Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Massachusetts
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Massachusetts | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,690 | $85,540 | -20.9% vs US |
| State Rank | #28 of 40 states | ||
| Employment | 560 jobs | 35,390 jobs | 1.6% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $45,380 | $21.82 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,060 | $24.07 |
| Median | $67,690 | $32.54 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,140 | $47.66 |
| 90th Percentile | $122,970 | $59.12 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Massachusetts in 2026?
With a median salary of $67,690 in Massachusetts and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +34.8%, captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels are still in strong and growing demand.
How can captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels increase their salary in Massachusetts?
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Massachusetts 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: Massachusetts currently ranks #28 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 Massachusetts?
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 Massachusetts compared to the national average?
The median salary for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Massachusetts is $67,690, which is 20.9% below the national median of $85,540.