Also called: Laker Captain, Lake Freighter Master
Commands one of the giant "lakers," ships up to 1,000 feet long that carry iron ore, coal, and grain across the Great Lakes.
A laker captain navigates through the Soo Locks, handles storms on Lake Superior, and docks a 1,000-foot ship in a tight harbor. The season runs March to January, when ice shuts the lakes.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 10 years after high school. Maritime academy degree (such as Great Lakes Maritime Academy) and a master's license.
Ways in: 4-year college, Certification. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Marine Transportation, Maritime Studies.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 53-5021: Average (3% to 4%).
Low risk for 10 years. Routing and weather tools improve, but docking a 1,000-foot laker and handling Superior storms stay human command.
Classes: Physics, Earth science, Leadership role in a club.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-5021.
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