How much does a Captain make?
Captains play a crucial role in various industries, from aviation to maritime. Their responsibilities often come with a significant salary. On average, a Captain earns about $52,276 per year. This figure can vary based on the specific industry and experience.
Captains in different sectors can see a wide range of salaries. For instance, those in the aviation industry might earn between $42,936 and $265,300 annually. Maritime Captains often fall within a similar range. The highest earners typically have more experience and additional qualifications. This makes their roles even more vital and rewarding.
What are the highest paying cities for a Captain?

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Lakeland, FL
Average Salary: $274,827
In Lakeland, leading companies like Publix and Lakeland Electric offer rewarding opportunities. Pilots enjoy a mix of commercial and private flights, with a focus on safety and efficiency.
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Indianapolis, IN
Average Salary: $173,595
Indianapolis provides a dynamic environment with companies like FedEx and Butler University. Pilots here benefit from a strong aviation community and diverse flight opportunities.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $128,196
San Jose, home to tech giants like Google and Apple, offers exciting flight opportunities. Pilots enjoy a mix of corporate and leisure flights, with a focus on innovation.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $105,677
Anchorage, with its unique geography, offers challenging and rewarding flight experiences. Companies like Alaska Airlines and Northern Air provide diverse opportunities for pilots.
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Providence, RI
Average Salary: $101,406
Providence offers a blend of corporate and private flight opportunities. Pilots here work with companies like Delta Airlines and Blue Cross & Blue Shield, ensuring a variety of experiences.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $92,937
Seattle, known for its aviation industry, offers exciting opportunities with companies like Boeing and Alaska Airlines. Pilots enjoy a mix of commercial and scenic flights.
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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $86,101
Albany provides a mix of corporate and private flight opportunities. Pilots work with companies like MVP Health Care and Capital Airlines, ensuring a variety of experiences.
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Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $84,944
Salt Lake City offers a mix of corporate and private flight opportunities. Pilots here work with companies like Delta Airlines and Zions Bank, ensuring a variety of experiences.
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Tulsa, OK
Average Salary: $84,745
Tulsa offers a mix of corporate and private flight opportunities. Pilots work with companies like American Airlines and ONEOK, ensuring a variety of experiences.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $82,318
Los Angeles, a hub for entertainment and business, offers diverse opportunities. Pilots work with companies like United Airlines and American Airlines, enjoying a mix of commercial and leisure flights.
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What are the best companies a Captain can work for?

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Jet Aviation
Average Salary: $289,051
Jet Aviation offers Captain jobs with a focus on luxury and private jet services. They operate globally, with major hubs in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Their Captains enjoy high salaries and work in a fast-paced environment.
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SOLAIRUS Aviation
Average Salary: $271,484
SOLAIRUS Aviation provides Captain jobs with a strong emphasis on safety and innovation. They serve clients worldwide, with key operations in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Their Captains benefit from competitive salaries and advanced aircraft technology.
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Curtin Maritime
Average Salary: $125,744
Curtin Maritime offers Captain jobs in the maritime sector, focusing on shipping and cargo transport. They operate internationally, with significant presence in North America, Europe, and Asia. Their Captains enjoy a stable salary and work in a dynamic maritime industry.
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Amentum
Average Salary: $91,630
Amentum provides Captain jobs in various sectors, including aviation, maritime, and logistics. They have a global footprint, with operations in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. Their Captains benefit from a good salary and diverse job opportunities.
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State of Arkansas
Average Salary: $83,004
The State of Arkansas offers Captain jobs in state-operated aviation services. They focus on providing essential air transport within the state. Their Captains enjoy a decent salary and a stable work environment.
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State of South Carolina
Average Salary: $72,829
The State of South Carolina provides Captain jobs in state-run aviation services. They focus on regional air transport. Their Captains benefit from a fair salary and a supportive work environment.
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The GEO Group, Inc.
Average Salary: $70,048
The GEO Group, Inc. offers Captain jobs in aviation and logistics services. They operate primarily in the United States. Their Captains enjoy a good salary and work in a structured environment.
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General Dynamics Information Technology
Average Salary: $64,871
General Dynamics Information Technology provides Captain jobs in aviation and logistics. They have a global presence, with significant operations in North America and Europe. Their Captains benefit from a competitive salary and innovative work environment.
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Wolfgang Puck Catering
Average Salary: $61,000
Wolfgang Puck Catering offers Captain jobs in the aviation catering sector. They operate internationally, with a focus on luxury airline services. Their Captains enjoy a good salary and work in a prestigious industry.
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Securitas
Average Salary: $59,167
Securitas provides Captain jobs in aviation security services. They have a global presence, with operations in North America, Europe, and Asia. Their Captains benefit from a fair salary and a secure work environment.
How to earn more as a Captain?
Becoming a Captain in the maritime industry can lead to a rewarding career with good earning potential. To maximize earnings, consider these key factors. Each of these elements plays a role in enhancing a Captain's salary and overall job satisfaction.
First, gaining experience is crucial. Captains with more years of service often command higher salaries. Experience brings confidence and skill, making a Captain more valuable to employers. Second, obtaining advanced certifications can lead to higher pay. Certifications in areas like navigation, safety, and vessel management can open doors to better-paying positions. Third, choosing the right type of vessel can impact earnings. Captains who work on larger ships or specialized vessels often earn more than those on smaller boats. Fourth, working in high-demand areas can increase income. Regions with a shortage of skilled Captains often offer higher wages to attract talent. Lastly, networking within the industry can lead to better job opportunities. Building relationships with other professionals can provide insights into higher-paying positions and career advancements.
Captains can increase their earnings by focusing on these factors. Experience, certifications, vessel type, location, and networking all play a role in achieving higher pay. By taking these steps, Captains can enhance their career and financial success.
Consider these factors when aiming to earn more as a Captain. Each plays a vital role in achieving higher income and career satisfaction.
- Gain experience
- Obtain advanced certifications
- Choose the right type of vessel
- Work in high-demand areas
- Network within the industry



