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How to Become a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Florida

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in Florida earn a median salary of $63,540/year, which is 26% below the national average. Florida has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels takes home approximately $3,012/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$64K
Median salary in Florida
-26%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
4,360
Employed in Florida

What a captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels can afford in Florida

Gross annual salary$63,540
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$4,424/mo
Median 2BR rent (Florida)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home31.9% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$63,540/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$3,012/mo

Becoming a captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels in Florida

1

Meet education requirements

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels positions in Florida typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Florida. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels positions in Florida require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Florida licensure or certification

Florida may require specific licensing or professional certification for captains, mates, and pilots of water vesselss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Florida Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Florida

Florida employs 4,360 captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels. The highest concentrations are in Jacksonville and Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville.

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary by metro area in Florida

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Jacksonville$87K$41.66/hr780
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville$82K$39.61/hr90
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach$66K$31.56/hr1,360
Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach$63K$30.09/hr60
Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent$62K$29.88/hr30
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin$61K$29.25/hr90
Cape Coral-Fort Myers$61K$29.14/hr80
North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota$60K$28.87/hr140
Panama City-Panama City Beach$60K$28.79/hr80
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater$59K$28.41/hr590
Naples-Marco Island$56K$26.73/hr100
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford$48K$23.14/hr250
Port St. Lucie$48K$23/hr90

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary range in Florida

10th percentile (entry)
$34K
25th percentile
$48K
Median (50th)
$64K
75th percentile
$100K
90th percentile (senior)
$126K
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Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels make in Florida?

The median captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels salary in Florida is $63,540 per year ($30.55/hr). This is 26% below the national median of $85,540. Salaries range from $34,030 to $126,440.

What are the requirements to become a captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels in Florida?

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels positions in Florida typically require No formal educational credential. Florida may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Florida licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels afford to live in Florida?

At the median salary of $63,540, a captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels in Florida would take home approximately $4,424/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 31.9% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels in Florida?

The highest paying metro areas for captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels in Florida are Jacksonville ($86,650), Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville ($82,390), Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach ($65,650). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Florida have state income tax for captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels?

No, Florida does not have a state income tax. This means captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.