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Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Salary in South Carolina

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

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

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$57,660
Median Annual Salary
▼ -1.1% vs 2024
$70,300
Mean Salary
$57,660
Median Salary
$27.72
Hourly Rate
520 people work as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in South Carolina

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

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

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary in South Carolina — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in South Carolina.10thBottom 10% earn less than $27,600$27,60025th25% earn less than $43,780$43,780MedianHalf earn more than $57,660$57,66075th75% earn less than $106,710$106,71090thTop 10% earn more than $123,840$123,840

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in South Carolina earn a median salary of $57,660 per year ($4,805/month). This is 30.8% below the national average of $83,343. South Carolina ranks #35 out of 38 states for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pay. Approximately 520 people work in this occupation across South Carolina. Salaries decreased by 1.1% 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 South Carolina

Salaries for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in South Carolina range from $27,600 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $123,840 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $43,780 and $106,710.

Median $57,660
P10: $27,600 P25: $43,780 P75: $106,710 P90: $123,840
10th
$27,600
25th
$43,780
Median
$57,660
75th
$106,710
90th
$123,840
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $27,600 $13.27 $2,300
25th Percentile $43,780 $21.05 $3,648
Median (50th) $57,660 $27.72 $4,805
75th Percentile $106,710 $51.30 $8,892
90th Percentile (Experienced) $123,840 $59.54 $10,320

Note: The mean (average) salary of $70,300 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#35
South Carolina ranks #35 of 38 states
$83,343
National avg. for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
-30.8%
vs. national average
Below Average

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

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

Explore Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Data in South Carolina

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 South Carolina?
The median annual salary for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in South Carolina is $57,660 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $70,300.
What is the salary range for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in South Carolina?
Salaries for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in South Carolina range from $27,600 at the 10th percentile to $123,840 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $43,780 and $106,710.
What is the starting salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in South Carolina?
Entry-level Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels positions in South Carolina typically start around $27,600 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $43,780 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in South Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 520 people are employed as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in South Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in South Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in South Carolina is approximately $27.72 per hour.

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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

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