Hi everyone,
It is difficult to work on all ships, but why is the salary higher for tanker ships than other ship types?
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I think it is related to the value of the cargo and operations. A tanker cargo carries a lot of oil or oil by products. For example ULCC Seawise Giant - Seawise Giant - Wikipedia - had ~600,000 DWT and could carry 4 million barrels of oil. With current $70 / per barrel - that is $280,000,000 cargo on board. People overseeing safe delivery of such precious cargo should make a little money no? The master who is leading this shipping is getting less than 1/10.000 - it is a tiny cost in overall picture.
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Yes, interesting question @sebastian-jenkins
Tanker ships are generally of small tonnage, and they are ships that carry all liquid chemicals that you can think of according to the coating of their tanks. Working on these ships involves great risks. That’s why their salary is higher. More risk, higher the salary 
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Running a tanker is riskier and requires more skills and training. It makes sense that tanker crew would be paid more.
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In addition to the factors previously mentioned, working on tanker ships also involves health risks associated with exposure to the chemicals being transported. This adds another layer of complexity to the job and contributes to the higher salaries for tanker ship personnel.
The crew on tanker ships may come into contact with hazardous chemicals or gases, either through accidental spills or routine maintenance and inspections. Prolonged or frequent exposure to these substances can have detrimental effects on an individual’s health, increasing the risk of respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even long-term conditions like cancer or neurological disorders.
To minimize the risk of exposure to hazardous substances, crew members must adhere to strict safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and specialized gear. This additional level of precaution and the need for specialized training in handling hazardous materials contribute to the higher salary expectations.
Tanker ship personnel must be well-trained and prepared to handle emergencies related to chemical spills, leaks, or fires. This involves acquiring skills in emergency response, first aid, and firefighting, which can be both physically and mentally demanding. The increased responsibility and the potential impact on crew members’ health contribute to the higher pay.
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yes, safety training is very important 
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The carried cargo is liquid, so it can easily contact with the skin and cause serious damage. Because companies know these risks, they increase salary to find seafarers.
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There is actually a lot of paperwork for officers compared to other types of ships. In addition, safety equipment is more and this requires maintenance, which means extra work. And lastly, they are subject to more inspections than other ship types, which means extra work.
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