What does a Ship Captain earn?

On average, ship captains earn around $98,330 per year in the U.S.. Ship captains are responsible for the navigation and safety of the vessel, its crew and its cargo. Taking on a variety of roles, ship captains often make decisions regarding route planning, monitoring weather conditions, inspecting vessel safety equipment and keeping track of the administrative requirements of being in charge of a vessel.

How to earn more as a Ship Captain

To become a ship captain, you will need a degree in maritime studies or a diploma in navigation. Alternatively, you can get a job as a deckhand and work your way up the ranks. To earn more, you can move into a specialised area, such as operating a superyacht, or become a manager in a shipping business. You could also become self-employed and supply your services as a captain to different organizations.