National Salary Overview
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Median Salary
$81,600
Average (Mean)
$90,254
Employed Nationwide
32,600
VS
Ship Engineers earns $8,043 more (9.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$81,600
$89,643
Average (Mean) Salary
$90,254
$94,159
Total Employment
32,600
7,370
States with Higher Pay
12
11
Salary by State: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Ship Engineers
Showing 23 states where both occupations have BLS data. Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pays more in 12 states; Ship Engineers pays more in 11.
| State | Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | Ship Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $99,590 | $69,120 | +$30,470 | ||
| Alaska | $83,200 | $81,940 | +$1,260 | ||
| Florida | $67,640 | $108,140 | $-40,500 | ||
| Hawaii | $71,820 | $97,070 | $-25,250 | ||
| Illinois | $82,050 | $76,890 | +$5,160 | ||
| Indiana | $82,060 | $82,200 | $-140 | ||
| Louisiana | $103,380 | $99,260 | +$4,120 | ||
| Maine | $67,200 | $66,350 | +$850 | ||
| Maryland | $84,690 | $97,330 | $-12,640 | ||
| Massachusetts | $61,830 | $96,180 | $-34,350 | ||
| Michigan | $70,700 | $68,860 | +$1,840 | ||
| Mississippi | $160,550 | $119,310 | +$41,240 | ||
| New Jersey | $104,410 | $120,180 | $-15,770 | ||
| New York | $81,800 | $118,550 | $-36,750 | ||
| North Carolina | $62,480 | $58,700 | +$3,780 | ||
| Oregon | $81,060 | $83,730 | $-2,670 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $81,550 | $61,690 | +$19,860 | ||
| Rhode Island | $60,240 | $91,660 | $-31,420 | ||
| South Carolina | $69,710 | $97,980 | $-28,270 | ||
| Tennessee | $107,910 | $83,380 | +$24,530 | ||
| Texas | $116,960 | $118,490 | $-1,530 | ||
| Virginia | $78,710 | $75,900 | +$2,810 | ||
| Washington | $102,750 | $88,900 | +$13,850 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels or Ship Engineers?
On average across all states, a Ship Engineers earns more than a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels. The national median salary difference is $8,043 (9.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earn more than a Ship Engineers?
A Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earns a higher median salary than a Ship Engineers in 12 out of 23 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Ship Engineers pays more in 11 states.
What is the median salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Ship Engineers?
The national median salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels is $81,600 per year, compared to $89,643 for a Ship Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels or Ship 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 7,370 Ship Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels or Ship Engineers?
Both Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels and Ship 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.
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