Ship Captain Salary: How Much Do Captains Earn? 2026

Last updated: 23 October 2026

Ship captains are among the best-paid people at sea. A captain, officially called the master, is responsible for the ship, the crew, the cargo and every passenger on board. Pay depends on the type of ship, the company, the flag and where the captain is from. Here is what ship captains typically earn in 2026.

Figures are indicative ranges based on published industry pay data. Actual pay varies widely by company, contract and nationality.

Ship captain salary by ship type

Ship type	Typical monthly pay (while on contract)	Notes
Large container ship	$10,000–$17,000+	Big ships and big responsibility
Oil, gas or chemical tanker	$11,000–$18,000+	Often among the highest-paid
Bulk carrier	$8,000–$13,000	Varies by size and company
Cruise ship	$10,000–$20,000+	Senior captains of large ships earn the most
Ro-ro and car carrier	$9,000–$14,000
Ferry (UK and Europe)	Typically £60,000–£100,000 a year	Often shorter rotations, home regularly

Many deep-sea captains are paid in US dollars on contracts of several months, followed by time at home.

Cargo ship at twilight — Captains carry full responsibility for the ship, crew and cargo.

UK ship captain salaries

UK-based masters on UK and European contracts typically earn around £60,000–£120,000 a year, depending on the ship and company. Experienced captains on tankers, LNG carriers or large cruise ships can earn more.

Tax for seafarers

UK seafarers who spend long enough working outside the UK may qualify for the Seafarers’ Earnings Deduction, which can make their earnings free of UK income tax. The rules are detailed, so seafarers usually take specialist tax advice. See UK tax for expats for general residence rules.

Cargo ship at sunset — Most captains work rotations of several months on and off.

How to become a ship captain

Train as a deck cadet through a college and shipping company sponsorship, often 3 years.
Qualify as Officer of the Watch (third officer).
Gain sea time and certificates to become second officer, then chief officer (chief mate).
Earn your Master’s certificate (Master Mariner).
Get promoted to captain, usually after 10–15 years at sea.

Read more in cargo ship jobs and cargo ship crew roles.

What does a captain actually do?

Commands the ship and is legally responsible for it
Plans voyages with the navigating officer
Takes the ship in and out of port with pilots
Manages the crew and ship’s business with the company
Handles emergencies and safety drills
Welcomes passengers on ships that carry them

On a freighter voyage, you’ll eat with the captain and officers most days, and many captains are happy to show passengers the bridge. Read life on a container ship on the Atlantic.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a ship captain earn?

Deep-sea captains typically earn about $8,000–$18,000+ a month on contract, depending on the ship type.

How much does a container ship captain earn in the UK?

UK-based masters typically earn around £60,000–£120,000 a year.

Which ship captains earn the most?

Usually captains of tankers, LNG carriers and large cruise ships.

How long does it take to become a ship captain?

Usually 10–15 years from cadet to master.

Do seafarers pay UK income tax?

Some qualify for the Seafarers’ Earnings Deduction, which can remove UK income tax on their earnings.

Dine with the captain

Ask us about travelling as a passenger on a working cargo ship.

Get a voyage quote →

Author
Recent Posts

Follow Me

Steve Joury

Cargo trip advisor at Cargoholidays

Passionate about slow trip travel and sea. Steve know most shipping route and procedure to discover our beautiful world from sea on a container ship. He have been at most trips from 7 days on cargo travel to 140 days on board.