Ship Captain Salary in the United States

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How much does a Ship Captain make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Ship Captain in the United States is $126,820. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $112,052 to $142,118, with most professionals earning between $98,606 and $156,046.

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Salary range for an Ship Captain
$112,052 to $142,118
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Ship Captain Salary in Major Cities

This chart shows the salary comparison for Ship Captain between major cities. San Francisco City consistently ranks #1 as of April 01, 2025. Click on the chart to see the detail salary data for Ship Captain in each city.

Ship Captain Salary by City

Click to see the salary for Ship Captain in these major U.S. cities.
City Name Average Salary
San Francisco, CA $158,386
Washington, DC $140,415
Miami, FL $121,849
Chicago, IL $131,056
Boston, MA $141,442
New York, NY $146,972
Dallas, TX $125,235
If you'd like know Ship Captain Salary in other cities, then please select a city in

Average Salary Range for Ship Captain

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
112052
142118
126820

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
117551
153533
133974
What is the average salary for Ship Captain in 2025?
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Ship Captain in the United States. The base salary for Ship Captain ranges from $112,052 to $142,118 with the average base salary of $126,820. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $117,551 to $153,533 with the average total cash compensation of $133,974.

View Average Salary for Ship Captain as table

Average Salary Average Salary Range
Base Salary $126,820 $112,052 - $142,118
Bonus $7,154 $5,500 - $11,415
Total Pay $133,974 $117,551 - $153,533
* Base Salary represents gross income before taxes and deductions. It does not include additional pay such as benefits, bonuses, profit sharing or commissions.
* Total Pay combines base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job.

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Salary.com Estimate Salary Tool provides free, accurate and real-time salary for thousands of careers. Please enter the following pay factors for Ship Captain, to get a real-time salary target. If you want to get more detailed salary information, please view Professional Salary Report
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Your target salary is ?
112052
142118

 

Comments about Ship Captain

What's the difference between Cruise Ship Captain and Ship Captain?
According to our latest salary estimation on April 01, 2025. The average salary of Ship Captain is $126,820, and the average salary of Cruise Ship Captain is $93,682. The average salary of Cruise Ship Captain is lower than Ship Captain. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
I am a Ship Captain, which location’s salary is higher, Riverside, CA or Bossier City, LA?
Riverside, CA typically sees higher pay than Bossier City, LA for Ship Captain. a Ship Captain Salary in Riverside, CA is $133,808 as of April 01, 2025; a Ship Captain Salary in Bossier City, LA is $116,345 as of April 01, 2025. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

Ship Captain Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the salary of a Ship Captain vary from city to city?
The cost of living is tied to salaries. If the expenses are higher in a particular city, then the wage level will be higher as well to afford the people can opportunity to live there. This is why you're always going to make more money in New York City for example, than in a small town. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
What are the Pay Factors for Ship Captain?
Salary ranges for a Ship Captain can vary widely, depending on the city and several other pay factors, including (but not limited to) education level, certifications, additional skills, and work experience. Click here to view Eight Factors That Can Affect Your Pay ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
How the Pay Factors Influence Your Pay?
Salaries are ultimately dictated by the position being applied to, and hiring company, but there are several important pay factors that come into play based on your individual history that could impact your value to the company. Salary.com's Personal Salary Report will analyze these factors for you to help you maximize your earning potential. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

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Last Update: April 01, 2025