National Salary Overview
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Median Salary
$83,343
Average (Mean)
$91,347
Employed Nationwide
35,570
VS
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Median Salary
$66,441
Average (Mean)
$66,339
Employed Nationwide
9,380
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earns $16,902 more (25.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$83,343
$66,441
Average (Mean) Salary
$91,347
$66,339
Total Employment
35,570
9,380
States with Higher Pay
16
3
Salary by State: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Showing 19 states where both occupations have BLS data. Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pays more in 16 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 | $68,920 | $56,050 | +$12,870 | ||
| California | $110,090 | $58,770 | +$51,320 | ||
| Florida | $76,040 | $58,250 | +$17,790 | ||
| Georgia | $77,090 | $75,540 | +$1,550 | ||
| Illinois | $69,600 | $76,290 | $-6,690 | ||
| Indiana | $92,000 | $64,530 | +$27,470 | ||
| Iowa | $97,700 | $80,910 | +$16,790 | ||
| Louisiana | $117,160 | $54,260 | +$62,900 | ||
| Maryland | $138,950 | $79,180 | +$59,770 | ||
| Michigan | $53,590 | $66,970 | $-13,380 | ||
| Missouri | $83,670 | $67,110 | +$16,560 | ||
| New Jersey | $90,310 | $74,160 | +$16,150 | ||
| New York | $104,800 | $83,530 | +$21,270 | ||
| North Carolina | $69,170 | $54,810 | +$14,360 | ||
| Ohio | $56,070 | $67,770 | $-11,700 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $61,420 | $55,470 | +$5,950 | ||
| Texas | $111,390 | $71,580 | +$39,810 | ||
| Washington | $103,730 | $85,140 | +$18,590 | ||
| West Virginia | $85,290 | $46,900 | +$38,390 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers 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 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 $16,902 (25.4%) based on 2025 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 16 out of 19 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 $83,343 per year, compared to $66,441 for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers, according to 2025 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 35,570 Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels positions and 9,380 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions nationwide (2025).
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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