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How much does a Captain make?

The average salary for a Captain is $50,871 per year in the US.

Captains play a vital role in various industries, from aviation to maritime. They earn a good salary for their hard work and responsibility. The average yearly salary for a Captain is around $50,871. This figure can vary based on the industry and experience.


Captains in different sectors can expect to earn different amounts. For example, those in aviation might earn more than those in maritime. The salary range can go from about $20,000 to over $250,000 per year. Many Captains fall in the middle of this range, earning around $62,727 to $105,455 annually. This wide range shows the potential for growth and the importance of experience in the field.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Captain?

Captains in Lakeland, FL, enjoy some of the highest salaries in the country. With an average salary of $267,135, this city offers excellent opportunities for those in the field. Stamford, CT, and New Haven, CT, also provide competitive pay, with average salaries of $198,364 and $181,591, respectively. Other cities like Indianapolis, IN, and San Jose, CA, offer strong compensation as well. Indianapolis provides an average salary of $177,674, while San Jose offers $134,254. These cities present attractive options for captains seeking rewarding career paths.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Captain jobs, highlighting Lakeland, FL with the highest at $267,135 and Seattle, WA with the lowest at $91,248.
  1. Lakeland, FL
    Average Salary: $267,135
    In Lakeland, leading companies like Publix and Lakeland Electric offer rewarding opportunities. Pilots enjoy a mix of urban and rural flying, with a pleasant climate year-round.
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  2. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $198,364
    Stamford boasts a thriving business environment with companies like United Technologies and Charter Communications. Pilots here benefit from a mix of corporate and regional flying, with easy access to New York City.
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  3. New Haven, CT
    Average Salary: $181,591
    New Haven offers a mix of corporate and regional flying with companies like Yale New Haven Health. Pilots enjoy a vibrant city life with plenty of cultural activities and a strong sense of community.
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  4. Indianapolis, IN
    Average Salary: $177,674
    Indianapolis is home to major companies like Eli Lilly and American United Life Insurance Company. Pilots here enjoy a mix of corporate and regional flying, with a growing city offering many opportunities.
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  5. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $158,057
    Hartford offers a mix of corporate and regional flying with companies like Aetna and Travelers. Pilots enjoy a historic city with a strong economy and plenty of cultural attractions.
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  6. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $134,254
    San Jose is a tech hub with companies like Intel and Apple. Pilots enjoy a mix of corporate and regional flying, with a dynamic city offering many opportunities and a great quality of life.
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  7. Providence, RI
    Average Salary: $113,890
    Providence offers a mix of corporate and regional flying with companies like CVS Health and Textron. Pilots enjoy a historic city with a strong economy and plenty of cultural attractions.
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  8. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $110,244
    Anchorage offers unique flying experiences with companies like Alaska Airlines and Northern Air Cargo. Pilots enjoy a mix of challenging weather and stunning landscapes, with a vibrant city life.
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  9. Albany, NY
    Average Salary: $99,556
    Albany offers a mix of corporate and regional flying with companies like General Electric and New York State Department of Health. Pilots enjoy a historic city with a strong economy and plenty of cultural attractions.
    Find Captain jobs in Albany, NY


  10. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $91,248
    Seattle is a tech hub with companies like Amazon and Microsoft. Pilots enjoy a mix of corporate and regional flying, with a vibrant city offering many opportunities and a great quality of life.
    Find Captain jobs in Seattle, WA

What are the best companies a Captain can work for?

Job seekers looking for Captain roles can find some of the best pay at Jet Aviation, SOLAIRUS Aviation, and Curtin Maritime. These companies offer competitive salaries, making them attractive options for those in the field. Other notable employers include the State of Arkansas, State of South Carolina, and The GEO Group, Inc., which also provide solid compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Captain jobs, highlighting Jet Aviation with the highest at $285,743 and Securitas with the lowest at $59,167.
  1. Jet Aviation
    Average Salary: $285,743
    Jet Aviation offers top-tier Captain jobs with competitive salaries. They operate globally, with major hubs in Switzerland, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. Their fleet includes private jets and helicopters, providing diverse flying experiences.


  2. SOLAIRUS Aviation
    Average Salary: $271,371
    SOLAIRUS Aviation provides excellent Captain positions with high salaries. They focus on private jet charters and operate primarily in the United States. Their commitment to safety and luxury travel makes them a top choice for experienced pilots.


  3. Curtin Maritime
    Average Salary: $126,431
    Curtin Maritime offers Captain jobs with a strong focus on maritime operations. They operate in various locations, including the United States and internationally. Their fleet includes cargo ships and tankers, providing diverse maritime experiences.


  4. State of Arkansas
    Average Salary: $77,928
    The State of Arkansas offers Captain jobs with a solid salary. They operate within the state, focusing on various transportation needs. Their roles include overseeing state-owned vehicles and ensuring smooth operations.


  5. State of South Carolina
    Average Salary: $72,829
    The State of South Carolina offers Captain positions with a competitive salary. They operate across the state, managing state-owned transportation fleets. Their focus is on ensuring efficient and safe transportation services.


  6. The GEO Group, Inc.
    Average Salary: $69,819
    The GEO Group, Inc. provides Captain jobs with a good salary. They operate in various locations, focusing on transportation services for their facilities. Their roles include managing transportation fleets and ensuring timely operations.


  7. General Dynamics Information Technology
    Average Salary: $68,964
    General Dynamics Information Technology offers Captain positions with a solid salary. They operate in the United States, focusing on transportation services for their clients. Their roles include managing transportation fleets and ensuring efficient operations.


  8. South Dakota State Government
    Average Salary: $68,915
    The South Dakota State Government offers Captain jobs with a competitive salary. They operate across the state, managing state-owned transportation fleets. Their focus is on ensuring efficient and safe transportation services.


  9. Wolfgang Puck Catering
    Average Salary: $61,600
    Wolfgang Puck Catering offers Captain positions with a good salary. They operate in various locations, focusing on transportation services for their catering events. Their roles include managing transportation fleets and ensuring timely operations.


  10. Securitas
    Average Salary: $59,167
    Securitas provides Captain jobs with a solid salary. They operate in various locations, focusing on transportation services for their security operations. Their roles include managing transportation fleets and ensuring efficient operations.

How to earn more as a Captain?

Becoming a Captain in the maritime industry can lead to a rewarding career. To earn more, focus on key areas that enhance your skills and experience. Gaining more experience and certifications can lead to higher pay. Networking with other professionals in the industry can open up more job opportunities. Staying updated with the latest technology and safety practices can make you more valuable to your employer.

Captains can increase their earnings by taking on additional responsibilities. This includes overseeing larger vessels or more complex operations. Seeking out leadership roles within maritime organizations can also lead to higher pay. Continuous education and professional development can make a significant difference. Investing in specialized training can set a Captain apart from others. These steps can lead to promotions and higher-paying positions.

Here are five factors that can help a Captain earn more:

  1. Gain more experience and certifications.
  2. Network with other maritime professionals.
  3. Stay updated with technology and safety practices.
  4. Take on additional responsibilities and leadership roles.
  5. Invest in continuous education and specialized training.

Currently 338 Captain job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Captain in the US?

Learn what a Captain does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Captain today.
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Captain
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