Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
SOC: 53-5021 O*NET: 53-5021.00
Median Salary
$85,540
per year
Job Growth
📉 0.5%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
4.3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$51,324
25th
$68,432
50th (Median)
$85,540
75th
$102,648
90th
$128,310
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:40,700
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+0.5%
Annual Openings:4,300
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)40,700
Current
2034 (Projected)40,900
+0.5%
+200
Employment Change
+0.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
Top Skills
✓
Operation and Control
Operation and Control
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
✓
Speaking
Speaking
✓
Operations Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
✓
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving
✓
Coordination
Coordination
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Transportation
✓
Public Safety and Security
✓
Mechanical
✓
Law and Government
✓
English Language
✓
Geography
✓
Administration and Management
✓
Customer and Personal Service
✓
Education and Training
Education & Training
Education Required
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Experience Required
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Job Training
Training of more than one year