Inspects cargo for damage and reports any issues
• Communicates with supervisors and other workers to coordinate cargo transfer operations
• Organises and prioritises cargo based on shipping schedules and requirements

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Stevedoring (TLI30219); Certificate II in Stevedoring (TLI20321); Certificate IV in Stevedoring Operations (TLI40421)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $88,192 a year
• About 13,800 people work in this job group now, and about 14,300 are projected by 2035. (+3.7%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Aircraft Baggage Handler and Ground Crew
• Aircraft Refueller
• Linemarker
• Railway Shunter
• Railway Track Plant Operator
• Road Roller Operator

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Stevedore?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Stevedoring; Certificate II in Stevedoring.

How much does a Stevedore earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $88,192 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Stevedore a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 13,800 to about 14,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Stevedore?

Usually not. Only 4% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Stevedoring; Certificate II in Stevedoring.

Will AI change the work of a Stevedore?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04