Careers · Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels · Tennessee
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Tennessee
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 In Tennessee the median pay is $132,710 a year, 44% above the national median of $92,460.
$132,710median pay in Tennessee, per year
$76,420–$165,700middle half earn
940employed in Tennessee
$92,460U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Operation and ControlSpeakingMonitoringActive ListeningCritical ThinkingOperations MonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingReading Comprehension
Knowledge areas
TransportationPublic Safety and SecurityMechanicalLaw and GovernmentEnglish LanguageGeography
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels.
Licenses and training in Tennessee
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pay in other states
Maryland · $138,950Louisiana · $117,160Texas · $111,390California · $110,090New York · $104,800Mississippi · $104,220Washington · $103,730Iowa · $97,700Oregon · $97,050Indiana · $92,000
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Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
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. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Tennessee, annual.