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Master Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Steamship Company

Master/Captain

Buffalo, NY · On-site

Master (Captain) Key Responsibilities * Overall Command: Ultimate authority and responsibility for the vessel, crew, cargo, safety, security, and seaworthiness. * Owner Representative: Acts on behalf ...

Inter Island Ferry

Master - Captain

Ketchikan, AK · On-site

The Master has overall responsibility for the safe navigation, operation, security, and regulatory compliance of the assigned vessel. While on duty, the Master exercises full command authority over ...

Inter Island Ferry

Master - Captain

Ketchikan, AK · On-site

$49/hr

The Master has overall responsibility for the safe navigation, operation, security, and regulatory compliance of the assigned vessel. While on duty, the Master exercises full command authority over ...

Bristol Bay Fuels

Master/Captain

Kenai, AK · On-site

The Master position has the legal responsibility and accountability for safe operation of company owned tugboat, and will direct the day-to-day operations as well as coordinate the onboard activities ...

Foss Maritime

Dredge Master Captain

Richmond, CA · On-site

$62.73 - $73.55/hr

About the Role As a Captain, you'll be an essential part of our mission to provide safe and ... Must possess and maintain a National Master 500/1600 OC or NC license, National Master of Towing ...

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How much do master captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for master captain in the United States is $37.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $41.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a master captain?

Master Captains, also known as Masters or Ship Masters, are licensed mariners who are legally responsible for the operation and safety of commercial vessels. They oversee all aspects of a ship's navigation, crew management, and compliance with maritime laws. Master Captains ensure safe passage, cargo handling, and proper maintenance of the vessel. They typically hold a Master’s license, such as the USCG Master 100 Ton License, which allows them to command vessels up to a certain size and type. Their expertise and leadership are critical for successful and safe maritime operations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a master captain?

To thrive as a Master Captain, you need advanced maritime knowledge, navigation expertise, and a U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain's License with relevant sea-time experience. Familiarity with navigation systems, radar, GPS, electronic chart display systems (ECDIS), and marine communication tools is essential. Leadership, decision-making under pressure, and strong communication skills help ensure safety and effective crew management. These skills and qualifications are crucial for safely operating vessels, complying with maritime regulations, and responding efficiently to emergencies at sea.

What challenges does a master captain face when managing a crew on long voyages?

Master Captains often encounter challenges such as maintaining crew morale, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, and managing fatigue during extended periods at sea. Effective communication and leadership are essential to address cultural differences, resolve conflicts, and keep the team focused on operational goals. Additionally, Master Captains must be adept at adapting to changing weather and maritime conditions, all while coordinating with shore-based management and regulatory authorities.

What is the difference between Master Captain vs Chief Mate?

CriteriaMaster CaptainChief Mate
Required CredentialsSTCW Master License, extensive maritime trainingSTCW Officer License, maritime training, and experience
Work EnvironmentOversees entire vessel operations, responsible for safety and navigationAssists the Master Captain, manages deck crew, and navigates
Employer & Industry UsageCommercial shipping, cruise lines, private yachtsCommercial ships, cruise ships, yachts

The Master Captain holds the highest authority onboard, responsible for the entire vessel and crew. The Chief Mate supports the Master Captain, focusing on deck operations and safety. Both roles require maritime certifications, but the Master Captain's credentials and responsibilities are more extensive, making it a higher-ranking position in the ship's hierarchy.

How long does it take to become a master captain?

Becoming a master captain typically requires several years of experience, usually around 3 to 5 years, along with obtaining necessary certifications such as a Master Mariner license. Candidates must accumulate sea time, pass exams, and demonstrate leadership and navigation skills in a maritime environment.

How much do master captains make?

Master captains, also known as ship captains or vessel masters, typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on the type of vessel, experience, and certification level. Salaries can be higher for captains of large commercial ships or specialized vessels, and they often work long hours and are responsible for safety and navigation.
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Master Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Master Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,625 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Master/Captain

American Steamship Company

Buffalo, NY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Come sail the Great Lakes with us!
American Steamship Company has a long and rich history of sailing ships on the Great Lakes since 1907. We currently operate six 1,000-foot US Flag vessels that carry cargoes of iron ore, coal and stone throughout Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie to our customers' steel mills, electrical generation plants, and stone distribution docks in the U.S. and Canada. If you desire to sail with a high-functioning group of career employees as part of our Deck or Engineering teams, whose primary goal is the safety of all our employees, along with doing no harm to the environment, and to provide our customers with exceptional service, you will enjoy a career with us!
We are looking for an experienced Captain to join our fleet!
Master (Captain) Key Responsibilities
  • Overall Command: Ultimate authority and responsibility for the vessel, crew, cargo, safety, security, and seaworthiness.
  • Owner Representative: Acts on behalf of the vessel owner and protects company interests.
  • Vessel Operations: Ensures safe, efficient, and economical operation of the vessel.
  • Crew Leadership: Supervises crew, enforces discipline fairly, conducts evaluations, and ensures personnel understand their duties.
  • Voyage & Cargo Management: Oversees voyage planning, cargo loading, ballast, fuel, stores, and vessel readiness.
  • Safety Oversight: Maintains compliance with safety programs, conducts inspections, meetings, drills, and incident investigations.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to all maritime, environmental, security, and company requirements.
  • Port & Documentation: Manages vessel clearances, required certificates, logs, reports, and communication with the office.
  • Maintenance & Inspections: Conducts regular inspections, monitors repairs, and safeguards company property.
  • Incident Reporting: Reports significant vessel damage and ensures safety concerns are tracked and resolved.

American Steamship Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer - All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality or sex, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by United States law.
Requirements
Requirements
  • USCG License as Unlimited Tonnage Master of Great Lakes Vessels
  • First Class Pilotage for all five Great Lakes and three connecting rivers
  • FCC First Class Radio Operators License
  • US Passport or other documentation with ability to go to Canada
  • Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)
  • Certification as Vessel Security Officer

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