10 of the Most Popular Types of Captain Jobs in 2026
See what kind of roles similar to Captain jobs are hiring now
Qualifications to become a boat or ship captain include a bachelor’s degree from a merchant marine academy with a focus on marine transportation, navigation, or a related field. Licensure and certification may vary due to the type of vessel, but typically include the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) from Homeland Security and a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). A captain usually starts as a crew member to gain the experience and skills needed to be the leader of a crew. Boat captains ensure the safety of all personnel and equipment, as well as the smooth operation of any tasks.
If you are interested in a job related to Captain, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.
Top Types Of Captain Jobs
100 Ton Crew Boat Captain
Salary range: $33,500 - $63,500
100 Ton Crew Boat Captain is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for 100 Ton Crew Boat Captain jobs pay between $33,500 (25th percentile) and $63,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for 100 Ton Crew Boat Captain job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Captains License
Salary range: $38,500 - $68,000
Captains License is a typical job search query Most salaries for Captains License jobs pay between $38,500 (25th percentile) and $68,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Captains License job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Boat
Salary range: $33,500 - $63,500
Boat is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Boat jobs pay between $33,500 (25th percentile) and $63,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for Boat job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Entry Level 100 Ton Crew Boat Captain
Salary range: $33,500 - $63,500
Entry Level 100 Ton Crew Boat Captain is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Entry Level 100 Ton Crew Boat Captain jobs pay between $33,500 (25th percentile) and $63,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Entry Level 100 Ton Crew Boat Captain job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Boat Deckhand
Salary range: $37,500 - $51,500
Boat Deckhand is a common job search query. Most salaries for Boat Deckhand jobs pay between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $51,500 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Boat Deckhand job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Ferry Captain
Salary range: $36,000 - $86,000
Ferry Captain is a typical job search query Most salaries for Ferry Captain jobs pay between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $86,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Ferry Captain job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
River Boat
Salary range: $33,500 - $63,500
River Boat is a common job search query. Most salaries for River Boat jobs pay between $33,500 (25th percentile) and $63,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for River Boat job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Launch Boat Driver
Salary range: $40,000 - $43,000
Launch Boat Driver is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Launch Boat Driver jobs pay between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $43,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Launch Boat Driver job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Private Boat Captain
Salary range: $33,500 - $63,500
Private Boat Captain is a typical job search query Most salaries for Private Boat Captain jobs pay between $33,500 (25th percentile) and $63,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Private Boat Captain job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Private Pilot
Salary range: $100,000 - $155,000
As a private pilot, you can use a private pilot license (PPL) to operate a non-commercial aircraft and fly yourself or passengers around. This is essentially the recreational level of flying, and private pilots often support community events through volunteer activities like taking children on short flights to help them experience the joy of flying. Private pilots are not allowed to charge passengers, transport freight for money, or perform any other tasks that could qualify as a job. To get paid for flying an aircraft, you need at least a commercial pilot's license, and many trainees obtain a private pilot license while working toward professional licensure.