National Salary Overview
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Median Salary
$81,600
Average (Mean)
$90,254
Employed Nationwide
32,600
VS
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Median Salary
$68,764
Average (Mean)
$69,815
Employed Nationwide
26,870
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earns $12,836 more (18.7%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$81,600
$68,764
Average (Mean) Salary
$90,254
$69,815
Total Employment
32,600
26,870
States with Higher Pay
18
7
Salary by State: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Showing 25 states where both occupations have BLS data. Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pays more in 18 states; Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 7.
| State | Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $57,200 | $64,710 | $-7,510 | ||
| California | $70,780 | $64,760 | +$6,020 | ||
| Delaware | $77,890 | $75,450 | +$2,440 | ||
| Florida | $67,640 | $78,720 | $-11,080 | ||
| Illinois | $82,050 | $72,350 | +$9,700 | ||
| Indiana | $82,060 | $80,550 | +$1,510 | ||
| Iowa | $79,830 | $73,080 | +$6,750 | ||
| Louisiana | $103,380 | $64,040 | +$39,340 | ||
| Maine | $67,200 | $74,060 | $-6,860 | ||
| Maryland | $84,690 | $76,200 | +$8,490 | ||
| Massachusetts | $61,830 | $84,010 | $-22,180 | ||
| Michigan | $70,700 | $62,590 | +$8,110 | ||
| Minnesota | $93,630 | $71,830 | +$21,800 | ||
| Mississippi | $160,550 | $57,760 | +$102,790 | ||
| Missouri | $65,500 | $63,570 | +$1,930 | ||
| New York | $81,800 | $74,820 | +$6,980 | ||
| North Carolina | $62,480 | $78,490 | $-16,010 | ||
| Oregon | $81,060 | $64,150 | +$16,910 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $81,550 | $75,800 | +$5,750 | ||
| South Carolina | $69,710 | $78,500 | $-8,790 | ||
| Tennessee | $107,910 | $58,230 | +$49,680 | ||
| Texas | $116,960 | $64,770 | +$52,190 | ||
| Washington | $102,750 | $64,780 | +$37,970 | ||
| West Virginia | $98,590 | $59,680 | +$38,910 | ||
| Wisconsin | $63,250 | $64,870 | $-1,620 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
On average across all states, a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earns more than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters. The national median salary difference is $12,836 (18.7%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earn more than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
A Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earns a higher median salary than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in 18 out of 25 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 7 states.
What is the median salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
The national median salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels is $81,600 per year, compared to $68,764 for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
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 26,870 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
Both Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels and Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters 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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