Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Tennessee
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Tennessee | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,880 | $85,540 | +7.4% vs US |
| State Rank | #9 of 40 states | Top 10 state | |
| Employment | 840 jobs | 35,390 jobs | 2.4% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $51,570 | $24.79 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,200 | $27.50 |
| Median | $91,880 | $44.17 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,110 | $77.46 |
| 90th Percentile | $171,890 | $82.64 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Tennessee in 2026?
With a median salary of $91,880 in Tennessee and a 2014–2024 salary trend of -1.8%, 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 Tennessee?
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Tennessee 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: Tennessee currently ranks #9 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 Tennessee?
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 Tennessee compared to the national average?
The median salary for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Tennessee is $91,880, which is 7.4% above the national median of $85,540.