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Entry Level Barge Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Barge information

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$15

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How much do entry level barge jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level barge in Texas is $15.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level barge?

Entry level barge jobs involve working on barges, which are flat-bottomed boats used to transport goods on rivers and canals. These positions typically include roles such as deckhand or laborer, where workers assist with loading and unloading cargo, maintaining the barge, and performing general cleaning duties. No prior experience is usually required, but workers must be prepared for physically demanding tasks and long hours on the water. Safety training and a willingness to learn are important for success in these roles. Entry level barge jobs can be a starting point for a career in maritime or shipping industries.

What skills and qualifications are needed for an entry level barge?

To thrive as an Entry Level Barge Worker, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with safety protocols, marine equipment, and sometimes certifications like OSHA or TWIC are typically required. Dependability, strong teamwork, and attention to detail help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining operational safety and efficiency in challenging maritime environments.

What are common challenges faced by someone starting in an entry level barge position, and how can they be addressed?

Entry-level barge workers often encounter challenges such as adapting to long hours, physically demanding tasks, and working in varying weather conditions. It can also take time to become familiar with safety protocols and operating procedures on the water. To overcome these challenges, it's important to actively participate in training, ask questions, and learn from experienced crew members. Building good communication skills and maintaining a strong focus on safety will help new hires succeed and progress in their careers.

What is the difference between Entry Level Barge vs Entry Level Tugboat Operator?

AspectEntry Level BargeEntry Level Tugboat Operator
Required CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety Training, TWIC cardSTCW Basic Safety Training, TWIC card
Work EnvironmentStationary or slow-moving vessels, often in ports or inland waterwaysMoving vessels, navigating waterways, often in open water
Employer & Industry UsageShipping companies, port authorities, inland waterwaysMaritime shipping, port operations, offshore industries

Entry Level Barge roles typically involve working on stationary or slow-moving vessels in port or inland waterways, focusing on cargo handling and vessel maintenance. In contrast, Entry Level Tugboat Operators actively maneuver vessels in open water, requiring navigation skills. Both roles require similar certifications and are common in maritime industries, but they differ mainly in work environment and vessel operation type.

What are the most commonly searched types of Barge jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Barge jobs in Texas are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Barge jobs in Texas?

For Entry Level Barge jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Entry Level Barge jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Entry Level Barge job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Barge job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,820 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Fleet Boat Deckhand- Baton Rouge, LA

Kirby Corporation

Channelview, TX

$207/day

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Overview

 ***You MUST live within 45 minutes of Baton Rouge, LA to be eligible for this position***

Deckhands build tows by handling lines and cables to tie/untie barges and boats. Deckhands also perform scheduled vessel maintenance for tools and equipment, and perform general housekeeping duties as assigned by their supervisor.

 

***This is a deckhand position working on a fleet boat. This position does not follow the Tankerman Career Path.  Apply to the "Inland Deckhand" position if you are interested in becoming a tankerman.***

Those interested in working on a "live aboard" vessel that do not live within 45 minutes of Baton Rouge, LA, should apply to the "Entry Level Inland Deckhand" or "Intermediate & Experienced Inland Deckhand" Position.

Responsibilities

Deckhands will adhere to company safety policy and procedures, environmental rules and governmental regulation.

Deckhands work under the supervision of the Master or designate.

Basic Functions:

  • The schedule is either 14 days on/7 days off or 20 days on/10 days off. 12 Hours shifts working days and nights.
  • Attaches and removes line and cables to and from the vessel, barges, docks and locks. This involves carrying coiled lines, ratchets, rigging, cables or other equipment from line lockers, deck lockers, or Ability to use fire fighting equipment and spill containment equipment.
  • Cables to attachment sites, making attachments using manual or power winches to tighten lines or cables, and monitoring and adjusting lines and tension during towing, loading, discharging, locking or docking.
  • Unties and reties lines 4 to 8 times during loading and discharging in order to adjust for the changing height of the barge, relative to the height of other barges, the dock and the vessel.
  • Maintains vessel by performing scheduled maintenance and housekeeping such as sweeping, sougeing, chipping rusted metal, priming and painting.
  • Makes minor repairs such as tightening bolts, replacing fluid and air lines, hanging light bulbs, replacing equipment such as cables, winches, pumps and fan belts.
  • Uses tools such as hammers, fire axes, ratchets, hand winches, stripping pumps, needle guns and grinders with two hands.
  • Qualifications

    WORK CONDITIONS

    • The schedule is either 14 days on/7 days off or 20 days on/10 days off. 12 Hours shifts working days and nights.
    • Must be able to work in inclement weather outdoor, heat and cold.
    • Must be willing and able to attend paid required training on and off scheduled work time.
    • Must have reliable transportation and be able to drive to/from vessel location.

    COMPENSATION

    • $207/DAY, PLUS BENEFITS (MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION/401K, ETC.)

    QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

    • Valid TWIC card must be in hand prior to applying. Need a TWIC card? Apply here.
    • Must possess a valid driver's license
    • Must not have a DWI or DUI in the last three years
    • Must not have more than 2 moving driving violations in the last 3 years
    • Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard physical requirements (CG-719K) and as found in 46 CFR Part 10
    • Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard Chemical Drug Testing Programs for Vessel Personnel, as found in 46 CFR Part 10
    • Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard physical requirements
    • Must be able to pass company requirements of 46 CFR Part 197 Subpart C Benzene
    • Valid state issued birth certificate required.
    • Valid social security card required
    • Must be 18 years of age
    • Cannot have any criminal charges pending or be on probation
    • Must be able to meet standards of Criteria Skill Assessment (online)
    • Must be able to read and write English
    • Ability to understand written and verbal orders
    • Must not be color blind

    PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

    • Walk - Must be able to walk 2-3 miles per day
    • Step - Must be able to step 2ft vertical and 2ft horizontal
    • Reach - Must be able to extend arms fully throughout a normal range of motion both in a horizontal and vertical plane (i.e., throwing and catching lines)
    • Climb - Must be able to climb a 90 degree vertical ladder 25-30 feet, and carry weight while climbing
    • Grip/Hold/Pull - Must be able to grip, hold and pull 50lbs
    • Lift - Must be able to lift 75lbs.
    • Lift & Carry - Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs for approximately 350 feet
    • Vision - Color vision and eyesight must be sufficient to pass an eye test as required to obtain a merchant mariners credential. This requires an uncorrected vision of at least 20/200 in each eye corrected to 20/40 in each eye
    • Hearing - Must meet minimum standards, as per USCG requirements
    • Speech - Must be able to verbally communicate in the English language both in delivery and ability to be understood using handheld radios or other devices, as required
    • Smell - Must possess a sense of smell to be able to detect the presence of potentially dangerous vapors
    • Pulmonary Functions - Must pass a pulmonary function test with a minimum score of 75%
    • General - Must be able to enter and exit hatches/doorways quickly in case of emergency.
    • Equipment - Must be able to wear a negative or positive pressure respirator, PVC foul weather gear, personal flotation device, rubber gloves and boots. 
    • Ability to use firefighting / spill containment equipment
    Employment Type: OTHER