How much does a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels make in California?
Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.
Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Salaries for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in California range from $54,030 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $158,730 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $60,440 and $122,320.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $54,030 | $25.98 | $4,502 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,440 | $29.06 | $5,036 |
| Median (50th) | $79,560 | $38.25 | $6,630 |
| 75th Percentile | $122,320 | $58.81 | $10,193 |
| 90th Percentile (Experienced) | $158,730 | $76.31 | $13,227 |
Note: The mean (average) salary of $96,940 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
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Compare Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS