National Salary Overview
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Median Salary
$81,600
Average (Mean)
$90,254
Employed Nationwide
32,600
VS
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Median Salary
$64,898
Average (Mean)
$64,441
Employed Nationwide
9,900
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earns $16,701 more (25.7%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$81,600
$64,898
Average (Mean) Salary
$90,254
$64,441
Total Employment
32,600
9,900
States with Higher Pay
18
3
Salary by State: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Showing 21 states where both occupations have BLS data. Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pays more in 18 states; Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 3.
| State | Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $99,590 | $48,940 | +$50,650 | ||
| Arizona | $57,200 | $67,030 | $-9,830 | ||
| California | $70,780 | $59,820 | +$10,960 | ||
| Florida | $67,640 | $63,260 | +$4,380 | ||
| Illinois | $82,050 | $68,940 | +$13,110 | ||
| Indiana | $82,060 | $52,990 | +$29,070 | ||
| Louisiana | $103,380 | $59,560 | +$43,820 | ||
| Maryland | $84,690 | $66,510 | +$18,180 | ||
| Massachusetts | $61,830 | $82,490 | $-20,660 | ||
| Michigan | $70,700 | $48,320 | +$22,380 | ||
| Mississippi | $160,550 | $73,420 | +$87,130 | ||
| Missouri | $65,500 | $62,770 | +$2,730 | ||
| New Jersey | $104,410 | $76,800 | +$27,610 | ||
| New York | $81,800 | $78,770 | +$3,030 | ||
| North Carolina | $62,480 | $79,050 | $-16,570 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $81,550 | $63,880 | +$17,670 | ||
| South Carolina | $69,710 | $52,030 | +$17,680 | ||
| Texas | $116,960 | $66,950 | +$50,010 | ||
| Washington | $102,750 | $66,100 | +$36,650 | ||
| West Virginia | $98,590 | $62,320 | +$36,270 | ||
| Wisconsin | $63,250 | $62,480 | +$770 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
On average across all states, a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earns more than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers. The national median salary difference is $16,701 (25.7%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earn more than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
A Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earns a higher median salary than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in 18 out of 21 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 3 states.
What is the median salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
The national median salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels is $81,600 per year, compared to $64,898 for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
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 9,900 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
Both Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels and Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers 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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