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Boat Pilot Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Guest Services, Inc.

Boat Captain

Dania Beach, FL · On-site

Our Tour Boat Captains pilot twin outboard 45' Corinthian Catamarans in Everglades Backcountry and Near Costal Florida Bay waters. Our Captains operate in strict compliance with USCG regulations and ...

Guestservices

Boat Captain

Dania Beach, FL · On-site

Our Tour Boat Captains pilot twin outboard 45' Corinthian Catamarans in Everglades Backcountry and Near Costal Florida Bay waters. Our Captains operate in strict compliance with USCG regulations and ...

Guestservices

Our Tour Boat Captains pilot twin outboard 45' Corinthian Catamarans in Everglades Backcountry and Near Costal Florida Bay waters. Our Captains operate in strict compliance with USCG regulations and ...

Marcurius

Trainee USV Pilot

Clearwater, FL · On-site

Complete the Marcurius USV Pilot training programme and achieve required internal operating ... Training and Development The training pathway may include maritime safety, small-boat handling ...

Eastern Dredging

Be Seen First

Marine Dredge & Barge Operator

Deerfield Beach, FL · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

The operator will pilot and position the barge while safely operating the crane, cutterhead ... Boat-captain credentials or significant boat-operating experience * Commercial Driver's License ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Fort Myers Beach, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Saint Augustine, FL

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Fort Lauderdale, FL

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Tampa, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Fort Myers Beach, FL

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Tampa, FL

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Saint Augustine, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Jacksonville, FL

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Saint Petersburg, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsBoat Pilot JobsBoat Pilot Jobs in Florida

Boat Pilot information

See Florida salary details

$40.7K

$108K

$201.8K

How much do boat pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for boat pilot in Florida is $108,007.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,700.00 and $171,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

Are marine boat pilots paid well?

Marine boat pilots typically earn competitive wages that vary based on experience, certification, and the type of vessels they operate. Salaries can range from moderate to high, especially for pilots working in busy ports or with specialized skills, and often include benefits due to the demanding nature of the job. Overall, the profession offers the potential for good compensation compared to many other maritime roles.

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.
More about Boat Pilot jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Boat Pilot jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Boat Pilot jobs in Florida are:

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For Boat Pilot jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Boat Pilot jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Boat Pilot jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Boat Pilot jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Boat Pilot job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Boat Pilot jobs in FL?

For Boat Pilot jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Boat Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Pilot job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $108,007 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Hawker 800XP - Captain - OPF

Alerion Aviation

Opa Locka, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Description
Alerion Aviation is looking for Captains to join our Hawker Fleet for Part 135/91 operation based out Opa-locka, FL (OPF).
As a Captain with Alerion Aviation you are highly motivated, extremely organized, service-driven, and safety minded. You will be responsible for conducting flights in accordance with the company's policy and procedures as well as within FAA regulations and guidelines.
Requirements
PIC Minimums:
  • Must have ATP License
  • 4000 Total Flight Time / 3000 PIC (all aircraft)
  • 3000 Multi Engine / 2000 PIC
  • 300 Instrument
  • Strong International experience preferred
  • Type rated on HS-125 or comparable aircraft preferred

Pilot Requirements
  • Current and valid First Class FAA Medical Certificate
  • Valid passport with the ability to travel internationally without restrictions
  • Valid U.S. driver's license
  • No accidents, incidents, or FAA violations within the last 5 years
  • Live within a 2 hour driving radius of the Palm Beach Airport (KPBI)
  • Must be able to read, write, fluently speak and understand the English language
  • Pass a DOT pre-employment drug test
  • Pass a TSA required fingerprint-based criminal history records check in compliance with TSA Security Program Standards and 49 CFR 1544.229 and 49 CFR 1544.230
  • Authority to work in the United States.

Alerion Aviation
Alerion Aviation is a boutique aircraft management company with one of the largest private fleets in South Florida. We specialize in hands-on service, personalized aircraft care, and a transparent, safety-first approach that has earned us Platinum Elite status - one of the rarest designations in private aviation.
Our team is what makes us different. With decades of collective experience, each member brings deep expertise, human-first, and total accountability to every client interaction. We offer:
• Medical: Company sponsors 100% premium for Employee and 50% premium for dependent on select plans
• Dental and Vision Plan options
• Group Life and AD&D
• Voluntary Life and AD&D
• 401(K) Retirement Plan and Match program
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Monthly Phone Allowance
• Employer Paid Known Crewmember Badging
• Flex Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Time

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