Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels in the United States was $44.45, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $22.80 |
| 25th | $30.71 |
| Median | $44.45 |
| 75th | $61.14 |
| 90th | $82.04 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $44.45; the mean hourly wage is $49.87.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $22.80 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $82.04 per hour.