1

Barge Driver Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Captain

Portland, OR

$780 - $875/hr

... barge maintenance activities. * Prepare written reports per company and regulatory agency directives. * Check and approve all requisitions and work orders. * Valid state driver's license. * Must be ...

Captain

Portland, OR · On-site

$875/wk

... barge maintenance activities. * Prepare written reports per company and regulatory agency directives. * Check and approve all requisitions and work orders. * Valid state driver's license. * Must be ...

... barge loaders, including night meals as requested. 10. Assist in performing deck work and line ... Valid driver license 7. Food Handler certificate 8. One year documented cooking experience ...

... barge loaders, including night meals as requested. 10. Assist in performing deck work and line ... Valid driver license 7. Food Handler certificate 8. One year documented cooking experience ...

... barge loaders, including night meals as requested. 10. Assist in performing deck work and line ... Valid driver license 7. Food Handler certificate 8. One year documented cooking experience ...

Barge Driver information

See Oregon salary details

$14

$27

$41

How much do barge driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for barge driver in Oregon is $27.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.43 and $29.47 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.

What are popular job titles related to Barge Driver jobs in Oregon?

For Barge Driver jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Barge Driver jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Barge Driver jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Barge Driver jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Barge Driver job openings:

Infographic showing various Barge Driver job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,641 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

$780 - $875/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Centerline Logistics rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Responsible for the safe transportation of the assigned barge(s) and for the safety of the cargo, vessel(s), and crew. Required to perform administrative and supervisory functions.


  • Stands wheelhouse watches underway.
  • Direct crew in performance of drills.
  • Determine the need for and assign lookouts as necessary.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and company policies and regulations.
  • Prepare, monitor, and update vessel work lists and maintenance schedules.
  • Assign work projects for crew.
  • Ensure all crewmen are performing their duties.
  • Purchases food for crew.
  • Prepare material requisitions and monitor usage of supplies.
  • Other duties as assigned.

  • Previous experience as a captain onboard a tug.
  • Must have a valid Coast Guard license with a radar observer endorsement.
  • Must have a valid first aid/CPR certificate.
  • Complete HAZWOPER training within 90 days of hire.
  • Possess a towing endorsement that qualifies you to tow oil barges.
  • Must be able to direct, evaluate, and correct performance of subordinates.
  • Must be capable of training mate and deck hand in the safe performance of their duties.
  • Must be able to fairly evaluate subordinates.
  • Ability to learn and make application of safety awareness, injury prevention, and firefighting.
  • Conduct inspections and monitor tug/barge maintenance activities.
  • Prepare written reports per company and regulatory agency directives.
  • Check and approve all requisitions and work orders.
  • Valid state driver's license.
  • Must be able to read, speak, and understand English over telephone and/or radio.
  • Work aboard boats and barges using pike poles, heavy lines, winches, mechanical tools for repairs.

  • Must be able to work independently and without direct supervision.
  • Exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, heat, wind, heavy seas, etc.)
  • Must not be afraid of heights.
  • Ability to get along with crew members in confined quarters for prolonged periods of time.
  • Must be able to perform the functions set forth in the attached job analysis and physically fit enough to pull heavy lines/hoses, lift, carry heavy items, climb onto barges and up and down ladders, and bending and twisting during boat/barge tie up.

  • Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules (two weeks on and two weeks off) and hours.
  • Able to work weekends, holidays, and at night.

Centerline Logistics is a leading provider of marine transportation services in the United States. Centerline Logistics operates on the United States West Coast (including Alaska and Hawaii), US East Coast (including Puerto Rico), the U.S. Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River System. Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship assist, the transportation of general cargo and rescue towing. Centerline Logistics is the parent company of eight businesses specializing in marine services and a bulk liquids terminal business. Centerline Logistics provides accounting, administrative, human resources, safety and environmental services, as well as operational oversight to the subsidiary companies.

Centerline Logistics offers competitive benefit and compensation packages. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity and Drug Free Work place. Pre-employment drug testing is required.


What Centerline Logistics employees say

Pay

Benefits

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom