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

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

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

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$132,710
Median Annual Salary
▲ +44.4% vs 2024
$132,020
Mean Salary
$132,710
Median Salary
$63.80
Hourly Rate
940 people work as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Tennessee

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

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

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary in Tennessee — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Tennessee.10thBottom 10% earn less than $60,270$60,27025th25% earn less than $76,420$76,420MedianHalf earn more than $132,710$132,71075th75% earn less than $165,700$165,70090thTop 10% earn more than $215,470$215,470

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Tennessee earn a median salary of $132,710 per year ($11,059/month). This is 59.2% above the national average of $83,343. Tennessee ranks #2 out of 38 states for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pay. Approximately 940 people work in this occupation across Tennessee. Salaries increased by 44.4% 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)

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

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

Salaries for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Tennessee range from $60,270 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $215,470 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $76,420 and $165,700.

Median $132,710
P10: $60,270 P25: $76,420 P75: $165,700 P90: $215,470
10th
$60,270
25th
$76,420
Median
$132,710
75th
$165,700
90th
$215,470
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $60,270 $28.98 $5,022
25th Percentile $76,420 $36.74 $6,368
Median (50th) $132,710 $63.80 $11,059
75th Percentile $165,700 $79.66 $13,808
90th Percentile (Experienced) $215,470 $103.59 $17,955

Note: The mean (average) salary of $132,020 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#2
Tennessee ranks #2 of 38 states
$83,343
National avg. for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
+59.2%
vs. national average
Above Average

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

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

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

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 Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Tennessee is $132,710 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $132,020.
What is the salary range for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Tennessee?
Salaries for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Tennessee range from $60,270 at the 10th percentile to $215,470 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $76,420 and $165,700.
What is the starting salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Tennessee?
Entry-level Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels positions in Tennessee typically start around $60,270 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $76,420 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Tennessee?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 940 people are employed as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Tennessee.
What is the hourly rate for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Tennessee?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Tennessee is approximately $63.80 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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