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Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Salary in Michigan
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels make in Michigan?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$53,590
Median Annual Salary
▼
-26.4% vs 2024
$62,290
Mean Salary
$53,590
Median Salary
$25.76
Hourly Rate
640 people work as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Michigan
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary by percentile in Michigan
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Michigan earn a median salary of $53,590 per year ($4,465/month).
This is 35.7% below the national average of $83,343.
Michigan ranks #37 out of 38 states for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pay.
Approximately 640 people work in this occupation across Michigan.
Salaries decreased by 26.4% 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)
Salary Range: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Michigan
Salaries for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Michigan range from $33,280 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $98,420 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $37,950 and $79,440.
Median $53,590
P10: $33,280P25: $37,950P75: $79,440P90: $98,420
10th
$33,280
25th
$37,950
Median
$53,590
75th
$79,440
90th
$98,420
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$33,280
$16.00
$2,773
25th Percentile
$37,950
$18.25
$3,162
Median (50th)
$53,590
$25.76
$4,465
75th Percentile
$79,440
$38.19
$6,620
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$98,420
$47.32
$8,201
Note: The mean (average) salary of $62,290 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#37
Michigan ranks #37 of 38 states
$83,343
National avg. for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
How much do Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels make in Michigan?
The median annual salary for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Michigan is $53,590 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $62,290.
What is the salary range for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Michigan?
Salaries for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Michigan range from $33,280 at the 10th percentile to $98,420 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $37,950 and $79,440.
What is the starting salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Michigan?
Entry-level Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels positions in Michigan typically start around $33,280 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $37,950 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Michigan?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 640 people are employed as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Michigan.
What is the hourly rate for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Michigan?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Michigan is approximately $25.76 per hour.
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.
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