Skip to content
AffordMap
Transportation · South Carolina

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

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in South Carolina earn a median salary of $58,280/year, which is 32% below the national average. South Carolina has a state income tax of ~3.6%. After taxes and rent, a captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels takes home approximately $2,485/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$58K
Median salary in South Carolina
-32%
vs. national average
3.6%
State income tax
410
Employed in South Carolina

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

Gross annual salary$58,280
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 3.6% state tax)$3,897/mo
Median 2BR rent (South Carolina)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home36.2% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$58,280/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,485/mo

Becoming a captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels in South Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

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

2

Gain required experience

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

3

Obtain South Carolina licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in South Carolina

South Carolina employs 410 captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels. The highest concentrations are in Charleston-North Charleston and Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal.

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

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Charleston-North Charleston$66K$31.52/hr210
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal$46K$22.25/hr70
Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach$43K$20.48/hr60

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salary range in South Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$26K
25th percentile
$35K
Median (50th)
$58K
75th percentile
$83K
90th percentile (senior)
$120K
View jobs for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Currently hiring in South Carolina
View →
More openings for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Currently hiring in South Carolina
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels salary breakdown in South Carolina
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in South Carolina
After federal + 3.6% state tax
Calculate →
Compare South Carolina cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

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 South Carolina?

The median captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels salary in South Carolina is $58,280 per year ($28.02/hr). This is 32% below the national median of $85,540. Salaries range from $25,560 to $120,470.

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

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

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

At the median salary of $58,280, a captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels in South Carolina would take home approximately $3,897/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 36.2% 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 South Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels in South Carolina are Charleston-North Charleston ($65,570), Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal ($46,280), Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach ($42,600). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

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

Yes, South Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.6%. On a $58,280 salary, this means roughly $2,103/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.