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Barge Boat Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

American Commericial

Trip Pilot

Jeffersonville, IN · On-site

Trip Pilot American Commercial Barge Line is seeking skilled individuals to join our team and play ... Must be able to ride in or pilot a crew boat or zodiac to get to/from towing vessel. * Must be able ...

Archer Daniels Midland

$245/day

ADM is seeking a laborer to work as a deckhand under the direction of a Captain on a tug boat at ... Assisting barge cleaners, mechanics, and welders may also be required * Assist the captain with ...

ADM

Fleet Deckhand - Mt. Vernon, IN

Mount Vernon, IN

$245/hr

ADM is seeking a laborer to work as a deckhand under the direction of a Captain on a tug boat at ... barge cleaners, mechanics, and welders may also be requiredAssist the captain with required vessel ...

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Barge Boat information

See Indiana salary details

$8

$17

$24

How much do barge boat jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for barge boat in Indiana is $17.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a barge boat?

Barge boats are flat-bottomed vessels primarily designed to transport heavy goods and materials along rivers, canals, and other inland waterways. They are commonly used for moving bulk items such as coal, grain, sand, or construction materials, and can be either self-propelled or towed by tugboats. Barge boats play a crucial role in the shipping industry because they offer an efficient, cost-effective way to move large quantities of cargo over long distances. Their shallow draft makes them ideal for navigating shallow waters where larger ships cannot go. In some regions, barge boats are also used for housing, tourism, or recreation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a barge boat operator?

To thrive as a Barge Boat Operator, you need a valid merchant mariner credential, knowledge of navigation, cargo handling, and safety regulations, often gained through formal training or apprenticeship. Familiarity with marine communication devices, GPS systems, and barge-specific equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are important soft skills for ensuring smooth operations and responding effectively to challenges on the water. These skills and qualifications are critical for safe, efficient transport of goods and compliance with maritime laws.

What are some common challenges faced by barge boat operators, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Barge boat operators frequently encounter challenges such as navigating through varying weather conditions, managing long or irregular work hours, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. New hires can prepare by familiarizing themselves with maritime safety protocols, building strong communication skills for effective teamwork, and maintaining adaptability for changing schedules. Gaining hands-on experience and staying updated with industry best practices can help ease the transition into this demanding but rewarding role.

What is the difference between Barge Boat vs Tugboat?

AspectBarge Boat
CredentialsTypically no formal licensing required; crew may need safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOperates on inland or coastal waterways, often stationary or slow-moving
Industry UsageUsed for transporting bulk goods, construction materials, or equipment
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for their roles in waterway transport and cargo movement

While both Barge Boats and Tugboats operate on waterways, Barge Boats are primarily used for carrying cargo and are often stationary or slow-moving, whereas Tugboats are designed to tow or push barges and other vessels. Tugboats are equipped with powerful engines and are essential for maneuvering large loads, while Barge Boats focus on cargo transport without significant propulsion capabilities. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right vessel for specific maritime tasks.

How do you get a job on a barge boat?

To get a job on a barge boat, candidates typically need relevant maritime or industrial experience, such as deckhand or engineer roles, and often require certifications like STCW or OSHA safety training. Applying through maritime staffing agencies, job boards, or directly contacting companies that operate barges can help find opportunities; physical fitness and the ability to work in confined environments are also important.

How much do you get paid to drive a Barge Boat?

Barge boat captains and crew members typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the vessel. Salaries can vary based on certifications, such as a Merchant Mariner Credential, and the complexity of the waterways navigated.
Barge Boat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Barge Boat job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $37,037 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Line Haul Towboat Pilot

Evansville Marine Service

Evansville, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Make and break tow for customer vessels and other EMS boats.

  • Pick up and deliver barges to and from customer docks.

  • Conduct daily safety inspections of the vessel's firefighting and lifesaving equipment, and perform daily safety inspections of equipment and vessel structure.

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Responsible for the overall safety of the towing vessel.
  • Responsible for aiding in the safety of all coworkers.
  • Report any and all hazardous or unsafe conditions and making corrections when able.
  • Make and break tow for customer vessels and other EMS boats.
  • Pick up and deliver barges to and from customer docks.
  • Perform daily inspection of the vessels firefighting and lifesaving equipment.
  • Participate in all drills and safety meetings.
  • Learn and perform assigned duties in emergency situations.
  • Learn when to use PPE and know the right type(s) to use for any task.
  • Ordering stores and supplies on a regular basis.
  • Taking on fuel, water, oil, etc.
  • Provide continuous training for other new hires and Job Corps trainees.
  • Conduct daily safety inspections of equipment and vessel structure, including walking and visually inspecting the exterior of each deck, the engine room, the wheelhouse, and any other areas of the vessel that are critical to the safety of the vessel and the crew.
  • Assist new crewmembers on tow for training purposes, including donning PPE, which may include a personal flotation device (PFD), as well as eye protection, face protection, splash protection, foot protection, hearing protection, or hand protection, depending on the task.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Speak, read, and write English well enough to maintain vessel logs, read training materials, and follow written instructions.
  • Climb at least 3 sets of stairs or ladders in short succession (from wheelhouse to engine room).
  • Hear and respond to radio communications with significant background noise.
  • Lift, pull, push, and carry ship's stores, vessel's rigging and other equipment up to 70lbs over distances of up to 1000'.
  • Perform general vessel maintenance in tight quarters, including stooping, crouching, and crawling while using hand tools and power tools.
  • Routinely walk and maintain balance across uneven, slippery, or unstable surfaces without assistance
  • Step over high doorsills, bullrails, and other structural obstacles.
  • Walk up or down a ramp with an incline of up to 10° (17% grade), and length up to 100'

EMERGENCY DUTIES
In addition to the routine physical standards above, a Pilot may face emergency situations that require brief but intense physical activity during drills and training. As mariners, we are our own First Responders, and must be able to:
  • Participate in drills that may include carrying firefighting equipment up several flights of stairs, retrieving objects from the water, and carrying dewatering pumps in a short amount of time.
  • Assist an injured person from a barge to the boat.
  • Carry a 40lb extinguisher up one or more flights of stairs.
  • Crawl on all fours across steel decking to escape a smoke-filled area.
  • Extract an unconscious person from a vessel in distress.
  • Hear, and rapidly respond to, alarms, bells, and whistles.
  • In short succession, carry a 50lb de-watering pump, carry a 5g gas can, and carry accompanying hoses (20-30lbs each);
  • Set up and start the de-watering pump and effectively operate a firehose under high pressure.
  • Retrieve an unconscious adult from the water and onto the boat.
  • Throw a 5lb ring buoy at least 25' and retrieve it with an adult attached.
  • Unface and face-up the boat alone to retrieve unconscious or immobile victims from the water or from a barge.

This list is not exhaustive. Pilots are expected to perform any duties required of them to ensure the safe operation of the vessel to which they are assigned, and those duties may include assisting other teams at EMS as needed.
Requirements
  • Applicants must possess a valid Merchant Mariner's Credential with a Western Rivers endorsement, a valid Medical Certificate, a valid TWIC card, and at least a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Permit.
  • Applicants must meet the Physical Requirements and be able to perform the Emergency Duties itemized above.
  • Applicants must have reliable transportation to and from work.
  • Applicant must be able to pass a pre-employment DOT 5-panel Urine Drug Test.

Apply