What Does it Take to Be a Captain, Mate, or Pilot of a Water Vessel?
Career Description Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.
Featured schools near , edit
Other Captain, Mate or Pilot Job Titles
- Towboat Pilot
- River Pilot
- Car Ferry Master
- Tug Boat Captain
- Harbor Boat Pilot
Are There Job Opportunities for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels?
There were about 38,800 jobs for Captain, Mate, or Pilot of a Water Vessel in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 3,400 new jobs for Captain, Mate, or Pilot of a Water Vessel by 2026. There will be an estimated 4,400 positions for Captain, Mate or Pilot per year.

The states with the most job growth for Captain, Mate or Pilot are Nevada, Georgia, and Tennessee. Watch out if you plan on working in Kentucky, Indiana, or Oregon. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Captain, Mate or Pilot Salary
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels make between $35,410 and $144,690 a year.

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels who work in Texas, Oregon, or Maryland, make the highest salaries.
How much do Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $79,750 |
Alaska | $72,570 |
California | $70,840 |
Delaware | $74,790 |
Florida | $78,880 |
Georgia | $73,410 |
Hawaii | $52,830 |
Illinois | $67,020 |
Iowa | $75,600 |
Kentucky | $79,130 |
Louisiana | $93,010 |
Maine | $61,410 |
Maryland | $86,460 |
Massachusetts | $57,700 |
Michigan | $83,040 |
Minnesota | $73,910 |
New Hampshire | $51,490 |
New Jersey | $75,170 |
New York | $95,370 |
North Carolina | $55,710 |
Ohio | $47,810 |
Oregon | $100,150 |
Pennsylvania | $74,780 |
South Carolina | $67,090 |
Tennessee | $54,480 |
Texas | $103,950 |
Virginia | $77,370 |
Washington | $90,890 |
Wisconsin | $48,190 |
Where do Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Work?

Below are examples of industries where Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels work:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |