SOC 53-5021 · May 2025 · United States
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
The median wage for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels across the United States is $92,460 per year, measured over 36,850 jobs. The highest state median is in Maryland, at $138,950.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Pay for this occupation varies by 177.8% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. Maryland pays $138,950 and Utah pays $50,010.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $138,950 | 450 | |
| 2 | Tennessee | $132,710 | 940 | |
| 3 | Louisiana | $117,160 | 6,830 | |
| 4 | Texas | $111,390 | 3,400 | |
| 5 | California | $110,090 | 2,420 | |
| 6 | New York | $104,800 | 1,930 | |
| 7 | Mississippi | $104,220 | 570 | |
| 8 | Washington | $103,730 | 1,560 | |
| 9 | Iowa | $97,700 | 80 | |
| 10 | Oregon | $97,050 | 350 |
States with the most Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisiana | 6,830 | $117,160 | |
| 2 | Florida | 5,040 | $76,040 | |
| 3 | Texas | 3,400 | $111,390 | |
| 4 | California | 2,420 | $110,090 | |
| 5 | Virginia | 2,270 | $87,610 | |
| 6 | New York | 1,930 | $104,800 | |
| 7 | Washington | 1,560 | $103,730 | |
| 8 | Indiana | 1,010 | $92,000 | |
| 9 | Tennessee | 940 | $132,710 | |
| 10 | Illinois | 900 | $69,600 |
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisville/Jefferson County | $130,380 | 800 |
| 2 | Baton Rouge | $129,260 | 900 |
| 3 | San Francisco | $124,610 | 440 |
| 4 | New Orleans | $121,710 | 1,940 |
| 5 | Slidell | $120,810 | 580 |
| 6 | Lake Charles | $119,630 | 150 |
| 7 | Houston | $118,830 | 2,550 |
| 8 | Lafayette | $116,200 | 270 |
| 9 | Bremerton | $113,850 | 60 |
| 10 | Mount Vernon | $113,850 | 40 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.