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Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

Typical education: Certificate or apprenticeshipHigh pressure

What they do

Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.

Kinds of work

  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.
  • Enterprising: Leading, persuading, selling and starting new projects or businesses.

High pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $92,460 Median per year · $44.45/hr Most earn $47,420–$170,640

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Stand watches on vessels during specified periods while vessels are under way.
  • Tow and maneuver barges or signal tugboats to tow barges to destinations.
  • Maintain records of daily activities, personnel reports, ship positions and movements, ports of call, weather and sea conditions, pollution control efforts, or cargo or passenger status.
  • Consult maps, charts, weather reports, or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements.
  • Advise ships' masters on harbor rules and customs procedures.
  • Purchase supplies or equipment.

Job outlook

United States
4% more jobs by 2035, about as fast as average · about 3,800 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Inland water transportation24.3%
  • Support activities for water transportation21.7%
  • Scenic and sightseeing transportation, water11.5%
  • Deep sea, coastal, and great lakes water transportation11.4%
  • Self-employed (their own business)8.2%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 2 to 4 years

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Certificate or apprenticeshipExperience before this job: 2 to 4 years

This isn't an entry-level job. Most people spend about 2 to 4 years at sea or on the water first, then earn a Coast Guard license to command or steer vessels like tugboats and ferries. Starting as a deckhand or sailor is the usual first step.

  1. High school diploma

    4 years

    Build a solid base in math, science, and communication, which you'll use for navigation and safety work later.

  2. Sailor or Deckhand

    6 months to 1 year

    Learn how vessels are handled, moored, and maintained, and start building the sea time the Coast Guard requires for a license.

  3. Maritime training certificate or apprenticeship

    1 to 2 years

    Complete the training and additional sea time needed to qualify for a Coast Guard license as a mate or pilot.

  4. Captain, Mate, or Pilot of Water Vessels

    Ongoing

    Command or supervise vessel operations, navigation, and crew once licensed.

Where it can lead

  1. Chief Mate

    Several years as a licensed mate (varies by employer) of experience first

    You'd be the second-in-command on a larger vessel, handling more navigation, cargo or passenger duties, and crew supervision.

  2. Master (Captain of a larger vessel)

    Several years as a licensed mate or chief mate (varies by employer) of experience first

    You'd take full command of a larger or more complex vessel, with responsibility for the ship, crew, and safety.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take math and physicsNavigation, vessel stability, and engine work all rely on math and physics.
  • Join a sailing, rowing, or marine science clubClubs like these teach you to work on the water and as part of a team.
  • Take a boating safety courseMany states and local groups offer these, and they show you're serious about working safely on the water.
  • Get a summer or weekend job at a marina or boat rentalYou'll learn boat handling and basic maintenance while earning experience.
  • Get first aid and CPR certifiedMedical response is a key part of safety at sea, and this certification is often inexpensive and quick.

In college

  • Consider a maritime or marine transportation programIf your school or a nearby maritime academy offers one, it can combine classroom learning with the training that leads to a license.
  • Take navigation, math, and physics coursesThese build the knowledge you'll use on Coast Guard license exams and on the job.
  • Work summers as a deckhand or on a ferry or tugPaid sea time now counts toward the experience you'll need later.
  • Join a sailing or maritime student clubYou'll meet people in the field and gain hands-on skills outside class.
  • Earn a first aid, CPR, or basic safety certificationThese are commonly required or preferred for work on vessels.

Tips for getting started

  • Get sea time early. Summer or part-time deckhand jobs on boats, ferries, or at marinas count toward the experience you'll need later.
  • Ask about the Coast Guard license requirements in your area now, so you know which courses, hours, and tests you'll need.
  • Take a boating safety course and get first aid and CPR certified; these are easy to start with and look good to employers.

Related jobs that often lead here

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

  • Marine Transportation Certificate: typical pay 1 year after finishing $46,468 a year · typical debt $5,990

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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