Average Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Salary in Virginia
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Virginia earn an average annual salary of $88,990. This figure is notably below the national average of $98,540, suggesting that while the demand is present, the compensation structure in Virginia may be influenced by regional economic factors or a different mix of maritime industries compared to other states. The state's specific maritime needs and operational costs likely play a role in this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $88,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $129,860.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,890 individuals in this specialized field, Virginia demonstrates a significant presence of Captains, Mates, and Pilots. The Location Quotient of 2.02 indicates a concentration of these roles that is more than double the national average, signaling robust demand and a specialized job market within the state. This high concentration suggests that opportunities for those in this profession are relatively abundant compared to the national landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Virginia earns-9.7%below the national average.
$42.8
$1,711
$7,416
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled maritime professionals like Captains, Mates, and Pilots have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and increasing demands in the shipping and logistics sectors. This upward trend is likely driven by inflation, increased operational complexity, and a sustained need for experienced maritime leadership.
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Salary Distribution in Virginia
Salary progression for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels is significantly tied to experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized certifications, and command of larger or more complex vessels can earn substantially more. The percentile distribution of salaries within Virginia would likely show a wide gap between the lowest and highest earners, reflecting this clear career ladder and the significant earning potential at senior levels.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $50,700 | $24.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $66,743 | $32.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $82,470 | $39.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $111,238 | $53.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $129,860 | $62.4 |
Detailed Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$88,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$87,761
Adjusted for COL (101.4)
The average annual salary of $88,990 in Virginia for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 101.4. This means that while the nominal salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of this income is relatively stable when compared to the national standard, as the cost of goods and services is only slightly higher than the national average.
Job Market Context
1,890
Total Jobs
0.464
Per 1K Jobs
2.02
Location Quotient
Virginia has 2.0x 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.
Virginia's Location Quotient of 2.02 for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels signifies a highly concentrated job market, indicating that this profession is significantly more prevalent in Virginia than in the nation as a whole. This suggests a strong demand for these specialized skills within the state, potentially driven by its extensive coastline, major ports, and significant inland waterways, making it a competitive yet opportunity-rich environment for maritime professionals.
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 Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Virginia is $88,990. This typically ranges from $50,700 for entry-level positions to $129,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia is 9.7% lower than the national median of $98,540.
Is Virginia a lucrative place for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is below the national average, Virginia's high concentration of these roles (LQ of 2.02) and a cost of living near the national average suggest a stable and potentially rewarding career environment.
Is Virginia a good place to live for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does Virginia's salary for this role compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Virginia is $88,990, which is approximately $9,550 lower than the national average of $98,540.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.02 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.02 indicates that Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels are more than twice as concentrated in Virginia compared to the national average, suggesting a higher availability of jobs and a specialized market.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Virginia?
With a Cost of Living Index of 101.4, Virginia's expenses are only slightly above the national average, meaning the $88,990 salary offers relatively good purchasing power despite being below the national average.
What is the total number of Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Virginia?
There are approximately 1,890 Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels employed in Virginia.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,890 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 0.464 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Virginia