As of October 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Pilot Boat Captain in Illinois is $70,245, equivalent to $34 per hour, $1,351 weekly, or $5,854 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Pilot Boat Captain in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.
Annually Salaries for Pilot Boat Captain in Illinois vary widely, spanning from $44,540 to $99,450. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($56,790) and 75th percentile ($85,532), while top earners (90th percentile) make $99,450 per year. This $28,742 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Leadership or Safety Regulations, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, Illinois Pilot Boat Captain often earn 1.9% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 78 companies. However, Illinois currently ranks 14 nationwide for Pilot Boat Captain job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.