Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
O*NET 53-5021.00 · SOC 53-5021
Captain is a solid career choice. Median pay is $92k a year with +4% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 3,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Navigate vessels safely through waterways using charts and instruments
- →Supervise crew members during docking and departure procedures
- →Monitor weather and water conditions to adjust vessel course
- →Maintain vessel logs recording position, speed, and cargo
- →Communicate with port authorities and other vessels by radio
Education & How to Get In
Most Captain positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Captain involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Captain?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Captain Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels is projected to grow 4% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·37% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·34% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Captain make?
The median Captain earns $92k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Captain jobs?
Our model puts Captain at 42 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 37% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 34% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Captain a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 4% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 3,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Captain?
Most Captain roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Captain?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Captain career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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