National Salary Overview
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Median Salary
$83,343
Average (Mean)
$91,347
Employed Nationwide
35,570
VS
Ship Engineers earns $21,791 more (26.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$83,343
$105,134
Average (Mean) Salary
$91,347
$106,570
Total Employment
35,570
7,760
States with Higher Pay
7
16
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 7 states; Ship Engineers pays more in 16.
| State | Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | Ship Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $68,920 | $96,030 | $-27,110 | ||
| Alaska | $88,230 | $88,190 | +$40 | ||
| California | $110,090 | $97,660 | +$12,430 | ||
| Connecticut | $75,810 | $119,010 | $-43,200 | ||
| Florida | $76,040 | $130,480 | $-54,440 | ||
| Hawaii | $72,960 | $131,640 | $-58,680 | ||
| Illinois | $69,600 | $115,310 | $-45,710 | ||
| Indiana | $92,000 | $122,190 | $-30,190 | ||
| Louisiana | $117,160 | $103,430 | +$13,730 | ||
| Maine | $72,770 | $77,160 | $-4,390 | ||
| Massachusetts | $77,950 | $122,720 | $-44,770 | ||
| Michigan | $53,590 | $79,170 | $-25,580 | ||
| Mississippi | $104,220 | $98,380 | +$5,840 | ||
| New Jersey | $90,310 | $118,310 | $-28,000 | ||
| New York | $104,800 | $133,640 | $-28,840 | ||
| North Carolina | $69,170 | $65,010 | +$4,160 | ||
| Oregon | $97,050 | $88,800 | +$8,250 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $61,420 | $80,210 | $-18,790 | ||
| Rhode Island | $76,790 | $119,330 | $-42,540 | ||
| South Carolina | $57,660 | $97,890 | $-40,230 | ||
| Texas | $111,390 | $127,810 | $-16,420 | ||
| Virginia | $87,610 | $82,370 | +$5,240 | ||
| Washington | $103,730 | $107,940 | $-4,210 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Ship Engineers 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 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 $21,791 (26.1%) based on 2025 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 7 out of 23 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Ship Engineers pays more in 16 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 $83,343 per year, compared to $105,134 for a Ship Engineers, according to 2025 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 35,570 Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels positions and 7,760 Ship Engineers positions nationwide (2025).
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.
Explore Career Options
Build My Resume Get Certified & Earn More Find Remote & Flexible Jobs Learn a New LanguageCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.