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Contract Ship Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CTI

Instructor/SME

Holloman Air Force Base, NM

... F-15) as a pilot, within the past five (5) years or qualified as a contract instructor in a ... DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Maintain qualifications to fly simulator in capacity of a 2- or 4-ship ...

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Contract Ship Pilot information

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$72K

$185.6K

$247K

How much do contract ship pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract ship pilot in the United States is $185,569.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $173,500.00 and $209,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Ship Pilot vs Cargo Ship Captain?

AspectContract Ship PilotCargo Ship Captain
CredentialsMarine pilot license, specific port certificationsMerchant mariner credential, captain's license
Work EnvironmentPort and harbor areas, on ships during pilotageOpen sea, onboard cargo ships
Employer & IndustryPort authorities, shipping companiesShipping lines, freight companies

Contract Ship Pilots and Cargo Ship Captains both require maritime licenses and work within the shipping industry. However, Contract Ship Pilots specialize in navigating ships through port areas, while Cargo Ship Captains oversee the entire vessel operation at sea. Their roles differ mainly in scope and environment, but both are essential for maritime logistics.

How do you become a contract ship pilot?

To become a contract ship pilot, individuals typically need extensive maritime experience, often as a licensed mariner or captain, and must obtain specific pilot certifications for the ports or waterways where they intend to work. Gaining familiarity with local navigation, passing licensing exams, and building a reputation for safety and reliability are essential steps in securing contract pilot positions.

How much money do contract ship pilots make?

Contract ship pilots typically earn between $100,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of vessels they pilot. Compensation often includes hourly rates, per-job fees, or a combination, and pilots may need specialized certifications and extensive maritime experience.
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Contract Ship Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Ship Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $185,569 per year, or $89.2 per hour.

Surface Ship Damage Control SME mid-grade and senior

Core Services Group

San Diego, CA • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Role Overview:
Core Services Group is seeking an experienced  Mid-Grade and Senior Damage Control Engineer/SME with experience on U.S. Navy surface platforms to support the Navy Readiness Assistance Training Team (RATT) for Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP) in San Diego, CA. RATT is a Type Commander (TYCOM) asset employed to provide timely direct support to ships, tailored to the ship's needs and requirements. RATT ship visits are intended to significantly enhance a ship's organic proficiency and capabilities for a discrete period of time as added capability to conduct training, and address material issues. RATT provides proficient subject matter experts to conduct Sailor centric deck-plate training, material review, program auditing, and naval readiness support to enhance overall proficiency and material readiness through recommendations to the ship and staff to enhance CNSP ship's readiness to conduct sustained operations at sea in support of the nation's strategic objectives.
An ideal candidate has extensive experience as a U.S. Navy shipboard Damage Control supervisor on multiple surface ships, including direct operational and damage control experience within the last five years.
This position is contingent upon contract award, anticipated for October 2026.
Typical Responsibilities. This position’s responsibilities include (but are not limited to): 
  • Coordinate, schedule, and conduct ship training visits for the purpose of improving Sailor proficiency in the operation and maintenance of ships systems through targeted training and aiding ship's leadership in assessing material condition and readiness program efficacy.
  • Compile, curate, develop, and provide training resources (references and curriculum) for ship systems, required programs, technical watchstanding, installed equipment, and maintenance management for use in classroom and deckplate training for ship's force and RATT personnel.
  • Teach and reinforce sound shipboard operating principles and processes through leadership by example and deckplate training.
  • Conduct comprehensive material condition assessments for installed equipment, portable equipment, safety gear, ship systems, and ship structure.
  • Review and assess ship's preventive and corrective maintenance and operating processes and procedures for ship systems, installed equipment, and associated evolutions.
  • Advise ship's leadership regarding crew proficiency, material condition, maintenance practices, and required program efficacy.
Primary Work Location: Full time onsite in San Diego, CA. A candidate located in Everett, WA or Pearl Habor, HI is less ideal but may be considered.
Anticipated Travel:
  • This position involves up to 35% travel, including travel to overseas/OCONUS locations, in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).
  • Common travel destinations include, but are not limited to: Everett, WA; Pearl Harbor, HI; Sasebo, Japan; Yokosuka, Japan; and Singapore.
Typical Physical Activity:
  • The ability to work in a variety of shipboard environments (e.g., navigate tight or confined spaces, ladders, hatches, in crew spaces and engineering spaces).
  • Must be physically able to climb up/down a pilot’s ladder to board/embark and debark a naval vessel underway at sea and stay onboard on a U.S. Naval vessel for days at a time.
  • Desk/computer work in an office environment and hands-on technical or instructor work in a waterfront/shipboard environment.
Typical Pay Range: The anticipated pay range for this position in the identified location(s) is $90,000 – 110,000/year. Actual compensation offered will be based upon individual factors, including education, qualifications, and experience.
 
SECRET Security Clearance Required: This position requires an active or interim Secret security clearance prior to hire. 
Only U.S. citizens will be considered for this position.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Senior/Team Leader): 
  • At least fifteen (15) years of supervisory experience in analyses, information system operations, and implementation of technical projects relevant to surface ship damage control systems and processes.
  • Extensive Navy technical management experience on multiple ships.
  • Extensive experience as shipboard Damage Control supervisor on multiple ships.
  • Direct operational and damage control experience, within the last five (5) years, with experience and knowledge of advanced damage control practices and procedures currently in use by the Navy.
  • Undergraduate or associate's degree.
    • In lieu of an acceptable degree, seven (7) years of demonstrated experience in a management role may be considered.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Mid-Grade): 
  • A minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience as part of the damage control organization aboard a warship or military auxiliary. Direct operational and maintenance experience, within the last five years, with damage control systems and equipment currently in use by the Navy. Versed in current Navy damage control doctrine and procedures. 
Plus:
  • Proficient with common productivity software including the Microsoft Office suite.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and support fast-paced operational environments. 
  • Excellent personnel management, working group and team leadership skills as well as working alongside sailors and officers of varying experience and seniority.
  • Excellent communication skills to include briefing Commanding Officers and other mid-grade to senior leadership in person and in writing.
Additional Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

  • At least twenty-five (25) years of relevant experience is highly desirable.