Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in West Virginia
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | West Virginia | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,170 | $85,540 | +11.3% vs US |
| State Rank | #8 of 40 states | Top 10 state | |
| Employment | 110 jobs | 35,390 jobs | 0.3% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in West Virginia
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $34,400 | $16.54 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,340 | $18.43 |
| Median | $95,170 | $45.75 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,570 | $51.72 |
| 90th Percentile | $134,900 | $64.86 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in West Virginia in 2026?
With a median salary of $95,170 in West Virginia and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +67.6%, 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 West Virginia?
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in West Virginia 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: West Virginia currently ranks #8 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 West Virginia?
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 West Virginia compared to the national average?
The median salary for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in West Virginia is $95,170, which is 11.3% above the national median of $85,540.