Harbormaster

Also called: Harbor Master, Port Captain

Manages a harbor or marina's moorings, safety, and rules.

A day in the life

A harbormaster assigns moorings, patrols the harbor by boat, responds to boats in trouble, and enforces local rules. In small towns they are a mix of police officer, boat mechanic, and diplomat.

Pay over a career

Starting
$50k
Typical
$78k
High
$120k

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

High school diploma, about 4 years after high school. Often hired from boating, Coast Guard, or police backgrounds; a USCG captain's license is common.

Ways in: On-the-job training, 4-year college, Military. Training cost: Under $15k.

Majors to look at: Marine Transportation, Public Administration.

Outlook

Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years).

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. Booking apps handle moorings; patrolling by boat, rescues and enforcing rules with boaters stay human.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Earth science, Physical education, Government.

More Ports, Harbors & Ship Pilots careers

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.