Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Salary in California
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in California earn a median of $110,090 a year, +19% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $110,090
- vs. U.S. median
- +19% ($92,460)
- Rank among states
- 5 of 38
- Jobs in the state
- 2,420
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $56,060; the top 10% earn over $348,100. Nationally the range is $47,420 to $170,640.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Motorboat Operators$34,570 median in California
- Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers$67,160 median in California
- Sailors and Marine Oilers$55,180 median in California
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders$68,600 median in California
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers$58,770 median in California
- Aircraft Service Attendants$46,800 median in California
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pay in California
How much do captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels make in California?
The median is $110,090 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $56,060 and the top 10% earn over $348,100. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels?
On pay alone it ranks 5 of 38 (+19% vs. the national median of $92,460). Living costs are not included.