National Salary Overview
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Median Salary
$81,600
Average (Mean)
$90,254
Employed Nationwide
32,600
VS
Commercial Pilots earns $27,461 more (33.7%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$81,600
$109,061
Average (Mean) Salary
$90,254
$125,831
Total Employment
32,600
50,950
States with Higher Pay
4
29
Salary by State: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Commercial Pilots
Showing 33 states where both occupations have BLS data. Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pays more in 4 states; Commercial Pilots pays more in 29.
| State | Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | Commercial Pilots | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $99,590 | $106,240 | $-6,650 | ||
| Alaska | $83,200 | $118,540 | $-35,340 | ||
| Arizona | $57,200 | $95,630 | $-38,430 | ||
| California | $70,780 | $107,370 | $-36,590 | ||
| Connecticut | $83,200 | $214,670 | $-131,470 | ||
| Delaware | $77,890 | $179,390 | $-101,500 | ||
| Florida | $67,640 | $128,600 | $-60,960 | ||
| Georgia | $73,100 | $134,670 | $-61,570 | ||
| Hawaii | $71,820 | $82,190 | $-10,370 | ||
| Indiana | $82,060 | $95,710 | $-13,650 | ||
| Iowa | $79,830 | $100,760 | $-20,930 | ||
| Louisiana | $103,380 | $127,180 | $-23,800 | ||
| Maine | $67,200 | $78,710 | $-11,510 | ||
| Maryland | $84,690 | $126,600 | $-41,910 | ||
| Massachusetts | $61,830 | $83,870 | $-22,040 | ||
| Michigan | $70,700 | $110,290 | $-39,590 | ||
| Minnesota | $93,630 | $113,080 | $-19,450 | ||
| Mississippi | $160,550 | $107,080 | +$53,470 | ||
| Missouri | $65,500 | $128,640 | $-63,140 | ||
| New Hampshire | $63,700 | $86,310 | $-22,610 | ||
| New York | $81,800 | $162,450 | $-80,650 | ||
| North Carolina | $62,480 | $108,680 | $-46,200 | ||
| Oregon | $81,060 | $90,420 | $-9,360 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $81,550 | $110,490 | $-28,940 | ||
| Rhode Island | $60,240 | $116,280 | $-56,040 | ||
| South Carolina | $69,710 | $105,450 | $-35,740 | ||
| Tennessee | $107,910 | $98,210 | +$9,700 | ||
| Texas | $116,960 | $168,240 | $-51,280 | ||
| Vermont | $63,350 | $63,230 | +$120 | ||
| Virginia | $78,710 | $122,450 | $-43,740 | ||
| Washington | $102,750 | $91,860 | +$10,890 | ||
| West Virginia | $98,590 | $102,700 | $-4,110 | ||
| Wisconsin | $63,250 | $104,240 | $-40,990 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels or Commercial Pilots?
On average across all states, a Commercial Pilots earns more than a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels. The national median salary difference is $27,461 (33.7%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earn more than a Commercial Pilots?
A Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earns a higher median salary than a Commercial Pilots in 4 out of 33 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Commercial Pilots pays more in 29 states.
What is the median salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Commercial Pilots?
The national median salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels is $81,600 per year, compared to $109,061 for a Commercial Pilots, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels or Commercial Pilots?
There are more people employed as Commercial Pilots. BLS reports approximately 32,600 Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels positions and 50,950 Commercial Pilots positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels or Commercial Pilots?
Both Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels and Commercial Pilots are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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