As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Boat Captain in California is $59,463 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Boat Captain's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Boat Captain Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $69,075 | $5,756 | $1,328 | $33 |
| Average | $59,463 | $4,955 | $1,144 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,338 | $4,361 | $1,006 | $25 |
Pyramid Global Hospitality - Lake Arrowhead, CA
Cardinal Point Captains, Inc - Port Hueneme Cbc Base, CA
Scouting America Orange County Council - Newport Coast, CA
Focus Staff - KEENE, NH
A Boat 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Boat 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Boat Capt... Level Boat Captain | $60,947 |
| Training ... Level Boat Captain | $108,311 |
| Training ... Level Boat Captain | $178,141 |
| Training ... Level Boat Captain | $239,048 |
| VP of Tra... Level Boat Captain | $257,647 |
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 Boat Captains. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Boat Captain roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Boat Captain positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Boat Captain as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $68,382 | $33.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $68,382 | $33.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $65,409 | $31.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $65,409 | $31.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $62,436 | $30.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Boat 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $69,075 | $5,756 | $1,328 | $33 |
| Average | $59,463 | $4,955 | $1,144 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,338 | $4,361 | $1,006 | $25 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Boat Captain job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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