Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Salary Guide
📍 United States
Discover Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salaries in 2026 — average pay, salary ranges by experience and location, and tips to negotiate your best offer.
Salary Range
Min
$64k
Median
$92k
Max
$127k
Annual base salary in USD
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Salary Overview
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vesselss are in consistent demand across the United States. The median annual salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels is approximately $92,460 in 2026, though earnings vary significantly by experience level, location, industry, and specialisation. Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.
Factors That Affect Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Salary
- → Experience level — entry-level, mid-level, senior, and management roles
- → Industry and employer type — private sector, government, and non-profit
- → Proficiency in Monitoring
- → Proficiency in Speaking
- → Geographic location — major metropolitan areas typically pay above the national median
- → Educational background and relevant certifications
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What is the average Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary in 2026?
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The median Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary in the United States is approximately $92,460 in 2026. Entry-level positions typically start around $63,880, while experienced professionals can earn up to $127,180 or more depending on location, employer, and specialisation.
What factors affect Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary the most?
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The biggest drivers of Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary are experience level, geographic location, industry, and employer size. Major metro areas like New York, San Francisco, and Seattle typically pay 20–40% above the national median. Specialised certifications and in-demand technical skills also command significant premiums over the base median.
How do I negotiate a higher Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary?
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Research current market rates using sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LinkedIn Salary, and Glassdoor before any offer discussion. Let the employer make the first offer when possible, then counter with data-backed justification. Always negotiate total compensation — benefits, bonuses, and flexibility — not just base salary.