Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.
Median salary
$92,460/yr
Typical range
$63,880 – $127,180
Education
High school diploma
Time to entry
No degree required — short-term training or on-the-job learning
What a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels does
You command or manage large ships and boats, overseeing navigation, crew, and cargo operations across oceans or inland waterways. This leadership role requires extensive maritime knowledge and certification.
Education & path
The typical entry point is a high school diploma. No degree required — short-term training or on-the-job learning.
Estimated cost of that path: No degree cost. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.
Related careers
- Recycling and Reclamation Workers — $40,240/yr
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand — $40,240/yr
- Stockers and Order Fillers — $37,330/yr
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers — $58,640/yr
- Light Truck Drivers — $44,860/yr
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