As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Ship Captain in Rancho Santa Fe, CA is $140,070 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.
However, a Ship Captain's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Ship 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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Ship 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 |
|---|---|
| Informati... Level Ship Captain | $217,152 |
| Informati... Level Ship Captain | $100,687 |
| Ship Capt... Level Ship Captain | $139,455 |
| Informati... Level Ship Captain | $148,820 |
| Informati... Level Ship Captain | $181,627 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 7.96% |
| Telecommunications | 2.08% |
| Computer Hardware | 1.8% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Information Security
|
$149,875 |
7%
|
|
Consulting
|
$147,073 |
5%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$147,073 |
5%
|
|
Innovation
|
$147,073 |
5%
|
|
IT Operations
|
$147,073 |
5%
|
|
Disaster Recovery
|
$147,073 |
5%
|
For Ship Captain roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Ship Captain positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Ship Captain as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $165,282 | $79.0 | 18% |
| Financial Services | $161,080 | $77.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $161,080 | $77.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $156,878 | $75.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $154,077 | $74.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Ship 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 August 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Ship Captain job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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