Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $76,280 -10.8% vs national
Median hourly $36.67
10th percentile $38,400
90th percentile $162,850
Employed locally 150
National median $85,540

Compare Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary & buying power

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Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
in
Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $38,400
    25th
    $59,270
    50th (median)
    $76,280
    75th
    $129,390
    90th
    $162,850

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary vs area income 62% Median Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary is 38% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area $160,320
    Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX $116,620
    Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA $116,130
    Lake Charles, LA $113,350
    Mississippi $112,670
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $110,810

    Related occupations in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

    OccupationMedian salary
    Stockers and Order Fillers $37,450
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $41,200
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $59,050
    Light Truck Drivers $48,040
    Driver/Sales Workers $35,360
    Bus Drivers, School $52,200

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels make per hour in Washington?

    The median hourly wage for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $36.67, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $73.92 or more per hour.

    Is Washington above or below average for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salaries?

    The median Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 10.8% below the national median of $85,540. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Washington?

    Entry-level Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels (10th percentile) earn around $38,400 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $59,270.