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Boat Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SunCoke Energy

Boat Pilot

Lisle, IL · On-site

Boat Pilots are responsible for the safe operation of tugboats, managing the vessel and crew, handling loaded and empty barges, and maintaining fleets. Pilots must stay in constant communication with ...

CRH

Boat Pilot

Belpre, OH · On-site

Boat Pilot AMAT Belpre, Ohio, United States Job ID: 526104 The Shelly Company, a CRH company, is a vertically integrated supplier of aggregates, asphalt, ready mix concrete and paving services ...

CRH

Boat Pilot

Belpre, OH · On-site

Position Overview The Boat Pilot will be responsible for operating a tow boat to position and move barges along the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers, as well as other miscellaneous work that needs to be ...

Ergon, Inc

Fuel Boat Pilot

East Alton, IL · On-site

Fuel Boat Pilot Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply, Inc., has an opening for a Fuel Boat Pilot at its Wood River, IL, location. If you are a hard-working person who enjoys helping others and taking ...

Ergon, Inc

Fuel Boat Pilot

East Alton, IL · On-site

Fuel Boat Pilot Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply, Inc., has an opening for a Fuel Boat Pilot at its Wood River, IL, location. If you are a hard-working person who enjoys helping others and taking ...

Ergon, Inc

Fuel Boat Pilot

East Alton, IL · On-site

Fuel Boat PilotErgon Marine & Industrial Supply, Inc., has an opening for a Fuel Boat Pilot at its Wood River, IL, location.If you are a hard-working person who enjoys helping others and taking pride ...

The Lindy Group

Inland Marine Boat Pilot

Monaca, PA

$44.96/hr

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 ...

Terral RiverService

BOAT PILOT

Channelview, TX · On-site

This provides a general overview of the typical responsibilities and qualifications for a Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and industry ...

Terral River Service Inc

BOAT PILOT

Lettsworth, LA

This provides a general overview of the typical responsibilities and qualifications for a Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and industry ...

TerralRiver Service

This provides a general overview of the typical responsibilities and qualifications for a Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and industry ...

Terral RiverService

BOAT PILOT

Lettsworth, LA · On-site

This provides a general overview of the typical responsibilities and qualifications for a Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and industry ...

Terral River Service Inc

BOAT PILOT

Channelview, TX

This provides a general overview of the typical responsibilities and qualifications for a Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and industry ...

TerralRiver Service

BOAT PILOT

Channelview, TX · On-site

This provides a general overview of the typical responsibilities and qualifications for a Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and industry ...

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Boat Pilot information

See salary details

$54.5K

$144.5K

$270K

How much do boat pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for boat pilot in the United States is $144,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $230,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by boat pilots during daily operations?

Boat Pilots often encounter challenges such as navigating in adverse weather conditions, managing vessel traffic in busy waterways, and ensuring compliance with local maritime regulations. They must also maintain clear communication with crew members and port authorities to ensure safe docking and undocking procedures. Adapting to rapidly changing environmental factors and making quick decisions are crucial aspects of the role.

What does a boat pilot do?

A boat pilot operates a shipping vessel that may serve in several capacities, from transporting goods to ferrying passengers through areas where a captain may not have local knowledge for navigation. In this career, you usually work for a port or dock instead of a particular ship. Your duties may take you aboard a variety of boats throughout a day, making familiarity with basic operation imperative. Excellent communication between both the shore dispatchers and the crew is vital. To succeed as a boat pilot, you need exceptional knowledge of the hazards, currents, and tides of the harbor at which you work.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a boat pilot?

To thrive as a Boat Pilot, you need strong navigational skills, maritime knowledge, and relevant licensure such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) or pilot's license. Familiarity with navigation systems like GPS, radar, and electronic chart display systems is essential, along with knowledge of maritime safety regulations. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and clear communication are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure safe vessel operation, compliance with regulations, and effective teamwork in dynamic maritime environments.

What is the difference between Boat Pilot vs Marine Deckhand?

AspectBoat PilotMarine Deckhand
CredentialsCommercial boating license, navigation trainingBasic maritime safety certifications, physical fitness
Work EnvironmentOperates vessels, navigates waterwaysAssists with vessel maintenance, cargo handling
Employer & IndustryMaritime companies, shipping, ferriesShipping companies, cruise lines, fishing industry

Boat Pilots are responsible for navigating and operating vessels, requiring navigation licenses and specialized training. Marine Deckhands assist with vessel maintenance and cargo, often with basic safety certifications. While both roles work in maritime environments, Boat Pilots have more responsibility for navigation and vessel operation, whereas Marine Deckhands support daily vessel functions.

How hard is it to become a boat pilot?

Becoming a boat pilot requires obtaining relevant licenses or certifications, which involve passing written exams, practical tests, and gaining maritime experience. The process can take several years, depending on the type of vessel and jurisdiction, and often requires strong navigation skills and knowledge of safety regulations.

What is a boat pilot?

Boat Pilots, also known as maritime pilots or harbor pilots, are skilled professionals who navigate ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbors, rivers, or canals. They possess expert knowledge of local waterways and assist a ship's captain by boarding vessels and providing guidance to ensure safe passage. Their work is crucial in preventing accidents and protecting both the vessel and the surrounding environment. Boat Pilots often work for port authorities or pilot associations and must hold specialized licenses.

Is there a demand for boat pilots?

The demand for boat pilots is generally steady in industries such as shipping, maritime transportation, and port operations, especially in regions with busy waterways. Employment opportunities often depend on economic activity, port traffic, and the need for specialized navigation skills, with certifications like a pilot license being essential for many positions.

How much do boat pilots make?

Boat pilots, also known as marine pilots, typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of vessels they pilot. They often work long hours and require specialized certifications and knowledge of local waterways. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of the navigation and the employer.
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Boat Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $144,531 per year, or $69.5 per hour.

Boat Pilot

SunCoke Energy

Lisle, IL • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

SunCoke Energy rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description

Job Summary:

Boat Pilots are responsible for the safe operation of tugboats, managing the vessel and crew, handling loaded and empty barges, and maintaining fleets. Pilots must stay in constant communication with deckhand, dockhand, barge loader and/or traffic department for line-up requirements. Other duties include maintenance of the boat and housekeeping. Pilots must perform pre-shift inspections and comply with all Coast Guard regulations.

- Must be capable of occasionally lifting up to 100 pounds,

- Must possess a valid pilot's license issued by the coast guard.

- Must possess a valid TWIC card.

- Must be willing to deck for other pilots if necessary

- Must perform other duties as assigned.

Boat Pilot Schedule: 7 days on 2 days off, 7 nights on 5 days off. Shifts are 12 hours


Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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