Tennessee Median
$132,710
per year
Hourly Rate
$63.80
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+44% vs US median
US median $92,460
State Rank
#2 of 38
940 employed here
How much do Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels make in Tennessee?
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Tennessee take home a median of $132,710 annually — roughly $63.80 an hour — which runs 44% above the national median of $92,460.
Within Tennessee, entry-level pay starts around $60,270 while the top 10% make $215,470 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $76,420 and $165,700 a year.
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary range in Tennessee
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $60,270 | $28.98 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $76,420 | $36.74 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $132,710 | $63.80 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $165,700 | $79.66 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $215,470 | $103.59 |
|
How Tennessee compares
Tennessee ranks 2nd out of 38 states and territories for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary in other states
Maryland $138,950Louisiana $117,160Texas $111,390California $110,090New York $104,800Mississippi $104,220Washington $103,730Iowa $97,700Oregon $97,050Indiana $92,000New Jersey $90,310Alaska $88,230Virginia $87,610West Virginia $85,290Missouri $83,670Minnesota $80,920Oklahoma $79,110Massachusetts $77,950Georgia $77,090Rhode Island $76,790Florida $76,040New Hampshire $75,870Connecticut $75,810Wisconsin $74,390Delaware $73,280Hawaii $72,960Maine $72,770Illinois $69,600North Carolina $69,170Alabama $68,920Vermont $64,020Pennsylvania $61,420Arizona $58,700South Carolina $57,660Ohio $56,070Michigan $53,590Utah $50,010
Working as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Tennessee
Nationally, about 37,000 people work as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.
Considering a move? Compare Tennessee pay ($132,710) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels make in Tennessee?
The median Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary in Tennessee is $132,710 per year, or about $63.80 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $60,270 at the entry level to $215,470 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the national average?
Tennessee pays Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels about 44% more than the national median of $92,460. Tennessee ranks 2nd out of 38 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Tennessee a good state for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels?
Yes on pay — Tennessee pays above the national median for this occupation, at $132,710 a year. About 940 Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels are employed in Tennessee. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Tennessee?
The highest-paying occupations in Tennessee include Cardiologist ($610,080), Dermatologist ($433,630), Surgeon, All Other ($373,510), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.
← See the national Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary report
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.