Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels command or supervise the operation of ships and water vessels, including tugboats and ferryboats. They work on commercial vessels, ferries, and other water transportation. A U.S. Coast Guard license is required for this occupation.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Daily work involves navigating vessels, monitoring weather and water conditions, and overseeing crew members. Captains and mates manage cargo operations, perform safety checks, and maintain vessel logs. Work may include long shifts at sea or in port, coordinating with harbor operations and other vessels. Responsibilities vary depending on vessel type and route, ranging from short ferry runs to extended ocean voyages.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCE. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely do well in this work if you enjoy hands-on problem-solving and following established procedures and regulations. People suited to this career tend to be comfortable with responsibility for equipment and personnel, and find satisfaction in the practical, systematic aspects of maritime operations.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $98,450 | $138,950 | $179,520 | 450 |
| Tennessee | $76,420 | $132,710 | $165,700 | 940 |
| Louisiana | $79,830 | $117,160 | $132,620 | 6,830 |
| Texas | $70,780 | $111,390 | $145,560 | 3,400 |
| California | $73,630 | $110,090 | $132,310 | 2,420 |
| New York | $79,410 | $104,800 | $129,250 | 1,930 |
| Mississippi | $75,270 | $104,220 | $137,860 | 570 |
| Washington | $75,470 | $103,730 | $129,040 | 1,560 |
| Iowa | $62,190 | $97,700 | $105,670 | 80 |
| Oregon | $62,770 | $97,050 | $128,000 | 350 |
| Indiana | $63,700 | $92,000 | $130,380 | 1,010 |
| New Jersey | $59,860 | $90,310 | $130,130 | 510 |
All 38 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- National Mate Pilot of Towing OC, NC, GL-IN, WR — United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
- National Limitedtowing Vessels GL-IN & WR — United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
- National Mate UFIV — United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
- National Apprentice Mate (Steersman) OC, NC, GL-IN, WR — United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
- STCW - Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties/ Security Awareness — United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
- STCW - Vessel Security Officer (VSO) — United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-5021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.