SalaryNode

Average Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Salary in New Orleans-Metairie, LA

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area command an impressive average annual salary of $122,870. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $98,540, indicating a strong local demand and specialized nature of maritime roles in this key port city. The concentration of these roles is driven by New Orleans' critical position as a major hub for shipping and trade along the Mississippi River.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $122,870 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $186,880.
  • Outlook: The job market for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in New Orleans-Metairie, LA, appears robust. With a substantial local workforce of 1,820 individuals and a Location Quotient of 17.99, this region exhibits a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This high quotient suggests a specialized and enduring demand for maritime professionals, underpinning a stable and potentially growing job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$122,870

The average Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in New Orleans-Metairie, LA earns+24.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$59.1

Weekly

$2,363

Monthly

$10,239

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Salary Distribution in New Orleans-Metairie, LA

Career progression for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in New Orleans-Metairie, LA, is typically marked by increasing salary potential. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but with accumulated experience, certifications, and demonstrated leadership, professionals can advance to senior roles commanding higher salaries. The significant gaps between salary percentiles reflect the substantial rewards for acquiring extensive expertise and responsibility within the maritime industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$58,120$27.9
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$92,153$44.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$102,770$49.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$153,588$73.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$186,880$89.8

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$122,870

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$122,870

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $122,870 in New Orleans-Metairie, LA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Captain, Mate, or Pilot's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing without the immediate pressure of higher or lower living expenses.

Job Market Context

1,820

Total Jobs

4.13

Per 1K Jobs

17.99

Location Quotient

Major Hub

New Orleans-Metairie, LA has 18.0x the national concentration of Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 17.99 for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in New Orleans-Metairie, LA, signifies an exceptionally high concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and robust local market, suggesting that employers actively seek out and value maritime expertise in this region due to its strategic importance in waterways and trade.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

Comparing salaries near New Orleans-Metairie, LA

Hiring Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vesselss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels make in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?

The median annual salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is $122,870. This typically ranges from $58,120 for entry-level positions to $186,880 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 24.7% higher than the national median of $98,540.

Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a lucrative place for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels?

Yes, it is a highly lucrative location.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national index, offering excellent earning potential.

Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a good place to live for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels?

The Cost of Living Index in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near New Orleans-Metairie, LA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA ($117,370) and Gulfport-Biloxi, MS.

How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?

A local workforce of 1,820 indicates a substantial pool of professionals, suggesting a mature and active job market with ongoing opportunities for both new entrants and experienced individuals.

What does a Location Quotient of 17.99 mean for this profession?

A Location Quotient of 17.99 means that jobs for Captains, Mates, and Pilots are nearly 18 times more concentrated in New Orleans-Metairie than the national average, highlighting a specialized and high-demand industry.

How does the cost of living affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $122,870 salary in New Orleans-Metairie provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location.

What are the typical career paths for maritime professionals in this area?

Career paths often involve progressing from deckhand or mate roles to captain positions, with opportunities in cargo shipping, passenger vessels, towing, and harbor operations, each offering different salary trajectories.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,820 employees in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area with a job density of 4.13 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.