The job market for ship captains in the United States

There are currently an estimated 40,700 ship captains in the United States. The ship captain job market is expected to grow by 0.5% between 2024 and 2034.

How employable are ship captains?

CareerExplorer rates ship captains with a C employability rating, meaning this career should provide moderate employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 200 ship captains.

Are ship captains in demand?

Demand for ship captains is based in part on the expected increases in freight shipping and cruise ship tourism. Opportunities, not surprisingly, tend to be centred in coastal areas and near freshwater ports. In addition to openings with cruise lines and cargo shipping companies, ship captains may find employment with oil service companies, research organizations, regional ferry operators, national coast guards and navies, or with owners of private yachts. They may also consider land-based positions with shipping companies, marine insurance companies, and manufacturers of boilers or related machinery. The need to replace retiring captains or those who leave the occupation should produce some additional openings. Candidates significantly improve their chances of employment if they have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in marine transportation. In the United States, captains of passenger or cargo vessels are required to have two certifications: the Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). They must also complete a radar observer’s course and advanced courses in firefighting; and must pass a Coast Guard examination in navigation, safety seamanship, and the rules of operating a ship. Generally, ship captains complete an extended apprenticeship, which is often offered by the company employing them. Further to these education and training requirements, applicants for ship captain positions are subject to high regulatory and security requirements. As well, they must be prepared to spend extended periods of time away from home.

What’s the supply of ship captains?

The ship captain industry is concentrated in Louisiana, Florida, Texas

Ship Captain job market by state