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Master Captain Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Victory Casino Cruises

Captain

Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site

Requires USCG license Unlimited Master . Daily 5-hour cruises. Flexible schedule. Home every night. Will assist relocation of eligible candidate. * Boat captains are responsible for checking the ...

Victory Casino Cruises

Captain

Cape Canaveral, FL

Requires USCG license Unlimited Master . Daily 5-hour cruises. Flexible schedule. Home every night. Will assist relocation of eligible candidate. * Boat captains are responsible for checking the ...

Beyel Brothers

Tugboat Captain

Merritt Island, FL · On-site

TUGBOAT CAPTAIN OCEANS W/MASTER OF TOWING ENDORSEMENT At Beyel Brothers, were dedicated to excellence in crane operations, rigging, heavy haulage, and marine transport. Our mission is to lead with ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Saint Augustine, FL

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Fort Myers Beach, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Tampa, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Saint Petersburg, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Saint Augustine, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Fort Myers Beach, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Port Canaveral, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Tampa, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Saint Petersburg, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Jacksonville, FL

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

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All JobsMaster Captain JobsMaster Captain Jobs in Florida

Master Captain information

See Florida salary details

$6

$27

$57

How much do master captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for master captain in Florida is $27.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $30.91 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 Florida? For Master Captain jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Master Captain jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Master Captain jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Master Captain jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Master Captain job openings:
Master Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Master Captain job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,009 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Airboat Captain

Wild Willy's Airboat Tours

Saint Cloud, FL • On-site

$18/hr

Part-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours is looking for an energetic, experienced Airboat Captain to join our crew for weekend, part-time work on beautiful West Lake Tohopekaliga.
This is not your average job — it’s a front-row seat to Florida’s wild side while leading unforgettable adventures for guests from all over the world.

What You'll Be Doing:
  • Safely operating an airboat on one-hour guided tours.
  • Sharing fun facts and local knowledge about Florida wildlife and ecosystems.
  • Creating an exciting, engaging, and memorable experience for every guest.
  • Performing general airboat maintenance (oil changes etc) and routine safety checks.
  • Ensuring all passengers feel safe, comfortable, and entertained.
  • Representing Wild Willys with professionalism, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude.

What Were Looking For:
  • Valid Master Captain License.
  • A true love for the outdoors, wildlife, and Florida waterways.
  • Friendly, outgoing personality while talking with guests.
  • Comfortable with basic mechanical maintenance and troubleshooting.
  • Reliable and available to work weekends.
  • Safety-minded with excellent situational awareness.

Why You'll Love This Job:
  • Work outdoors instead of behind a desk.
  • Get paid to share your passion for airboats and wildlife.
  • Fun, fast-paced environment with happy guests.
  • Join one of the most-reviewed airboat tour companies in the world.
  • Competitive pay + tips.

If you’ve got the license, the skills, and the passion — and you want a job that feels more like an adventure — we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and come run the lake with Wild Willy’s!