10 of the Most Popular Types of First Mate Jobs in 2026
See what kind of roles similar to First Mate jobs are hiring now
A first mate is the second in command directly under the ship’s captain and is responsible for ship navigation and safety if the captain is unable to perform their duties. Professional training is available to become a certified first mate, including required exams in coast navigation and deck safety. Institutions like Maritime Professional Training offer courses and licensing exams. Professional experience is also needed; many first mates started as deckhands, crew members and second mates, dedicated to a career on a ship and working their way up the ranks.
If you are interested in a job related to First Mate, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.
Top Types Of First Mate Jobs
First Mate Mate
Salary range: $50,000 - $56,000
First Mate Mate is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for First Mate Mate jobs pay between $50,000 (25th percentile) and $56,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for First Mate Mate job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Relocation Provided Hospitality
Salary range: $44,000 - $82,000
Relocation Provided Hospitality is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Relocation Provided Hospitality jobs pay between $44,000 (25th percentile) and $82,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Relocation Provided Hospitality job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Ferry Mate
Salary range: $50,000 - $56,000
Ferry Mate is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Ferry Mate jobs pay between $50,000 (25th percentile) and $56,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Ferry Mate job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Uscg Captain
Salary range: $33,500 - $63,500
As a USCG captain, your responsibilities are to oversee the operation of a boat. You control and navigate your vessel, command crew members, and ensure safe operation. Your specific duties may vary depending on the type of boat that you operate and the captain’s license you obtain from the United States Coast Guard. You may operate fishing or commercial boats, vessels that transport passengers, or ferry boats. Captains with a USCG license can command boats in U.S. coastal waters, on the Great Lakes, and inland waters.
Port Captain
Salary range: $89,000 - $121,500
A port captain oversees the ships in a port to ensure they are ready for their voyages. As a port captain, your responsibilities include making sure you comply with all maritime safety protocols, crews are sufficient in size and qualifications, the proper equipment is on board, and the captain is doing their job properly. Your job is to see the smooth operation of the port and ensure that the ships in it are complying with safety and functionality requirements. Port captain is a very physical job, so in addition to having nautical expertise, you should be comfortable lifting heavy loads and working in inclement weather.
Mate Towing
Salary range: $36,000 - $50,000
Mate Towing is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Mate Towing jobs pay between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $50,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Mate Towing job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Airboat Captain
Salary range: $36,000 - $86,000
Airboat Captain is a typical job search query Most salaries for Airboat Captain jobs pay between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $86,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Airboat Captain job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Uscg Mate
Salary range: $50,000 - $56,000
Uscg Mate is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Uscg Mate jobs pay between $50,000 (25th percentile) and $56,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Uscg Mate job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Captain Mate
Salary range: $33,500 - $63,500
Captain Mate is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Captain Mate jobs pay between $33,500 (25th percentile) and $63,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Captain Mate job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Vessel Mate
Salary range: $50,500 - $69,000
Vessel Mate is a typical job search query Most salaries for Vessel Mate jobs pay between $50,500 (25th percentile) and $69,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Vessel Mate job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.