As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Tug Captain in the United States is $135,782 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $65.
However, a Tug Captain's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Tug 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 a Tug 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Tug Captain | $127,372 |
| Intermediate Level Tug Captain | $128,647 |
| Senior Level Tug Captain | $129,157 |
| Specialist Level Tug Captain | $131,197 |
| Expert Level Tug Captain | $132,982 |
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 Tug Captains. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 12.5% |
| Academic Advising | 2.08% |
| Computer Science | 2.08% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coordination
|
$153,434 |
13%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$149,360 |
10%
|
|
Initiative
|
$145,287 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Tug Captains enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Tug Captain with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $138,776 and $154,672).
Tug Captain Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 33.3% |
| High School | 66.7% |
| Associates | 0.0% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 33.3% |
| Doctorate | 66.7% |
Understanding how a Tug 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Tug Captain can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,274 in 2023 to around $53,390 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Tug Captain salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $55,274 |
| 2024 | $54,568 |
| 2025 | $53,390 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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