ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Barge Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Lindy Group

Inland Marine Boat Pilot

Monaca, PA

$44.96/hr

Assisting with marine construction activities including pile driving operations and barge crane ... The Boat Pilot is expected to operate vessels safely while supporting efficient marine construction ...

Brayman Construction

Union Boat Pilot

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$44.96/hr

The Boat Pilot will safely maneuver towboats and support vessels to position barges, floating ... Marine construction or barge fleet support experience preferred * Strong knowledge of river ...

Brayman Construction

Union Boat Pilot

Felicity, OH · On-site

$44.96/hr

The Boat Pilot will safely maneuver towboats and support vessels to position barges, floating ... Marine construction or barge fleet support experience preferred * Strong knowledge of river ...

Brayman Construction

Union Boat Pilot

Monaca, PA · On-site

$44.96/hr

The Boat Pilot will safely maneuver towboats and support vessels to position barges, floating ... Marine construction or barge fleet support experience preferred * Strong knowledge of river ...

Brayman Construction

Union Boat Pilot

Monaca, PA · On-site

$44.96/hr

The Boat Pilot will safely maneuver towboats and support vessels to position barges, floating ... Marine construction or barge fleet support experience preferred * Strong knowledge of river ...

Brayman Construction

Union Boat Pilot

Monaca, PA

$44.96/hr

The Boat Pilot will safely maneuver towboats and support vessels to position barges, floating ... Marine construction or barge fleet support experience preferred * Strong knowledge of river ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsBarge Pilot Jobs

Barge Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do barge pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for barge pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Barge Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Barge Pilot, you need strong navigation skills, knowledge of maritime regulations, and typically a U.S. Coast Guard license. Familiarity with radar, GPS systems, VHF radios, and electronic charting tools is essential for safe and efficient vessel operation. Excellent situational awareness, clear communication, and decision-making under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are critical to ensuring the safe transport of cargo, compliance with regulations, and effective coordination with crew and port authorities.

What are barge pilots?

Barge pilots are licensed professionals responsible for navigating and operating barges, which are flat-bottomed vessels used primarily to transport goods and materials along rivers, canals, and other inland waterways. They ensure the safe and efficient movement of the barge, manage the crew, and monitor weather and water conditions. Barge pilots must follow strict safety regulations and communicate with other vessels and port authorities. Their expertise is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring the timely delivery of cargo.

What is the difference between Barge Pilot vs Tugboat Captain?

AspectBarge PilotTugboat Captain
CertificationsRequired licenses for operating barges, such as Coast Guard licensesSimilar licenses, often including towing and vessel operation certifications
Work EnvironmentOperates on inland and coastal waterways, guiding bargesOperates tugboats, often assisting ships or barges in ports and waterways
Industry UsageCommonly employed in shipping, oil, and construction industriesUsed in shipping, port operations, and offshore industries

Both Barge Pilots and Tugboat Captains require similar licenses and work in maritime environments. Barge Pilots primarily guide large cargo or oil barges, while Tugboat Captains operate tugboats that assist in maneuvering ships and barges. Their roles are complementary but distinct within maritime operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Barge Pilots when navigating busy waterways?

Barge Pilots often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, strong currents, and heavy traffic from other vessels while navigating busy waterways. They must remain vigilant and adapt quickly to changing situations to ensure the safety of the crew, cargo, and vessel. Effective communication with other crew members and coordination with port authorities are crucial for timely and safe passage. Additionally, Barge Pilots need to stay updated on regulations and local navigational hazards, which can vary by region.
More about Barge Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Barge Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Barge Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Barge Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Barge Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Barge Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Barge Pilot jobs are:
Barge Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Barge Pilot job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Inland Marine Boat Pilot

PJ Dick-Trumbull-Lindy

Monaca, PA

$44.96/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Inland Marine Boat Pilot Trumbull-Brayman Joint Venture Montgomery Lock & Dam Project - Monaca, Pennsylvania Trumbull Corporation is seeking an experienced union Inland Marine Boat Pilot to support the Montgomery Lock & Dam Project in Monaca, Pennsylvania, a major U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) infrastructure project located on the Ohio River navigation system with an estimated 8-year duration. This is a long-term, full-time position responsible for operating project vessels supporting heavy civil construction activities. The Boat Pilot will operate towboats and support vessels used to position barges, floating cranes, and other marine equipment within an active inland river navigation pool. This position offers stable, long-term employment on a high-profile federal infrastructure project supporting the U.S.

inland waterway system. * -- Schedule & Compensation The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday - approximately 40 hours per week, with additional overtime available based on project needs and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement. This is a union position, and the successful candidate will become a member of the applicable Operating Engineers Local. Compensation includes: * Union wage starting at $44.96 per hour based on experience * Overtime pay * Medical / Prescription Drug Insurance * Dental Insurance * Vision Insurance * Pension Plan * Additional benefits provided through the collective bargaining agreement * -- Key Responsibilities The Boat Pilot is responsible for safely operating project vessels and supporting marine construction activities within an active inland river navigation pool. Responsibilities include: * Operating towboats and support vessels used for construction operations * Positioning and maneuvering construction barges, crane barges, and floating equipment * Assisting with marine construction activities including pile driving operations and barge crane work * Monitoring river conditions and coordinating vessel movements within the inland navigation system * Working closely with marine crews, deckhands, and equipment operators to support field operations * Ensuring safe vessel operation and compliance with USACE requirements and Coast Guard regulations * Performing daily inspections of vessels and marine equipment * Maintaining communication with project supervision and marine fleet personnel * Assisting with general marine operations and maintaining safe work areas * The Boat Pilot is expected to operate vessels safely while supporting efficient marine construction operations on the project. * -- Qualifications & Education * Minimum 5 years of experience operating towboats or similar inland marine vessels * Minimum 10 years of marine experience * Experience operating vessels within inland river navigation systems * Experience supporting marine construction operations or barge fleet movements preferred * Knowledge of river navigation practices, barge handling, and vessel positioning * Familiarity with lock and dam navigation procedures * Strong understanding of marine safety practices and navigation rules * Ability to work effectively with marine crews and construction personnel * Commitment to maintaining safe vessel operations * Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) or equivalent marine license required * Recent and verifiable work history required * -- Work Environment Work is performed on and around water within an active inland river navigation pool supporting heavy civil construction operations. Duties involve operating vessels and working aboard towboats, barges, and floating equipment in varying weather and river conditions. Individuals with Disabilities: PJ Dick-Trumbull-The Lindy Group wants all interested and qualified candidates to be able to use the career site to review and apply for employment opportunities.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access this site, please contact us for assistance at 412.807.2000 or email us at careers@pjdick.com. PJ Dick-Trumbull-The Lindy Group strives to create a diverse, safe, welcoming, and inclusive work environment in which all teams can excel. We are an Equal Opportunity and VEVRAA Federal Contracting Employer and welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates, including covered veterans, minorities, females, and people with disabilities. Our policy is clear: We do not discriminate based on any characteristic protected by law. To view our EEO policy, click here; to view our Section 503 and VEVRAA Affirmative Action Policy, click here.

Apply