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Barge Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Terral RiverService

BARGE WORKER

Blytheville, AR · On-site

Terral RiverService, Inc. is currently looking for dependable and hard-working barge cleaners for ... Must have and maintain a valid/current Drivers license. * Must have dependable transportation to ...

TerralRiver Service

BARGE WORKER

Blytheville, AR · On-site

Terral RiverService, Inc. is currently looking for dependable and hard-working barge cleaners for ... Must have and maintain a valid/current Drivers license. * Must have dependable transportation to ...

Terral River Service Inc

BARGE WORKER

Blytheville, AR · On-site

Terral RiverService, Inc. is currently looking for dependable and hard-working barge cleaners for ... Must have and maintain a valid/current Drivers license. * Must have dependable transportation to ...

Kirby Corporation

Barge Inspector

Channelview, TX · On-site

Barge inspections * Special transfer operations * Cargo stripping operations * Internal barge ... Active Driver's License. * Current Transportation Worker Identification Credential Card.

Kirby Corporation

Barge Inspector

Channelview, TX · On-site

Barge inspections * Special transfer operations * Cargo stripping operations * Internal barge ... Active Driver's License. * Current Transportation Worker Identification Credential Card.

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Channelview, TX

$21.50 - $25/hr

Must possess a valid and current merchant mariners document with a Tank Barge PIC endorsement under 46 CFR 12/20 et seq. and a current and valid driver's license. Education Requirements: * Must pass ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Channelview, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $25/hr

Must possess a valid and current merchant mariners document with a Tank Barge PIC endorsement under 46 CFR 12/20 et seq. and a current and valid driver's license. Education Requirements: * Must pass ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

Must possess a valid and current merchant mariners document with a Tank Barge PIC endorsement under 46 CFR 12/20 et seq. and a current and valid driver's license. Education Requirements: * Must pass ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

Must possess a valid and current merchant mariners document with a Tank Barge PIC endorsement under 46 CFR 12/20 et seq. and a current and valid driver's license. Education Requirements: * Must pass ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

Must possess a valid and current merchant mariners document with a Tank Barge PIC endorsement under 46 CFR 12/20 et seq. and a current and valid driver's license. Education Requirements: * Must pass ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

Must possess a valid and current merchant mariners document with a Tank Barge PIC endorsement under 46 CFR 12/20 et seq. and a current and valid driver's license. Education Requirements: * Must pass ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

Must possess a valid and current merchant mariners document with a Tank Barge PIC endorsement under 46 CFR 12/20 et seq. and a current and valid driver's license. Education Requirements: * Must pass ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

Must possess a valid and current merchant mariners document with a Tank Barge PIC endorsement under 46 CFR 12/20 et seq. and a current and valid driver's license. Education Requirements: * Must pass ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Channelview, TX

$21.50 - $25/hr

Must possess a valid and current merchant mariners document with a Tank Barge PIC endorsement under 46 CFR 12/20 et seq. and a current and valid driver's license. Education Requirements: * Must pass ...

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Barge Driver information

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$26

$38

How much do barge driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for barge driver in the United States is $26.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a barge driver?

Barge Drivers are professionals responsible for operating and navigating barges—large, flat-bottomed boats used to transport goods and materials on rivers, canals, and other waterways. They ensure safe movement by steering the vessel, following navigational routes, and managing cargo loading and unloading. Barge Drivers must also comply with maritime regulations, conduct routine vessel inspections, and often work as part of a crew. Their role is crucial for industries like construction, agriculture, and shipping that rely on waterborne transport. Training and licensure are typically required to become a Barge Driver.

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

To thrive as a Barge Driver, you need strong navigational abilities, knowledge of maritime regulations, and typically a valid commercial boat operator’s license or Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Familiarity with radar, GPS navigation systems, marine radios, and engine controls is essential for safe and efficient vessel operation. Attention to detail, good communication, and quick decision-making are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe transport, preventing accidents, and maintaining smooth operations on the water.

What are some common challenges faced by barge drivers during daily operations?

Barge drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating narrow or congested waterways, dealing with changing weather conditions, and ensuring the safe transport of heavy cargo. Coordination with crew members and communication with port authorities are essential to avoid delays and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, barge drivers must remain vigilant to prevent accidents and manage unexpected obstacles, such as floating debris or shifting river currents.

What is the difference between Barge Driver vs Tugboat Operator?

AspectBarge DriverTugboat Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL), maritime certificationsMaritime licenses, STCW certifications
Work EnvironmentRivers, canals, inland waterwaysHarbors, coastal areas, open water
Industry UsageFreight transport via bargesAssisting in maneuvering ships and barges

Both Barge Drivers and Tugboat Operators require maritime certifications and often hold similar licenses. Barge Drivers typically operate inland waterways and focus on freight transport, while Tugboat Operators work in harbors and coastal areas, assisting larger vessels. Despite differences in environment, their roles are interconnected in waterway logistics.

How do I get a job on a barge?

To become a barge driver, you typically need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with a passenger or tank endorsement, along with experience operating large vehicles or boats. Many employers require safety training, knowledge of navigation and cargo handling, and sometimes certifications in maritime safety or first aid. Gaining experience through related transportation or maritime jobs can improve your chances of employment in this field.

How much money do barge drivers make?

Barge drivers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the waterways they operate in. Many positions require a commercial driver's license (CDL) and knowledge of navigation and safety protocols. Overtime and on-call hours can also impact total earnings.
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What states have the most Barge Driver jobs?

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Barge Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Barge Driver job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,518 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

BARGE WORKER

Terral RiverService

Blytheville, AR • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Position Summary:
Terral RiverService, Inc. is currently looking for dependable and hard-working barge cleaners for our cleaning docks. Experience is preferred but not required.
Essential Job Functions:
Applicants must be able to work variable schedules. Job duties are as follows, but not limited to:
  • Securing barges
  • Handling fire hose
  • General labor (sweeping, shoveling, etc.)
  • Operating equipment (skid steer, backhoe, crane)
  • General maintenance
  • Maintaining required paperwork

Requirements
Basic requirements:
  • At least eighteen (18) years of age.
  • Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
  • Must have and maintain a valid/current Drivers license.
  • Must have dependable transportation to designated TRS locations, no exceptions.
  • Must be able to work various hours/holidays/weekends.
  • Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment background and drug screening.
  • OSHA 10 Certification is desired.

Physical Requirements
  • The employee must meet physical requirements including but not limited to, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing up/down ladders and stairs, negotiating uneven and moving surfaces.
  • Must be able to work in difficult conditions with exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, wind, heat, etc.).
  • Must be comfortable working barges.
  • Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and work at protected heights up to 40 feet.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Note:
This job description provides a general overview of the typical responsibilities and qualifications for a Barge Cleaner. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and industry standards.
About Terral RiverService, Inc:
Terral RiverService (TRS) is a Family owned business with a continually growing footprint of boats and barges throughout most of the inland waterway system of the US. We specialize in bulk storage, material handling, river, road and rail logistics along the Mississippi River system, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the inland waterways of Louisiana and southern Arkansas. With our growing fleet of push boats, river barges and modern dock operations strategically located throughout the Lower Mississippi River Valley, we are outfitted to transport, handle and store virtually any commodity needed in the marketplace. TRS has over 600 employees and has operations in multiple states.

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