Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Salary in Illinois

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels make in Illinois?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$69,600
Median Annual Salary
▼ -8.5% vs 2024
$83,930
Mean Salary
$69,600
Median Salary
$33.46
Hourly Rate
900 people work as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Illinois

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary by percentile in Illinois

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary in Illinois — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Illinois.10thBottom 10% earn less than $48,210$48,21025th25% earn less than $59,830$59,830MedianHalf earn more than $69,600$69,60075th75% earn less than $104,330$104,33090thTop 10% earn more than $125,050$125,050

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Illinois earn a median salary of $69,600 per year ($5,800/month). This is 16.5% below the national average of $83,343. Illinois ranks #29 out of 38 states for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pay. Approximately 900 people work in this occupation across Illinois. Salaries decreased by 8.5% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.

Top Skills

Operation and Control
3.62
Speaking
3.5
Monitoring
3.5
Active Listening
3.38
Critical Thinking
3.38

Key Knowledge Areas

Transportation
4.13
Public Safety and Security
3.82
Mechanical
3.43
Law and Government
3.37
English Language
3.31
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (42.0% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Illinois

Salaries for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Illinois range from $48,210 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $125,050 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $59,830 and $104,330.

Median $69,600
P10: $48,210 P25: $59,830 P75: $104,330 P90: $125,050
10th
$48,210
25th
$59,830
Median
$69,600
75th
$104,330
90th
$125,050
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $48,210 $23.18 $4,017
25th Percentile $59,830 $28.76 $4,985
Median (50th) $69,600 $33.46 $5,800
75th Percentile $104,330 $50.16 $8,694
90th Percentile (Experienced) $125,050 $60.12 $10,420

Note: The mean (average) salary of $83,930 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#29
Illinois ranks #29 of 38 states
$83,343
National avg. for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
-16.5%
vs. national average
Below Average

What does this salary really buy? See Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary in Illinois adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels take-home pay in Illinois after taxes →

Explore Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Data in Illinois

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Salary by State

Compare Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Illinois is $69,600 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $83,930.
What is the salary range for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Illinois?
Salaries for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Illinois range from $48,210 at the 10th percentile to $125,050 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $59,830 and $104,330.
What is the starting salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Illinois?
Entry-level Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels positions in Illinois typically start around $48,210 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $59,830 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 900 people are employed as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Illinois is approximately $33.46 per hour.

💼 Earning $69,600/year? Here's Your Next Move

* Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure

📊 Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 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

Share this page: X Facebook LinkedIn