As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Captain in the United States is $164,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $79.
However, an Captain's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Captain's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Captain's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Co-Pilot | 2-4 years | $116,449 |
| First Officer | 4-7 years | $142,357 |
| Captain | 7+ years | $164,637 |
| Pilot in Commend | 7-10 years | $196,644 |
| Chief Pilot Assistant Air Fleet Manager | 10+ years | $170,885 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Captains. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 50% |
| Aviation | 50% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Aviation
|
$177,876 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Captains enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Captain with a No Diploma is between $148,399 and $161,146).
Captain Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 15.7% |
| High School | 15.7% |
| Associates | 9.8% |
| Bachelors | 60.8% |
| Masters | 11.8% |
| Doctorate | 2.0% |
Understanding how an Captain's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Captain, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Head Helicopter Pilot | $165,900 | 1% |
| Pilot in Commend | $196,700 | 19% |
Salaries for an Captain can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $123,290 in 2023 to around $115,617 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Captain salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $123,290 |
| 2024 | $119,344 |
| 2025 | $115,617 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Captain and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Captain job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A U.S. captain's salary varies significantly, with a minimum of $146,700, a mid-range of $168,500, and a maximum of $203,800. This reflects the higher compensation levels for captains compared to the average yearly pay of $78,580 reported for U.S. Army captains in California, which aligns with the national average.
The highest paying captain job is a Ship Captain, with a salary range typically between $146,700 and $203,800 per year. Other roles like Boat Pilot and Tugboat Captain also offer competitive salaries, but the Ship Captain position stands out for its earning potential, reflecting the responsibilities and expertise required in this role.
Captain America's salary data indicates a minimum of $146,700, a mid-range of $168,500, and a maximum of $203,800. While Chris Evans reportedly earned $15 million for Captain America: Civil War, this figure is significantly higher than the typical salary range for the role.
A Disney cruise captain earns a salary ranging from $146,700 to $203,800, with a mid-point salary of $168,500. This reflects the specialized skills and responsibilities required for the role, significantly higher than the average hourly pay mentioned.
The salary range for a Captain is approximately $146,700 to $203,800 per year. The mid-salary is around $168,500. This reflects the base salary without including additional pay, which may vary based on experience and other factors.
To qualify as a captain, one must possess strong leadership, management, and communication skills to effectively oversee staff and engage with passengers. Essential knowledge includes navigation, logistics, and maritime safety regulations. The role offers a competitive salary range, with a minimum of $146,700, a mid-point of $168,500, and a maximum of $203,800.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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