Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Indiana
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Indiana | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,510 | $85,540 | -4.7% vs US |
| State Rank | #16 of 40 states | Top 20 state | |
| Employment | 810 jobs | 35,390 jobs | 2.3% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Indiana
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $55,790 | $26.82 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,880 | $28.31 |
| Median | $81,510 | $39.19 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,530 | $59.87 |
| 90th Percentile | $161,690 | $77.74 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Indiana in 2026?
With a median salary of $81,510 in Indiana and a 2014–2024 salary trend of -6.7%, captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels remain an established career option.
How can captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels increase their salary in Indiana?
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Indiana can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: Indiana currently ranks #16 out of 40 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Indiana?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods (4241, 4247, and 4249 only) | $156,000 |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods | $156,000 |
| Support Activities for Mining | $136,720 |
How are Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels paid in Indiana compared to the national average?
The median salary for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Indiana is $81,510, which is 4.7% below the national median of $85,540.