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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Vessel Manager in California is $116,812 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a Vessel Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Vessel Manager Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $134,447 | $11,204 | $2,586 | $65 |
| Average | $116,812 | $9,734 | $2,246 | $56 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,903 | $8,659 | $1,998 | $50 |
Republic Services - Alameda, CA
DOF - Oakland, CA
NNData - San Diego, CA
Blue & Gold Fleet - Vallejo, CA
A Vessel Manager'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 Vessel Manager'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 Vessel Manager | $110,756 |
| Intermediate Level Vessel Manager | $111,327 |
| Senior Level Vessel Manager | $112,660 |
| Specialist Level Vessel Manager | $114,183 |
| Expert Level Vessel Manager | $117,331 |
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 Vessel Managers. 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 Vessel Manager 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 Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Vessel Manager positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Vessel Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $140,175 | $67.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Vessel Manager'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 | $134,447 | $11,204 | $2,586 | $65 |
| Average | $116,812 | $9,734 | $2,246 | $56 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,903 | $8,659 | $1,998 | $50 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Vessel Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Metson Group
Ventura, CA
Metson Group | Ventura, CA
Job Description. Job Description. You’ll Love Working with us. Metson Marine Services, Inc. (MMSI) is a leading maritime services company with over 40 year... more
1 Day Ago
Anchor Innovation, Inc.
San Diego, CA
Anchor Innovation, Inc. | San Diego, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Small Unmanned Surface Vessel (sUSV) Fleet Integration Team (FIT). Accepting Applications for Future Opportu... more
5 Days Ago
KPMG
ATLANTA, GA
KPMG | ATLANTA, GA
At KPMG, you can become an integral part of a dynamic team at one of the world's top tax firms. Enjoy a collaborative, future-forward culture that empowers... more
1 Day Ago
KPMG
DALLAS, TX
KPMG | DALLAS, TX
At KPMG, you can become an integral part of a dynamic team at one of the world's top tax firms. Enjoy a collaborative, future-forward culture that empowers... more
1 Day Ago
Restoration HR Recruiting
SACRAMENTO, CA
Restoration HR Recruiting | SACRAMENTO, CA
Job Duties Assist other Sr. Project Managers and volunteer for CAT duty as possible Advance their knowledge of technical services (Restoration track) and t... more
2 Days Ago
MAPEI Corporation
DEERFIELD BEACH, FL
MAPEI Corporation | DEERFIELD BEACH, FL
Description Join MAPEI Corporation, a global leader in the manufacturing of construction chemicals and building materials. As a Product Manager, you will p... more
3 Days Ago
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