Careers · Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels · Washington
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Washington
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 Washington the median pay is $103,730 a year, 12% above the national median of $92,460.
$103,730median pay in Washington, per year
$75,470–$129,040middle half earn
1,560employed in Washington
$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 Washington
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pay in other states
Maryland · $138,950Tennessee · $132,710Louisiana · $117,160Texas · $111,390California · $110,090New York · $104,800Mississippi · $104,220Iowa · $97,700Oregon · $97,050Indiana · $92,000
Related occupations
Motorboat OperatorsSailors and Marine OilersShip EngineersAircraft Cargo Handling SupervisorsFirst-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, HandRecycling CoordinatorsFirst-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle OperatorsFirst-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants
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, Washington, annual.