Position
Salary

How much does a Captain make?

The average salary for a Captain is $61,611 per year in the US.

The role of a Captain is both demanding and rewarding. These professionals earn a good salary, reflecting their level of responsibility and expertise. On average, a Captain makes about $61,611 a year. This average can vary widely depending on many factors.

Captains can find their salaries falling in different brackets. For instance, some Captains earn around $46,818, while others may make up to $275,000. The highest earners often work in sectors such as aviation, shipping, or specialized industries. Here are some approximate salary ranges:

  • 10th percentile: $24,000
  • 25th percentile: $46,818
  • 50th percentile (median): $69,636
  • 75th percentile: $138,091
  • 90th percentile: $229,364
  • Top 10%: $275,000
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What are the highest paying cities for a Captain?

Job seekers aiming for Captain roles will find competitive salaries in several major cities. San Jose, CA, leads with an average salary of $149,484, making it an attractive location for those in the field. Other top-paying cities include Indianapolis, IN, and Jacksonville, FL, both offering salaries above $100,000. These cities provide a strong financial incentive for captains considering new opportunities. Cities like Dallas, TX, and Salt Lake City, UT, also offer above-average compensation, with salaries exceeding $90,000. This range of high-paying cities presents a variety of choices for job seekers looking to advance their careers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Captain jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $149,484 and Austin, TX with the lowest at $79,294.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $149,484
    In San Jose, working as a mariner means navigating the tech-driven waters with major shipping companies like Maersk and UPS. The area's strong economy offers a stable environment for career growth in maritime logistics.
    Find Captain jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Indianapolis, IN
    Average Salary: $121,067
    Indianapolis provides a robust maritime scene, with companies like Crowley Maritime and Matson Navigation employing skilled mariners. The city's blend of tradition and innovation offers a dynamic workplace for those in the industry.
    Find Captain jobs in Indianapolis, IN


  3. Jacksonville, FL
    Average Salary: $112,870
    Jacksonville's port is a major hub, with employers like Crowley and American Commercial Barge Line seeking experienced mariners. The city's long maritime history and growing industries offer solid career opportunities.
    Find Captain jobs in Jacksonville, FL


  4. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $97,936
    Dallas, with its expanding logistics sector, offers great prospects for mariners. Companies such as Kirby Inland Marine and TOTE Maritime run major operations here, making it a key spot for maritime careers.
    Find Captain jobs in Dallas, TX


  5. Salt Lake City, UT
    Average Salary: $92,912
    Salt Lake City's maritime industry benefits from its central location and growing business. Marine experts find opportunities with companies like Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, offering a mix of challenges and rewards.
    Find Captain jobs in Salt Lake City, UT


  6. Orlando, FL
    Average Salary: $91,863
    Orlando, known for tourism, also boasts a strong maritime industry. With ports bustling with activity, mariners can work for companies like Crowley and American Commercial Barge Line, enjoying a vibrant career in a lively city.
    Find Captain jobs in Orlando, FL


  7. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $89,641
    Seattle's maritime industry is vibrant, with companies like Foss Maritime and Crowley offering dynamic roles. The city's maritime heritage and scenic beauty create a unique work environment for mariners.
    Find Captain jobs in Seattle, WA


  8. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $88,171
    Los Angeles, a major shipping hub, provides diverse opportunities for mariners. Employers like American President Lines and Matson Navigation offer varied experiences, making the city a key spot for maritime careers.
    Find Captain jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  9. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $81,704
    Denver's maritime industry benefits from its central location. With companies like Crowley and Matson Navigation, mariners can enjoy a mix of challenges and rewards in a city known for its mountain views and strong economy.
    Find Captain jobs in Denver, CO


  10. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $79,294
    Austin offers a unique blend of tech and maritime opportunities. Companies like Kirby Inland Marine and American Commercial Barge Line provide stable careers, allowing mariners to enjoy the city's vibrant culture and strong job market.
    Find Captain jobs in Austin, TX

What are the best companies a Captain can work for?

Job seekers aiming for Captain roles can look forward to rewarding opportunities at Jet Aviation, where the average salary stands at $285,463. SOLAIRUS Aviation offers an impressive average salary of $275,000, making it a top contender for aspiring Captains. Additionally, ATI JET provides a competitive average salary of $148,824, which is attractive for professionals in this field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Captain jobs, highlighting Jet Aviation with the highest at $285,463 and Securitas with the lowest at $61,291.
  1. Jet Aviation
    Average Salary: $285,463
    Jet Aviation offers some of the highest-paying Captain jobs in the industry. They operate in several locations, including Switzerland, Singapore, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. Job seekers can expect competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and opportunities for career growth.


  2. SOLAIRUS Aviation
    Average Salary: $275,000
    SOLAIRUS Aviation is known for offering excellent compensation packages to Captains. They have operations in Switzerland, the United States, and South Africa. They provide a supportive work environment and opportunities for pilots to work on a global scale.


  3. ATI JET
    Average Salary: $148,824
    ATI JET is a prominent aviation company that offers competitive salaries for Captains. They have operations in the United States, providing pilots with various flying opportunities. The company emphasizes safety and professional development.


  4. Amentum
    Average Salary: $105,490
    Amentum offers a strong compensation package for Captains, with operations in the United States. They focus on providing high-quality aviation services, ensuring pilots have a rewarding and stable career.


  5. State of Arkansas
    Average Salary: $92,309
    The State of Arkansas provides competitive salaries for Captain positions. They operate within the state, offering pilots the chance to serve their community with a rewarding career in aviation.


  6. Virginia Department of Corrections
    Average Salary: $86,853
    The Virginia Department of Corrections offers a stable salary for Captains working with the department. They focus on maintaining public safety and offer a supportive work environment.


  7. The GEO Group, Inc.
    Average Salary: $74,643
    The GEO Group, Inc. provides competitive salaries for Captain positions. They focus on delivering quality aviation services, ensuring pilots have a rewarding career path.


  8. ALLEN MARINE TOURS
    Average Salary: $63,670
    ALLEN MARINE TOURS offers a good salary for Captain positions, focusing on providing quality maritime services. They operate in various locations, offering pilots diverse opportunities.


  9. JSX
    Average Salary: $62,273
    JSX offers a competitive salary for Captain positions, focusing on providing reliable and convenient air travel. They operate in the United States, offering pilots a chance to serve a growing community.


  10. Securitas
    Average Salary: $61,291
    Securitas provides a stable salary for Captain positions, with operations in several countries. They focus on providing security services, offering pilots a rewarding career path.

How to earn more as a Captain?

Becoming a captain in many industries, such as maritime or aviation, can lead to a rewarding career with the potential for significant earnings. To maximize income in this role, consider the following factors that can lead to higher pay.

First, gaining more experience is key. Many employers value seasoned captains who can navigate complex situations with ease. Experience often leads to promotions and higher-paying positions. Second, obtaining advanced certifications can also boost earnings. Special licenses and additional training can make a captain more valuable to an employer. Third, networking with industry professionals can open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Attending conferences and joining professional associations can provide connections and job leads. Fourth, choosing the right company can make a big difference. Some employers offer higher salaries and better benefits to attract top talent. Finally, maintaining a good reputation is essential. Captains known for their reliability and leadership often earn more due to their strong performance record.

Investing time in these areas can help a captain earn more. By gaining experience, obtaining certifications, networking, selecting the right employer, and maintaining a good reputation, a captain can significantly boost their income.

  1. Gain more experience
  2. Obtain advanced certifications
  3. Network with industry professionals
  4. Choose the right employer
  5. Maintain a good reputation

Currently 752 Captain job openings, nationwide.

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

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Captain
752 Job Openings