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Master Captain Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Habitec Architecture And Planning

Job Captain

San Jose, CA · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

The Job Captain manages drawing production and day-to-day operations on all size projects, working ... Holds a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Interior Design or Architecture from an accredited program ...

Enclos

Captain

Sonoma, CA

$35 - $40/hr

Captain Helmed by Chef Brian Limoges, Enclos has just received a Three-Star Michelin recognition ... Master the precise pouring of tableside sauces and broths. * Pacing Control: Gauge the rhythm of ...

Habitec Architecture And Planning

Job Captain

San Jose, CA · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

Paid time off The Job Captain manages drawing production and day-to-day operations on all size ... Holds a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Interior Design or Architecture from an accredited program ...

Enclos

Captain

Sonoma, CA

$35 - $40/hr

Captain Helmed by Chef Brian Limoges, Enclos has just received a Three-Star Michelin recognition ... Master the precise pouring of tableside sauces and broths. * Pacing Control: Gauge the rhythm of ...

The Restaurant at JUSTIN

Captain

Paso Robles, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Taste/ Open/ Pour Wine's/ Serve and speak to wines in accordance with Court of Master's Sommelier ... Captains are responsible for progressing the flow of service, guiding the team in real-time ...

The Restaurant at JUSTIN

Captain

Paso Robles, CA · On-site

Taste/ Open/ Pour Wine's/ Serve and speak to wines in accordance with Court of Master's Sommelier ... Captains are responsible for progressing the flow of service, guiding the team in real-time ...

Hornblower

Captain

Sacramento, CA · On-site

The captain directs the crew on a day-to-day basis and must meet and maintain the minimum ... Minimum 100-TON Master Inland or above License. * TWIC, First Aid/CPR. * Marine Radio Operator ...

Harbor Breeze Cruises

Port Captain

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

The Port Captain works closely with vessel captains, deckhands, and the General Manager, and is ... S. Coast Guard Master's License (100 Ton or higher) with required endorsements. • Minimum 3-5 ...

Westside Build LLC

Job Captain

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

Job Captain Description We are seeking a Job Captain to join our growing team, supporting the ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution * 3-7 years of ...

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All JobsMaster Captain JobsMaster Captain Jobs in California

Master Captain information

See California salary details

$9

$36

$75

How much do master captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for master captain in California is $36.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $40.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a master captain?

To become a master captain, you typically need to gain extensive experience as a licensed captain, accumulate a certain number of sea hours, and obtain the necessary certifications such as a Master Mariner license. This process often involves completing maritime education, passing exams, and demonstrating leadership and navigation skills in various maritime environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Master Captain, and why are they important?

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 is the highest paying captain job?

The highest paying captain jobs are typically in the maritime industry, such as oil tanker or cruise ship captains, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually. These roles require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and often involve long periods at sea and leadership responsibilities.

What are Master Captains?

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 are the typical challenges faced by a Master Captain 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 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 vessel type, experience, and certification level. Salaries can vary based on the size of the ship, industry sector, and geographic location, with some earning higher wages on large commercial or international vessels.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Master Captains in the maritime industry can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, ownership of vessels, or working in luxury yacht management. High-level executives, specialized surgeons, and certain investment bankers also reach this income level, but these are less directly related to the Master Captain role. Achieving such earnings typically requires advanced skills, certifications, and significant responsibility.
What are popular job titles related to Master Captain jobs in California? For Master Captain jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Master Captain jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Master Captain jobs in California are:
Master Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Master Captain job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $76,609 per year, or $36.8 per hour.
Master Captain of Towing Vessels

Master Captain of Towing Vessels

The Dutra Group

San Rafael, CA

$45 - $52/hr

Full-time

Medical

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Master Captain of Towing Vessels
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/VETERANS/DISABLED
This position requires a valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential with a minimum Master of 200GT upon Inland waters with Master of Towing Vessels.
Will also consider Master’s with greater than 200GT credentials that have experience on towing vessels.
SUMMARY: Operation and maintenance of Subchapter M towing vessels in support of marine construction and dredging operations. Typical operations include but are not y limited to; handling anchors for derrick barges, maneuvering spud/derrick barges within work areas, assisting larger towing vessels with scows and material barges, towing of barges in and around worksites and moorings. Towing barges on local routes, moving barges in and around our marine terminals.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The position requires a valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential with a minimum Master of 200GT upon Inland waters with Master of Towing Vessels. Will also consider Master’s with greater than 200GT credentials that have experience on towing vessels.
• Overall responsibility for the safety and management of the crew and vessel.
• Work as directed by towing and/or project personnel.
• Stand wheelhouse watch on assigned vessel.
• Comply with all state and federal regulatory requirements.
• Preparation, management, and facilitation of safety meetings and drills.
• Complete Job Safety Analysis (JSA) or Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA).
• Delegate daily tasks to crew to ensure operational readiness.
• Oversee mentoring and training of crew.
• Follows company and worksite safety policies/procedures and commits to accident-free work environment.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
COMPETENCIES:
• Communications: ability to produce clear status reports, writes clearly, communicates tactfully and candidly, exhibits clear verbal skills and an excellent listener.
• Attention to Detail: Diligently attends to detail and pursues quality in accomplishing tasks. Checks work to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve goals and deliverables.
• Time Management: ability to manage competing priorities effectively, to be resourceful and to use time as a resource.
• Environmental, Health and Safety Management: Understand and know how to comply with all regulations; implement a positive attitude toward health and safety in the design and execution of the project; ensure safe deliverables and incorporate sustainable development practices.
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Credentials: USGG Merchant Mariner Credential, Master 200GT with Master of Towing Vessels or Master of greater than 200GT with experience on towing vessels.
• Language Ability: ability to effectively communicate and respond to questions from manager and internal team.
• Reasoning Ability: ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Physical Presence: Regular and predictable physical presence on the boat is an essential qualification for this position due to the importance of the team-related aspects of the essential duties, the aggressive timeframes under which the employee will operate, and the need for face-to-face interaction with manager and crew.
• Must be able to tolerate rough seas, vibrations, heat, harsh weather conditions, confined spaces, and high noise levels.
• Ability to work 12-hour shift and travel as needed.
• Valid Driver’s license.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position directly supervises all crew members.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to frequently inspect the ship and may be exposed to ongoing ship and various weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment may range from moderate to loud.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
• The employee is required to use hands to finger, handle or feel.
• The employee is required to reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or crawl.
The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.
Pay Rate: $45.00 - $52.00 per a hour per applicable Operating Engineers Collective Bargaining Agreement
PRIVACY NOTICE TO CALIFORNIA JOB APPLICANTS AND EMPLOYEES
The Dutra Group and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“Dutra,” “we,” “us,” and “our”) adopts this Privacy Notice (“Notice”) pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (together, the “CCPA”). This Notice explains our online and offline practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of “personal information” of job applicants and employees who reside in California. Please read this Notice carefully so you understand our practices regarding your information.
For more information about the types of information we collect and use in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general Privacy Policy for Dutra’s Website found here: https://www.dutragroup.com/privacy/.
How Dutra Collects Your Information
  • Website Visitors: Dutra collects personal information from visitors to our website when voluntarily provided. For instance, we collect personal information when someone contacts us through our contact form.
  • Website Navigational Information: As you navigate the Website, Dutra may gather information through common tools like cookies, which are small data files stored on your computer. This may include standard browser information, IP addresses, and your actions on the Website (e.g., pages viewed, links clicked). Cookies are used for administrative purposes, such as storing preferences. Cookies do not contain information allowing direct contact and can be managed via your browser settings.
  • Job Applications: Dutra uses Paycor, a third-party HR service provider, to manage our job application process. When you apply for a position with Dutra through our Website, you will be directed to a Paycor-hosted application portal. All personal information submitted during the job application process is collected and stored by Paycor. Dutra does not control or direct how Paycor stores or uses any personal information submitted through this application portal. As Paycor manages the collection and processing of your personal information during the job application process, we strongly encourage you to review Paycor’s Privacy Policy. You can access Paycor’s Privacy Policy at: https://www.paycor.com/privacy-policy/
  • Third Parties: Your current, prospective, or former employer or a similarly affiliated entity may provide personal information to Dutra to facilitate the processing of hiring, benefits management, payroll services, tax compliance, scheduling and timekeeping, onboarding, data analytics, or other related human resources-related services.
Information Dutra Collects and the Purpose of Use
  • Identifiers. Examples include: real name, alias, postal address, Internet Protocol address, email address, account name, social security number, driver’s license number, passport number, or other similar identifier necessary to make employment decisions and manage employment relationships.
  • Sensitive Personal Information. Examples include: a social security number, driver’s license information, state identification card, passport information, or racial or ethnic origin.
  • Personal information categories listed in the California Customer Records statute (Cal. Civ. Code § 1798.80(e)). Examples include: name, signature, Social Security number, address, telephone number, passport number, driver’s license or state identification card number, insurance policy number, education, employment, employment history, bank account number, medical information, or other information necessary to provide health insurance and other benefits, including dependents, and emergency contact information.
  • Geolocation data. Examples include: physical location or movement of certain equipment in possession of our employees.
  • Legally protected classification characteristics under California or federal law. Examples may include: age, race, color, national origin, citizenship, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy or childbirth and related medical conditions), veteran or military status.
  • Internet or other similar network activity. Examples include: cookies and IP addresses.
  • Sensory data: Examples include: voicemails.
  • Professional or employment-related information. Examples may include: Information regarding prior job experience, positions held, names of prior supervisors.
  • Non-public education information. Examples include: Education records directly related to a student maintained by an educational institution or party acting on its behalf, such as grades, transcripts, class lists, student schedules, student identification codes, student financial information, or student disciplinary records.
No Sale of Personal Information
Dutra does not sell your personal information or your sensitive personal information, nor do we share it with third parties for cross-context behavioral advertising.
Use and Disclosure of Personal Information
We collect and use your personal information for the following business purposes, consistent with and only as permitted by applicable law:
  • To consider job applicants for current and potential future employment opportunities and assess their skills, qualifications, and interests against our career opportunities.
  • To schedule job applicants for interviews and communicate with them about their application and employment opportunities.
  • To evaluate a job applicant’s employment application, corroborating the information contained in the application and any supporting documents, and (where applicable) conducting employment related screening and background checks.
  • To manage the employment relationship with Dutra, facilitate employment administration, processing, and maintenance, such as providing benefits to employees and their beneficiaries, processing payroll, and general office administration.
  • To manage the employment relationship with Dutra and facilitate a safe work environment.
  • To facilitate IT and equipment safety, functionality, and maintenance.
  • To comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
  • For any other purposes that we disclose to you at the time of collection.
Pursuant to this Notice, Dutra may disclose some of the personal information to a third-party vendor as necessary for our hiring practices. For example, such vendors could include the agencies we use to conduct pre-employment screening (such as background checks) and conduct drug testing.
Dutra may use or disclose information provided if required by law, to protect its rights, comply with legal processes, comply with government authorities, or safeguard users, employees, or the public.
Except as described in this Privacy Policy, we do not share your personal information with unknown or unaffiliated third parties, nor cross-reference your personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising. Unless otherwise stated in this Privacy Policy, Dutra will not share, sell, rent, or trade your information without prior consent.
Retention of Your Personal Information
Dutra will retain your personal information for the time period reasonably necessary to achieve the purposes described in this Notice, or any other notice provided at the time of collection, taking into account applicable statutes of limitation and records retention requirements under applicable law. The criteria used to determine our retention periods include (i) for as long as we have an ongoing relationship with you, (ii) as required by a legal obligation to which we are subject, and (iii) as necessary to resolve any disputes or enforce our legal agreements with you.
Our Commitment Not to Discriminate
Dutra will not discriminate or retaliate against a job applicant for exercising their rights under the CCPA, including by denying you benefits or se

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