National Salary Overview
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Median Salary
$83,343
Average (Mean)
$91,347
Employed Nationwide
35,570
VS
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earns $1,728 more (2.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$83,343
$81,614
Average (Mean) Salary
$91,347
$88,538
Total Employment
35,570
22,870
States with Higher Pay
15
18
Salary by State: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Transportation Inspectors
Showing 33 states where both occupations have BLS data. Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pays more in 15 states; Transportation Inspectors pays more in 18.
| State | Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | Transportation Inspectors | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $68,920 | $108,140 | $-39,220 | ||
| Alaska | $88,230 | $123,120 | $-34,890 | ||
| Arizona | $58,700 | $62,250 | $-3,550 | ||
| California | $110,090 | $83,000 | +$27,090 | ||
| Connecticut | $75,810 | $91,520 | $-15,710 | ||
| Florida | $76,040 | $101,470 | $-25,430 | ||
| Georgia | $77,090 | $95,030 | $-17,940 | ||
| Hawaii | $72,960 | $108,270 | $-35,310 | ||
| Illinois | $69,600 | $47,990 | +$21,610 | ||
| Indiana | $92,000 | $80,330 | +$11,670 | ||
| Iowa | $97,700 | $116,850 | $-19,150 | ||
| Louisiana | $117,160 | $77,460 | +$39,700 | ||
| Maine | $72,770 | $63,750 | +$9,020 | ||
| Maryland | $138,950 | $100,700 | +$38,250 | ||
| Massachusetts | $77,950 | $79,650 | $-1,700 | ||
| Michigan | $53,590 | $35,890 | +$17,700 | ||
| Minnesota | $80,920 | $92,860 | $-11,940 | ||
| Missouri | $83,670 | $64,690 | +$18,980 | ||
| New Jersey | $90,310 | $49,250 | +$41,060 | ||
| New York | $104,800 | $93,420 | +$11,380 | ||
| North Carolina | $69,170 | $84,470 | $-15,300 | ||
| Ohio | $56,070 | $77,010 | $-20,940 | ||
| Oklahoma | $79,110 | $111,070 | $-31,960 | ||
| Oregon | $97,050 | $78,110 | +$18,940 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $61,420 | $81,550 | $-20,130 | ||
| South Carolina | $57,660 | $80,490 | $-22,830 | ||
| Tennessee | $132,710 | $78,430 | +$54,280 | ||
| Texas | $111,390 | $101,440 | +$9,950 | ||
| Utah | $50,010 | $64,480 | $-14,470 | ||
| Virginia | $87,610 | $68,610 | +$19,000 | ||
| Washington | $103,730 | $104,250 | $-520 | ||
| West Virginia | $85,290 | $58,670 | +$26,620 | ||
| Wisconsin | $74,390 | $75,260 | $-870 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Transportation Inspectors 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 Transportation Inspectors?
On average across all states, a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earns more than a Transportation Inspectors. The national median salary difference is $1,728 (2.1%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earn more than a Transportation Inspectors?
A Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earns a higher median salary than a Transportation Inspectors in 15 out of 33 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Transportation Inspectors pays more in 18 states.
What is the median salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels vs Transportation Inspectors?
The national median salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels is $83,343 per year, compared to $81,614 for a Transportation Inspectors, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels or Transportation Inspectors?
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 22,870 Transportation Inspectors positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels or Transportation Inspectors?
Both Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels and Transportation Inspectors 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.