▼10%
$70,981
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$37k
MEDIAN
$71k
90%
$154k
The average salary for a Ship Captain is $70,981 in 2025
Base Salary
$37k - $154k
Bonus
$0 - $894
Total Pay
$40k - $124k
Is Average Early-Career Ship Captain Salary your job title? Find out what you should be paid
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Ship Captains?
What Do Ship Captains Do?
Ship Captain Tasks
- Command and navigate naval vessels through the transportation of personnel and goods.
- Keep crew and ship prepared for crisis situations.
- Track and evaluate records for cargo, crew, and ship maintenance.
- Coordinate crews for all ship duties in harbor and at sea.
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Ship Captain
Medical
64%
Dental
27%
Vision
18%
None
36%
Gender Breakdown for Ship Captains
Male
88.9%
Female
11.1%
This data is based on 9 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Ship Captains
What is the highest pay for Ship Captains?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Ship Captain is $154k / year
What is the lowest pay for Ship Captains?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Ship Captain is $37k / year
How can Ship Captains increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Ship Captain is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Ship Captain that oversees more junior Ship Captains, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.