📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Captain and Pilot of Water Vessels Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$128,482
per year
Median
$121,098
per year
Hourly
$61.77
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$80,855
25th Percentile — Junior$107,324
50th Percentile — Median$121,098
75th Percentile — Senior$166,879
90th Percentile — Top Earners$190,055
💡 Top-earning Captain and Pilot of Water Vesselss in California make up to $190,055 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$113.6k
2021
$116.4k
2022
$119.3k
2023
$122.3k
2024
$125.3k
2025
$128.5k
2026
📈 Captain and Pilot of Water Vessels salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Captain and Pilot of Water Vessels Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $199,147 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $190,153 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $220,989 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $237,692 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $138,761 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $156,748 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $186,299 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $138,761 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $182,444 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $179,875 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $164,457 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $151,609 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $199,147 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $151,609 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $143,900 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $156,748 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $147,754 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $190,153 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $205,571 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Captain and Pilot of Water Vessels Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Captain and Pilot of Water Vesselss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $128,482 per year, California's Captain and Pilot of Water Vessels salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $80,855–$107,324, while experienced Captain and Pilot of Water Vesselss can command $166,879–$190,055.

Looking ahead, the Captain and Pilot of Water Vessels profession in California is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Captain and Pilot of Water Vessels salary in California is $128,482 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $90,480.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Captain and Pilot of Water Vesselss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Captain and Pilot of Water Vessels employment.
  • At $128,482/year, California Captain and Pilot of Water Vessels salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $90,480/year.