National Salary Overview
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Median Salary
$83,343
Average (Mean)
$91,347
Employed Nationwide
35,570
VS
Commercial Pilots earns $39,236 more (47.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$83,343
$122,580
Average (Mean) Salary
$91,347
$136,493
Total Employment
35,570
47,010
States with Higher Pay
4
32
Salary by State: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Commercial Pilots
Showing 36 states where both occupations have BLS data. Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pays more in 4 states; Commercial Pilots pays more in 32.
| State | Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | Commercial Pilots | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $68,920 | $101,420 | $-32,500 | ||
| Alaska | $88,230 | $100,120 | $-11,890 | ||
| Arizona | $58,700 | $103,060 | $-44,360 | ||
| California | $110,090 | $165,590 | $-55,500 | ||
| Connecticut | $75,810 | $232,160 | $-156,350 | ||
| Delaware | $73,280 | $163,600 | $-90,320 | ||
| Florida | $76,040 | $121,890 | $-45,850 | ||
| Georgia | $77,090 | $145,100 | $-68,010 | ||
| Hawaii | $72,960 | $113,030 | $-40,070 | ||
| Illinois | $69,600 | $126,100 | $-56,500 | ||
| Indiana | $92,000 | $104,160 | $-12,160 | ||
| Iowa | $97,700 | $101,800 | $-4,100 | ||
| Louisiana | $117,160 | $95,940 | +$21,220 | ||
| Maine | $72,770 | $117,560 | $-44,790 | ||
| Maryland | $138,950 | $131,210 | +$7,740 | ||
| Michigan | $53,590 | $126,670 | $-73,080 | ||
| Minnesota | $80,920 | $98,630 | $-17,710 | ||
| Mississippi | $104,220 | $103,640 | +$580 | ||
| Missouri | $83,670 | $102,990 | $-19,320 | ||
| New Jersey | $90,310 | $226,710 | $-136,400 | ||
| New York | $104,800 | $177,430 | $-72,630 | ||
| North Carolina | $69,170 | $127,310 | $-58,140 | ||
| Ohio | $56,070 | $150,330 | $-94,260 | ||
| Oklahoma | $79,110 | $126,180 | $-47,070 | ||
| Oregon | $97,050 | $120,760 | $-23,710 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $61,420 | $134,030 | $-72,610 | ||
| Rhode Island | $76,790 | $98,820 | $-22,030 | ||
| South Carolina | $57,660 | $105,740 | $-48,080 | ||
| Tennessee | $132,710 | $117,480 | +$15,230 | ||
| Texas | $111,390 | $137,960 | $-26,570 | ||
| Utah | $50,010 | $99,610 | $-49,600 | ||
| Vermont | $64,020 | $137,810 | $-73,790 | ||
| Virginia | $87,610 | $104,890 | $-17,280 | ||
| Washington | $103,730 | $117,730 | $-14,000 | ||
| West Virginia | $85,290 | $105,950 | $-20,660 | ||
| Wisconsin | $74,390 | $129,860 | $-55,470 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Commercial Pilots salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $39,236 (47.1%) based on 2025 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 36 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Commercial Pilots pays more in 32 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 $83,343 per year, compared to $122,580 for a Commercial Pilots, according to 2025 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 35,570 Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels positions and 47,010 Commercial Pilots positions nationwide (2025).
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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