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Master Captain Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Mormac Marine Group Inc

Captain

Sault Sainte Marie, MI · On-site

CAPTAIN About Us Original Soo Locks Boat Tours is a family-oriented boat tour company that was ... Coast Guard Licensed as a Master of vessels at least 100 gross tons. * Transportation Worker ...

Journeyman Distillery

Event Utilities

Three Oaks, MI · On-site

ALWAYS A JOURNEYMAN, NEVER A MASTER * 'Good enough' isn't in our vocabulary. * We are committed to ... Clarify assigned tasks with Banquet Captain or Shift Leaders. * Complete closing duties before end ...

Wayne County Airport Authority

Firefighter

Detroit, MI · On-site

$89K/yr

... master degree) * Generous PTO (vacation, sick, holidays, other) no waiting period before use * 10 Kelly days annually Career Path Opportunities * Fire Lieutenant, Captain/Platoon, Captain/Training ...

6K Systems, Inc.

ROTC Instructor

Houghton, MI · On-site

$48K - $63K/yr

... master instructor badge nominations - Support Det, Region, and HQ inspections, operational ... of Captain with 6 years' experience in the U.S. Air Force Active Component or 10 years total ...

CCGI, Inc.

ROTC Instructor

Houghton, MI

$48K - $63K/yr

... master instructor badge nominations - Support Det, Region, and HQ inspections, operational ... of Captain with 6 years' experience in the U.S. Air Force Active Component or 10 years total ...

Journeyman Distillery

Event Lead

Three Oaks, MI · On-site

Work alongside the Banquet Captain to assist in the management of each event. All team members must ... ALWAYS A JOURNEYMAN, NEVER A MASTER * 'Good enough' isn't in our vocabulary. * We are committed to ...

All JobsMaster Captain JobsMaster Captain Jobs in Michigan

Master Captain information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$32

$66

How much do master captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for master captain in Michigan is $32.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $36.06 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 Michigan? For Master Captain jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Master Captain jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Master Captain jobs in Michigan are:
Master Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Master Captain job openings in Michigan 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 $67,658 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
Great Lakes Master (Captain)

Great Lakes Master (Captain)

Grand River Navigation Company

Traverse City, MI

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Description

Come Sail with us on the Great Lakes!

If you are looking to sail with us as part of our team, safety, efficient operations, a family-oriented environment, one of the best leave and rotation systems on the Great Lakes, unprecedented teamwork and some of the most talented colleagues in the industry are just some of the reasons you will enjoy a career with us!  

Our total rewards package is everything you receive as an employee and includes your income, paid travel to/from the vessel, healthcare benefits, retirement savings plans and work/life balance with best in class rotation.  Opportunities education and upgrade bonuses to support career growth at a pace that is right for each individual.

Grand River Navigation Company is the U.S. operating subsidiary of Rand Logistics Corporation. Together with our Canadian sister company, Lower Lakes Towing Ltd., we are one of the largest marine transportation service providers operating on the Great Lakes today with a combined fleet of 15 bulk freight vessel is service to over 50 customers across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.  

Responsibilities

  • The Master is in ultimate command and therefore responsible for their vessel.
  • The Master is responsible for the seaworthiness, safety, and security of the vessel, its equipment, cargo, and personnel.
  • The Master directly represents the Owners of the vessel in its operation
  • The Master is responsible for the Safe Navigation of the vessel
  • The Master is responsible for the compliance of all laws and regulations, including Co Policies
  • The Master is responsible to promote and encourage crew morale and their professional growth

Why Choose Grand River Navigation?

  • As an employee you are part of the Rand Logistics family where Teamwork and safety are a core value
  • Highly competitive wages and benefits
  • The best leave system in the industry
  • We pay for your travel to and from the vessel
  • Excellent Health and Retirement Benefits
  • Excellent safety record

Requirements

  •  Passport and allowed entry into the Canada
  • Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the USCG
  • Endorsement as Master of Self Propelled Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage upon the Great Lakes and Inland Waters (Minimum) 
  • First Class Pilot of Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage upon the Great Lakes between Duluth, Gary, Buffalo and Port Weller to Cape Vincent
  • Certification as Ship Security Officer
  • Transportation Worker Identification (TWIC) issued by TSA
  • Excellent communication and team work skills as well as the ability to multi-task

 Grand River Navigation 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 law. We also comply with Family Medical Leave Act and Employee Rights Employee Polygraph Protection Act. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf, chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf  

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