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Coast Guard Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 and company policies. The Master/Relief/Pilot navigates safely, supervises the crew, oversees safety ...

Canal Barge Company, Inc.

Vessel Pilot

Joliet, IL

Coast Guard license appropriate for the vessel, route, and service. While on watch and in the absence of the Master, the Pilot exercises the authority of the Master. II. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES 1. ...

Illinois Marine Towing

Vessel Pilot

Joliet, IL · On-site

Coast Guard license appropriate for the vessel, route, and service. While on watch and in the absence of the Master, the Pilot exercises the authority of the Master. II. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES 1. ...

Illinois Marine Towing

Vessel Pilot

Inland, NE · On-site

Coast Guard license appropriate for the vessel, route, and service. While on watch and in the absence of the Master, the Pilot exercises the authority of the Master. II. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES 1. ...

The Lindy Group

Inland Marine Boat Pilot

Monaca, PA

$44.96/hr

Ensuring safe vessel operation and compliance with USACE requirements and Coast Guard regulations ... The Boat Pilot is expected to operate vessels safely while supporting efficient marine construction ...

Brayman Construction

Union Boat Pilot

Cincinnati, OH

$44.96/hr

The Boat Pilot will safely maneuver towboats and support vessels to position barges, floating ... Coast Guard regulations * Communicate effectively with project supervision and marine fleet ...

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 ... Coast Guard regulations * Communicate effectively with project supervision and marine fleet ...

Brayman Construction

Union Boat Pilot

Monaca, PA

$44.96/hr

The Boat Pilot will safely maneuver towboats and support vessels to position barges, floating ... Coast Guard regulations * Communicate effectively with project supervision and marine fleet ...

Brayman Construction

Union Boat Pilot

Monaca, PA

$44.96/hr

The Boat Pilot will safely maneuver towboats and support vessels to position barges, floating ... Coast Guard regulations * Communicate effectively with project supervision and marine fleet ...

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 ... Coast Guard regulations * Communicate effectively with project supervision and marine fleet ...

United States Coast Guard

Boatswain's Mate

Yorktown, VA · On-site

$22 - $24.75/hr

... Coast Guard-funded educational opportunities that lead to an associate degree, bachelor's degree, or higher may be available. Related Civilian Jobs * Captain, Mate, or Pilot of Water Vessels

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Coast Guard Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do coast guard pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for coast guard 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 is a Coast Guard Pilot job?

A Coast Guard Pilot is a highly trained aviator responsible for conducting search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental protection, and homeland security missions. They operate fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters in challenging conditions to protect lives, enforce maritime laws, and respond to emergencies. Coast Guard Pilots undergo rigorous training at specialized flight schools and must meet strict physical and operational qualifications. Their duties include patrolling coastlines, coordinating disaster response, and providing aerial support for maritime operations.

What types of missions and responsibilities can I expect as a Coast Guard Pilot?

As a Coast Guard Pilot, you will be involved in a diverse range of missions, including search and rescue operations, maritime patrols, environmental response, and logistical support. Your daily responsibilities may include pre-flight planning, coordinating with ground and marine teams, and operating aircraft in challenging weather or emergency situations. You'll frequently collaborate with other Coast Guard units and government agencies to ensure mission success. The role often demands flexibility, quick decision-making, and a readiness to respond to urgent situations at any time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Coast Guard Pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Coast Guard Pilot, you need strong aviation skills, situational awareness, and a valid commercial or military pilot’s license, often accompanied by completion of Coast Guard flight training. Familiarity with advanced navigation systems, aircraft communication tools, and adherence to Coast Guard operational protocols is essential. Exceptional teamwork, decision-making under pressure, and clear communication stand out as key soft skills. These abilities are critical to ensure mission safety, effective search and rescue operations, and coordination with both crew and command structures.

More about Coast Guard Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Coast Guard Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Coast Guard Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Coast Guard Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Coast Guard Pilot jobs are:
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Coast Guard Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Coast Guard Pilot job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Wheelman

Wheelman

BUFFALO MARINE SERVICE INC

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

General Job Responsibilities
The Master/Relief/Pilot is the manager of the vessel including all attached barges. The Master/Relief/Pilot is responsible for the crew's adherence to all United States Coast Guard and company policies. The Master/Relief/Pilot navigates safely, supervises the crew, oversees safety programs, complies with rules and regulations pertaining to the towing of vessels and protects the environment. The Master/Relief/Pilot takes work assignments from the Operational Department. The Pilot backs up the Master, serving as supervisor when the Master is asleep and has management and supervisory responsibility while on watch. The Relief Captain serves as Pilot when the Master is on the vessel, and serves as the Master when the Master is at home. The Master/Relief/Pilot must be able to intercede and safely perform the essential functions of any job on the vessel to include the job tasks of a deckhand and Tankerman. The Master/Relief Captain/Pilot is responsible for the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally compliant operation of assigned area. Employee's key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Trains and supervises the crew in the safe and efficient performance of duties;
  • Evaluates performance of all crewmembers with river crews consisting of 7 to 10 members and canal crews consisting of 4 to 5 members;
  • Navigates in rivers or canals by properly using steering controllers, throttles, radar compasses, short wave radios, depth finders, loud hailers and other equipment to transport tow to a destination;
  • Uses radio communication and vision to navigate waterways, docks, locks, and other vessel traffic;
  • Supervises the cleaning and maintenance of boat and tow; the loading, transport, and discharging of cargo;
  • Adheres to company policies, United States Coast Guard and environmental regulations;
  • Acts as a company representative in the day-to-day dealings with customers at their facilities and with representatives of governmental agencies;
  • Acts as the on-site coordinator in emergencies;
  • On smaller vessels performs routine engine room maintenance such as changing oil, checking oil, and changing fuel filters.

Minimum Job Qualifications:
Applicant must be able to:
  • Navigate vessel safely by properly operating navigational controls, propulsion, engines, gears, mechanical and electrical equipment under various environmental conditions.
  • Read - read office updates, procedure manuals, safety memos, federal and state documents, manifests, and requisitions.
  • Write - keeps the vessel logs, completes checklists, and takes written exams as required by the company and/ or governmental agencies.
  • Interpret, understand and use maps and charts.
  • Communicate with Dispatcher, crewmembers, other Master/ Relief Captain/ Pilots, Port Engineers, Coast Guard Inspectors and others.
  • Direct crew to complete actions and follow regulations in a safe, efficient manner.
  • Resolve disputes among crewmembers.
  • Maintain morale of crewmembers.
  • Consider many conditions, including weather, vessel and waterway characteristics, traffic, and the abilities of the crew in the making of quick, effective decisions about navigation and the operation of the vessel.
  • Evaluate and treat minor medical conditions and injuries within the scope of his or her knowledge and abilities.
  • Remain calm during challenging situations and set the "tone" for the safe, positive, efficient functioning of all members of the crew.
  • Possess a United States Coast Guard Boat License and/ or marine document for vessel operated.
  • Possess a valid driver's license for operation of any of the company's vehicles.
  • Demonstrate leadership by persuading others to perform work because they want to do it.
  • Make good decisions, be dependable, be conscientious, and show initiative.
  • Pay attention to detail and be willing to adhere to orders, rules, and regulations.
  • Work as a team player-i.e., work with others and understand customer/ supplier wants and needs.
  • Be mentally and physically stable under pressure and withstand the stress associated with the job, including discomfort, unpredictable weather and potentially hazardous situations.
  • Work aboard vessel for prolonged periods according to work schedule for the vessel, for example: 20 days on and 10 days off or 14 days on and 7 days off.
  • Work shifts of 6-12 hours around the clock and work additional hours if necessary.
  • Maintain vigilance during 6-12 hour shift in the wheelhouse.
  • Willing to work, as operations require, including days.
  • Live in close quarters and be able to work away from home for long periods of time.
  • Be drug and alcohol free while on company property during course and scope of company business.
  • Pass USCG Physical and MRI Exam

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