Dredge Mate. Salary: $25,000 

You hitchhike to the nearest port and get lucky―the port dredge operation needs a mate. You quickly learn the ropes as you help to reposition the dredge barge as part of a two-man tugboat crew. After three months, you develop a strong craving for spinach and corn cob pipes. Fortunately, before your forearms start to swell cartoonishly, the port's dredging season ends and you spend the next few months catching up on your tattoos.

Pipefitter. Salary: $32,000 

You land a job on a cutter and suction dredge, assembling pipe to carry material from the ship to the shore. It's backbreaking work, but you're learning a lot about welding and pipefitting. Plus, you're really excited for your next break so you can finally beat your dad at arm wrestling.

Dredge Crew. Salary: $41,000 

Back on your feet, you take a job on a hopper dredger. Thankfully, there are no more pipes to assemble (you hated those pipes). There are, however, pipes to secure, balance, and repeatedly check for leaks. You don't mind, though, as long as they're already built.

Leverman. Salary: $52,000 

The captain catches you playing Mario Kart when you were supposed to be on deck. Just before he fires you, he notices you have the top three scores and instead moves you to lever operator. Your highly attuned manual dexterity and ability to watch a screen for hours at a time make you the perfect fit. In your nimble fingers, the cutter head dances across the sea floor.

Dredge Crew, Persian Gulf. Salary: $72,000 

After making a name for yourself as a stud lever operator, you jump ship to a European company that specializes in high-profile dredging operations. Currently you're building a new island for a Saudi prince, created in his likeness. The prince has a temper and won't be happy if astronauts can't see his nose from space, so definitely don't mess that one up.