Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Locomotive Engineers: 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

Locomotive Engineers

Median Salary
$77,407
Average (Mean)
$75,493
Employed Nationwide
25,820
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earns $4,193 more (5.4%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $81,600 $77,407
Average (Mean) Salary $90,254 $75,493
Total Employment 32,600 25,820
States with Higher Pay 12 13

Salary by State: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Locomotive Engineers

Showing 25 states where both occupations have BLS data. Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pays more in 12 states; Locomotive Engineers pays more in 13.

State Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Locomotive Engineers Difference
Alabama $99,590
$69,250
+$30,340
Arizona $57,200
$77,490
$-20,290
California $70,780
$74,740
$-3,960
Connecticut $83,200
$92,670
$-9,470
Florida $67,640
$78,950
$-11,310
Georgia $73,100
$75,480
$-2,380
Indiana $82,060
$89,230
$-7,170
Iowa $79,830
$85,450
$-5,620
Louisiana $103,380
$73,850
+$29,530
Maine $67,200
$81,490
$-14,290
Maryland $84,690
$81,070
+$3,620
Michigan $70,700
$73,480
$-2,780
Minnesota $93,630
$76,760
+$16,870
Mississippi $160,550
$62,830
+$97,720
Missouri $65,500
$73,730
$-8,230
New Jersey $104,410
$81,550
+$22,860
New York $81,800
$103,000
$-21,200
North Carolina $62,480
$81,830
$-19,350
Oregon $81,060
$74,020
+$7,040
Pennsylvania $81,550
$76,920
+$4,630
Tennessee $107,910
$72,340
+$35,570
Texas $116,960
$73,890
+$43,070
Washington $102,750
$74,360
+$28,390
West Virginia $98,590
$68,200
+$30,390
Wisconsin $63,250
$78,620
$-15,370

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels or Locomotive Engineers?
On average across all states, a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earns more than a Locomotive Engineers. The national median salary difference is $4,193 (5.4%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earn more than a Locomotive Engineers?
A Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earns a higher median salary than a Locomotive Engineers in 12 out of 25 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Locomotive Engineers pays more in 13 states.
What is the median salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Locomotive Engineers?
The national median salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels is $81,600 per year, compared to $77,407 for a Locomotive Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels or Locomotive Engineers?
There are more people employed as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels. BLS reports approximately 32,600 Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels positions and 25,820 Locomotive Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels or Locomotive Engineers?
Both Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels and Locomotive Engineers 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.