SalaryNode

Average Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Salary in California

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in California earn an average annual salary of $96,940, slightly below the national average of $98,540. This marginal difference can be attributed to California's unique economic landscape, including its extensive coastline, major port operations, and the specialized demands of maritime industries within the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $96,940 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $158,730.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,970 individuals in this specialized field, California presents a moderate employment base for Captains, Mates, and Pilots. The Location Quotient of 0.48 indicates a lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting that while opportunities exist, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering stable career prospects for skilled professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$96,940

The average Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in California earns-1.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$46.6

Weekly

$1,864

Monthly

$8,078

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Captains, Mates, and Pilots in California typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive maritime experience, specialized certifications, and leadership responsibilities can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential available within this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$54,030$26
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$72,705$35
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$79,560$38.3
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$121,175$58.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$158,730$76.3

Detailed Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$96,940

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$69,993

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the average annual salary of $96,940 in California appears substantial, it must be viewed in the context of the state's high Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is considerably less than the national average, requiring careful financial planning for individuals considering relocation or residing in the state.

Job Market Context

1,970

Total Jobs

0.109

Per 1K Jobs

0.48

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.48x, California has a notably lower concentration of Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

The Location Quotient of 0.48 for Captains, Mates, and Pilots in California suggests that this profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This indicates a potentially less competitive market for these specialized roles, which could translate to more readily available opportunities for qualified individuals, though it also implies a smaller overall job pool relative to other professions.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vesselss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels make in California?

The median annual salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in California is $96,940. This typically ranges from $54,030 for entry-level positions to $158,730 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 1.6% lower than the national median of $98,540.

Is California a lucrative place for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels?

Yes, with caveats.While the nominal salary is competitive, the high cost of living in California significantly impacts the real value of earnings. The specialized nature of the roles and the state's extensive coastline offer unique opportunities, but financial planning is crucial.

Is California a good place to live for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

What is the average salary for Captains, Mates, and Pilots in California?

The average annual salary for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in California is $96,940.

How does California's salary for this role compare to the national average?

The average salary in California ($96,940) is slightly lower than the national average ($98,540).

What is the Cost of Living Index in California?

California has a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, which is significantly higher than the national average of 100.

How concentrated are Captains, Mates, and Pilots jobs in California?

The concentration of these jobs in California, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.48, indicating a lower presence compared to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,970 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.109 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California