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Senior Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Essential Job Functions: * Assist Captain / Senior Captain with ferry operations as directed. * Greet passengers and collect payment. Verify reservations. * Sweep and wash decks along with other ...

Essential Job Functions: * Assist Captain / Senior Captain with ferry operations as directed. * Greet passengers and collect payment. Verify reservations. * Sweep and wash decks along with other ...

Essential Job Functions: * Assist Captain / Senior Captain with ferry operations as directed. * Greet passengers and collect payment. Verify reservations. * Sweep and wash decks along with other ...

Essential Job Functions: * Assist Captain / Senior Captain with ferry operations as directed. * Greet passengers and collect payment. Verify reservations. * Sweep and wash decks along with other ...

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Senior Captain information

See salary details

$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior captain jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior captain in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Captain vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectSenior CaptainCommercial Pilot
Required CertificationsAirline Transport Pilot (ATP) license, type ratingsCommercial Pilot Certificate, type ratings
Work EnvironmentAirline cockpits, scheduled passenger flightsCharter, cargo, or private flights
Employer & IndustryAirlines, commercial aviationCharter companies, cargo carriers, private operators
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Senior Captain typically holds an Airline Transport Pilot license and works for airlines, flying scheduled passenger routes. A Commercial Pilot may operate in various sectors like charter, cargo, or private flights, often with a Commercial Pilot Certificate. While both roles require pilot certifications, the Senior Captain usually has more experience and higher qualifications, focusing on airline operations, whereas the Commercial Pilot's scope is broader across different aviation services.

What are some common challenges a Senior Captain faces when managing a crew during long voyages?

A Senior Captain often encounters challenges such as maintaining crew morale, ensuring clear communication, and managing fatigue during extended periods at sea. They must also address unexpected operational issues, like adverse weather or mechanical problems, while making critical decisions to keep both the vessel and crew safe. Strong leadership and adaptability are essential in this role, as the Senior Captain is responsible for overseeing all aspects of ship operations and fostering teamwork among a diverse crew.

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

To thrive as a Senior Captain, you need extensive experience in navigation, vessel operations, and maritime safety, typically backed by an advanced maritime license and relevant sea time. Proficiency with electronic navigational systems, radar, communication tools, and compliance with international maritime regulations is essential. Leadership, decision-making under pressure, and effective communication are critical soft skills for managing crew and ensuring operational efficiency. These competencies are vital to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of vessels and to foster a cohesive and professional onboard environment.

What are Senior Captains?

A Senior Captain is an experienced professional who commands large vessels such as ships, aircraft, or operates in a leadership role in transportation or hospitality industries. They are responsible for overall safety, navigation, and management of the crew and passengers. Senior Captains often have many years of experience and advanced certifications, ensuring that operations run smoothly and according to regulations. Their leadership and expertise are crucial, especially in challenging situations or emergencies.
More about Senior Captain jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Captain jobs? Cities with the most Senior Captain job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Captain jobs? The most popular types of Captain jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Captain jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Captain job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% Full Time, 75% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.
Pilot - Senior Captain

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Wells Enterprises rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

146th of 380 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

The Senior Captain (Pilot) is responsible for the safe, efficient, and professional operation of company aircraft in a Part 91 corporate flight environment. This role serves as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) with final authority over assigned flights and is the most visible representative of the company to passengers. This position requires exceptional communication, technical expertise, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to safety, service, and professionalism.

Responsibilities Include:

Flight Operations & Safety

  • Serve as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) with final authority for aircraft operation and passenger safety
  • Plan and execute flights in compliance with FAA regulations, company SOPs, and international standards
  • Perform comprehensive flight planning, including routing, fuel optimization, weather analysis, and alternate planning
  • Evaluate conditions and make decisions to delay, reroute, or cancel flights as necessary
  • Maintain situational awareness and exercise sound judgment in all phases of flight

Aircraft Readiness & Compliance

  • Ensure aircraft is airworthy, properly maintained, and fully prepared for each flight
  • Conduct and oversee preflight inspections
  • Maintain compliance with FARs, NOTAMs, and operational limitations, including weight and balance
  • Ensure all required documentation and paperwork are accurate and complete

Crew Environment

  • Work effectively in a Co-Captain Environment
  • Ability to act as a mentor and trainer, supporting crew development and training requirements
  • Promote effective Crew Resource Management (CRM) practices
  • Focus on continuous improvement 

Passenger Experience & Service

  • Deliver exceptional customer service to passengers
  • Coordinate passenger requests (transportation, catering, baggage handling)
  • Ensure passengers receive required safety briefings
  • Maintain aircraft cleanliness, cabin readiness, and comfort standards

Operational Support

  • Assist with aircraft towing, fueling, cleaning, and hangar upkeep
  • Maintain hangar facilities (interior/exterior)
  • Participate in recurrent and company-required training
  • Support Safety Management Systems (SMS) 

Education & Certifications

  • Bachelors Degree in Aviation preferred. Required to have a commercial certificate with an instrument rating. Hold an airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate with appropriate type ratings.
  • Minimum of 10 years of flight experience, .
  • Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate required (or ability to obtain)
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating required
  • Type rating in Citation XLS+ (CE560XL) preferred
  • Current FAA First-Class Medical Certificate
  • Valid passport with ability to travel internationally

Experience

  • Minimum of 4000 total flight hours, 2000 hours multi-engine and 500 hours turbine. Hold a first-class medical certificate. Served as a safety officer or equivalent for a minimum of 1 year.
  • Knowledge of all Federal Aviation Regulations pertaining to Corporate flight operations Knowledge and ability to pass an instrument competency check in the category of aircraft to be flown. Knowledge of and meet all currency requirements regarding instrument flight time and night landings. Strong safety orientation with an in-depth knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS) Programs.

Knowledge

  • Extensive knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
  • Strong understanding of Safety Management Systems (SMS)
  • Expertise in aircraft systems, meteorology, and flight operations
  • Meets all currency and proficiency requirements

Skills

  • Strong crew leadership and decision-making abilities
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • High attention to detail and safety focus
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Abilities

  • Ability to work a flexible, on-call schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overnight trips
  • Ability to maintain professional demeanor with executive-level clientele
  • Ability to live within commutable distance (or within one hour) of Le Mars, IA
  • Ability to travel worldwide without restriction

Wells Enterprises is an EEO/AA employer M/F/Vet/Dis


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