FAQ
Ship Captain FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a ship captain.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a ship captain: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about ship captains
How do you become a ship captain?
Through a maritime academy or by working up from crew, earning sea time and Coast Guard licenses.
Is pay good?
Yes, BLS reports strong median pay.
How long are rotations?
Often weeks at a time.
How much does a ship captain make?
The median annual wage for ship captains was $92,460 ($44.45 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $47,420 and the highest 10% earned more than $170,640.
How long does it take to become a ship captain?
Most people need about Years of sea time and credentials of training. A maritime academy degree or postsecondary program plus Coast Guard credentials is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a ship captain?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education.
Is ship captain a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +4.0% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 3,800 openings each year. Upsides include strong pay; a common challenge is that weeks away from home.
What skills does a ship captain need?
Key technical skills include navigation, ship handling, radar and ecdis, and maritime law. Employers also value leadership, decision-making, and calm under pressure.
What certifications are available for ship captains?
Common credentials include USCG Master or Mate license, STCW certificates, TWIC, and Radar observer. Captains and mates need a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with the right officer endorsement.
Still deciding?
Try the Ship Captain fit quiz, compare with Deckhand, or explore Ship Captain training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 53-5021 (Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.