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How to become captains, mates, and pilots of water vesselseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Transportation Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$92,460
25th–75th pct. $63,880–$127,180
Top pay (est.)
$221,800
Top 10% $170,640
Pay in 5 years
$108,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$126,300est.
$108,600–$146,600
Outlook score
68/100
★★★☆☆ Good
AI replacement risk
28%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+4.0%
3,800 openings / yr

How to become captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels

Typical education
Postsecondary nondegree award
BLS
Related experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

Key skills

Operation and Control
4.0
Coordination
3.8
Time Management
3.6
Management of Personnel Resources
3.6
Operations Monitoring
3.6
Judgment and Decision Making
3.5
Speaking
3.4
Active Listening
3.4

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Transportation
4.7
Mechanical
4.3
Public Safety and Security
4.1
Geography
4.1
Customer and Personal Service
3.9
Education and Training
3.6
Administration and Management
3.5
Psychology
3.2

What the work involves

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsPerforming General Physical Activities

Important abilities

Spatial OrientationFar VisionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionGlare SensitivityInformation Ordering

Education of workers

High school diploma
42%
Post-secondary certificate
37%
Bachelor's degree
8%
Some college
5%
Less than high school
4%
Associate's degree
2%

Training before entry

2–4 years
21%
Up to 1 month
19%
1–2 years
16%
6–12 months
14%
None / short demo
11%
4–10 years
8%
1–3 months
6%
3–6 months
2%
Over 10 years
2%

Related work experience

2–4 years
39%
4–6 years
20%
1–2 years
15%
6–12 months
10%
None
7%
Over 10 years
4%
6–8 years
2%
Up to 1 month
1%
8–10 years
1%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.