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Boat Pilot Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

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 ...

genesis

Trip Pilot Marine Vessels Inland

Houston, TX · On-site

The Trip Pilot shall be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel and its tow, including, but not limited to the safe navigation and piloting of the vessel and its tow, the ...

genesis

Trip Pilot Marine Vessels Inland

Houston, TX · On-site

The Trip Pilot shall be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel and its tow, including, but not limited to the safe navigation and piloting of the vessel and its tow, the ...

genesis

Trip Pilot Marine Vessels Inland

Houston, TX · On-site

The Trip Pilot shall be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel and its tow, including, but not limited to the safe navigation and piloting of the vessel and its tow, the ...

genesis

Trip Pilot Marine Vessels Inland

Houston, TX · On-site

The Trip Pilot shall be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel and its tow, including, but not limited to the safe navigation and piloting of the vessel and its tow, the ...

Dynamic Aviation

King Air Captain

Edinburg, TX · On-site

Pilot-Captain position will be based out of Texas Job Purpose: This King Air 90 Captain role exists to provide single-pilot expertise to our Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) Operations based out of ...

Dynamic Aviation Group Inc

King Air Captain

Edinburg, TX · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Location Pilot-Captain position will be based out of Texas Job Purpose This King Air 90 Captain role exists to provide single-pilot expertise to our Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) Operations based ...

BUFFALO MARINE SERVICE INC

Wheelman

Houston, TX

The Master/Relief/Pilot is responsible for the crew's adherence to all United States Coast Guard ... Supervises the cleaning and maintenance of boat and tow; the loading, transport, and discharging of ...

BUFFALO MARINE SERVICE INC

Wheelman

Houston, TX · On-site

The Master/Relief/Pilot is responsible for the crew's adherence to all United States Coast Guard ... Supervises the cleaning and maintenance of boat and tow; the loading, transport, and discharging of ...

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Boat Pilot information

See Texas salary details

$50.8K

$134.7K

$251.5K

How much do boat pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for boat pilot in Texas is $134,653.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,200.00 and $214,300.00 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

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

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

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

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

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Cities in Texas with the most Boat Pilot job openings:

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

Boat Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Pilot job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $134,653 per year, or $64.7 per hour.

BOAT PILOT

Terral RiverService

Channelview, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Position Summary:
Terral RiverService, Inc. is currently looking for U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains/pilots for our fleets and line boats. Experience is preferred but not required. TRS has a very aggressive training program for intercompany advancement.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Commands pushboat.
  • Commands pushboat while towing barges, ships, rigs and other vessels into and out of harbors, estuaries, straits, sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water.
  • Responsible for crew safety, vessel and tow operations through use of Terral RiverService, Inc safety practices and policies.
  • Occasionally supervises or assists workers on deck to rig towlines.
  • Determines course and towing speed on basis of specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, tides and current.
  • Steers pushboat to push or pull vessels to destination and to berth and un-berth ships avoiding reefs, outlying shoals, and other hazards to shipping.
  • Utilizes navigation devices, such as radar, sonic depth finder, compass and sextant and other aids to navigation, such as lighthouses and buoys
  • Directs and occasionally assists in placement of suction hose or siphon to pump water from hold of barge
  • Directs and assists in performance of general maintenance work.
  • Ensuring all vessel personnel adhere to all U.S. Coast Guard and company policies
  • Occasionally supervises or assists in operation of all vessel equipment
  • Position is required to hold current license issued by U. S. Coast Guard as designated according to waters navigated and size of pushboat
  • Must perform other duties such as engineer, oiler, deckhand, and cook as required.

Requirements
Experience, Skills, and Education:
  • At least eighteen (18) years of age.
  • Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
  • Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a TWIC.
  • Must have a current USCG Master of Towing Vessel license or higher.
  • Have a Radar endorsement or Radar Certification
  • Be CPR & 1st Aid Certified
  • Have proficient computer skills to include E-mail, internet browsers, and navigational systems Knowledge of the Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland, Tenn-Tom, Tombigbee, Black Warrior, LMR, Red, Black, Ouachita, Atchafalaya, and/or GIWW rivers and waterways are highly preferred.
  • Must have dependable transportation to designated TRS locations, no exceptions. Must be able to work various hours/holidays/weekends.

Physical Requirements
  • Must pass "fit for duty" requirements upon job offer (pre-employment physical and drug test).
  • 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 aboard boats and 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 Boat Pilot. 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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