Also called: Master Mariner, Ocean Vessel Captain
Has total command of a cargo ship, tanker, or container vessel and everyone aboard.
The captain signs off on the voyage plan, checks weather routing, and is on the bridge for every tricky moment: leaving port, crossing busy shipping lanes, storms. Between those, it is paperwork, crew issues, inspections, and talking with the company and port agents by satellite. Rotations are often 2-4 months on, then the same amount of time fully off at home.
BLS median for all captains/mates/pilots is about $86k; masters of large ocean ships on union contracts commonly earn $150k-$250k+ while working half the year.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's from a maritime academy (USMMA Kings Point, Cal Maritime, Maine Maritime, Massachusetts Maritime, SUNY Maritime, Texas A&M Maritime Academy or Great Lakes Maritime Academy) plus a USCG Third Mate license, then about 10+ years climbing the ranks to an unlimited Master license. Some 'hawsepipe' up from deckhand without college.
Ways in: 4-year college, Apprenticeship, On-the-job training, Military. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Marine Transportation, Nautical Science, Maritime Studies.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years). BLS projects about 1% growth for water transportation jobs; an aging workforce creates steady openings for licensed officers.
Low risk for 10 years. Weather routing and voyage software get smarter; legal command, crew leadership and crisis calls stay with a licensed human.
Classes: Physics, AP Calculus, Leadership role in a club or team.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-5021.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.