National Salary Overview
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Median Salary
$83,343
Average (Mean)
$91,347
Employed Nationwide
35,570
VS
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Median Salary
$73,115
Average (Mean)
$75,554
Employed Nationwide
35,760
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earns $10,228 more (14.0%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$83,343
$73,115
Average (Mean) Salary
$91,347
$75,554
Total Employment
35,570
35,760
States with Higher Pay
17
9
Salary by State: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Showing 26 states where both occupations have BLS data. Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pays more in 17 states; Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 9.
| State | Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $58,700 | $78,080 | $-19,380 | ||
| California | $110,090 | $69,950 | +$40,140 | ||
| Delaware | $73,280 | $80,410 | $-7,130 | ||
| Florida | $76,040 | $79,600 | $-3,560 | ||
| Georgia | $77,090 | $75,810 | +$1,280 | ||
| Illinois | $69,600 | $79,820 | $-10,220 | ||
| Indiana | $92,000 | $81,260 | +$10,740 | ||
| Louisiana | $117,160 | $62,170 | +$54,990 | ||
| Maryland | $138,950 | $83,390 | +$55,560 | ||
| Michigan | $53,590 | $78,960 | $-25,370 | ||
| Minnesota | $80,920 | $78,930 | +$1,990 | ||
| Mississippi | $104,220 | $78,010 | +$26,210 | ||
| Missouri | $83,670 | $68,030 | +$15,640 | ||
| New York | $104,800 | $80,000 | +$24,800 | ||
| North Carolina | $69,170 | $58,930 | +$10,240 | ||
| Ohio | $56,070 | $61,390 | $-5,320 | ||
| Oklahoma | $79,110 | $102,260 | $-23,150 | ||
| Oregon | $97,050 | $68,580 | +$28,470 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $61,420 | $83,610 | $-22,190 | ||
| South Carolina | $57,660 | $73,660 | $-16,000 | ||
| Tennessee | $132,710 | $71,740 | +$60,970 | ||
| Texas | $111,390 | $68,980 | +$42,410 | ||
| Virginia | $87,610 | $79,900 | +$7,710 | ||
| Washington | $103,730 | $79,040 | +$24,690 | ||
| West Virginia | $85,290 | $55,180 | +$30,110 | ||
| Wisconsin | $74,390 | $59,690 | +$14,700 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters 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 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 $10,228 (14.0%) based on 2025 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 17 out of 26 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 9 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 $83,343 per year, compared to $73,115 for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters, according to 2025 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 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters. BLS reports approximately 35,570 Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels positions and 35,760 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters positions nationwide (2025).
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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