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Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Salary in North Carolina
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels make in North Carolina?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$69,170
Median Annual Salary
▲
+3.7% vs 2024
$79,180
Mean Salary
$69,170
Median Salary
$33.25
Hourly Rate
490 people work as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in North Carolina
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary by percentile in North Carolina
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in North Carolina earn a median salary of $69,170 per year ($5,764/month).
This is 17.0% below the national average of $83,343.
North Carolina ranks #30 out of 38 states for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pay.
Approximately 490 people work in this occupation across North Carolina.
Salaries increased by 3.7% 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 North Carolina
Salaries for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in North Carolina range from $43,040 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $105,880 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $57,870 and $95,840.
Median $69,170
P10: $43,040P25: $57,870P75: $95,840P90: $105,880
10th
$43,040
25th
$57,870
Median
$69,170
75th
$95,840
90th
$105,880
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$43,040
$20.69
$3,586
25th Percentile
$57,870
$27.82
$4,822
Median (50th)
$69,170
$33.25
$5,764
75th Percentile
$95,840
$46.08
$7,986
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$105,880
$50.90
$8,823
Note: The mean (average) salary of $79,180 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#30
North Carolina ranks #30 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 North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in North Carolina is $69,170 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $79,180.
What is the salary range for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in North Carolina?
Salaries for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in North Carolina range from $43,040 at the 10th percentile to $105,880 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $57,870 and $95,840.
What is the starting salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in North Carolina?
Entry-level Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels positions in North Carolina typically start around $43,040 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $57,870 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in North Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 490 people are employed as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in North Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in North Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in North Carolina is approximately $33.25 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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