Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Flight Attendants: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

Median Salary
$81,600
Average (Mean)
$90,254
Employed Nationwide
32,600
VS

Flight Attendants

Median Salary
$67,619
Average (Mean)
$69,123
Employed Nationwide
98,000
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earns $13,980 more (20.7%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $81,600 $67,619
Average (Mean) Salary $90,254 $69,123
Total Employment 32,600 98,000
States with Higher Pay 12 5

Salary by State: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Flight Attendants

Showing 17 states where both occupations have BLS data. Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pays more in 12 states; Flight Attendants pays more in 5.

State Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Flight Attendants Difference
Arizona $57,200
$89,230
$-32,030
California $70,780
$79,130
$-8,350
Connecticut $83,200
$106,590
$-23,390
Florida $67,640
$76,180
$-8,540
Georgia $73,100
$68,670
+$4,430
Illinois $82,050
$65,040
+$17,010
Massachusetts $61,830
$66,230
$-4,400
Michigan $70,700
$68,030
+$2,670
Minnesota $93,630
$50,120
+$43,510
New Jersey $104,410
$48,750
+$55,660
New York $81,800
$69,010
+$12,790
North Carolina $62,480
$61,450
+$1,030
Oregon $81,060
$50,500
+$30,560
Pennsylvania $81,550
$75,010
+$6,540
Texas $116,960
$65,040
+$51,920
Virginia $78,710
$64,130
+$14,580
Washington $102,750
$98,710
+$4,040

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels or Flight Attendants?
On average across all states, a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earns more than a Flight Attendants. The national median salary difference is $13,980 (20.7%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earn more than a Flight Attendants?
A Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earns a higher median salary than a Flight Attendants in 12 out of 17 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Flight Attendants pays more in 5 states.
What is the median salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Flight Attendants?
The national median salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels is $81,600 per year, compared to $67,619 for a Flight Attendants, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels or Flight Attendants?
There are more people employed as Flight Attendants. BLS reports approximately 32,600 Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels positions and 98,000 Flight Attendants positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels or Flight Attendants?
Both Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels and Flight Attendants 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.