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Entry Level Boat Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.

Deckhand

Smithland, KY · On-site

We're looking for an entry level deckhand to join our skilled boat crew. As a deckhand at Brennan ... Deckhand Responsibilities As a member of the Brennan crew, you'll report to the mate/pilot and ...

J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.

Deckhand

Finley, TN · On-site

We're looking for an entry level deckhand to join our skilled boat crew. As a deckhand at Brennan ... Deckhand Responsibilities As a member of the Brennan crew, you'll report to the mate/pilot and ...

J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.

Deckhand

Bloomsdale, MO · On-site

We're looking for an entry level deckhand to join our skilled boat crew. As a deckhand at Brennan ... Deckhand Responsibilities As a member of the Brennan crew, you'll report to the mate/pilot and ...

People also search for

All JobsEntry Level Boat Pilot Jobs

Entry Level Boat Pilot information

See salary details

$54.5K

$144.5K

$270K

How much do entry level boat pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 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 is the difference between Entry Level Boat Pilot vs Entry Level Marine Deckhand?

AspectEntry Level Boat PilotEntry Level Marine Deckhand
Required CertificationsBasic boating licenses, safety trainingSTCW certification, safety training
Work EnvironmentOperating boats, navigation tasksDeck maintenance, cargo handling
Employer & Industry UsageMaritime transport, fishing, tourismShipping companies, cruise lines, fishing
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Boat Pilots and Entry Level Marine Deckhands often share similar certifications and work environments within the maritime industry. While boat pilots focus on navigation and operating vessels, deckhands assist with maintenance and cargo. Both roles serve in maritime transport, fishing, or tourism sectors, making them common comparison points for job seekers entering the maritime workforce.

How do you become a boat pilot?

To become an entry-level boat pilot, you typically need to obtain a maritime license or certification, such as a Merchant Mariner Credential or a state-issued boating license, which involves passing written exams and demonstrating navigation skills. Gaining experience through on-the-water training or apprenticeships is also important, along with understanding safety protocols and operating vessels in various conditions.
More about Entry Level Boat Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Boat Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Boat Pilot jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Boat Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Boat Pilot jobs are:
Entry Level Boat Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Boat Pilot job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $144,531 per year, or $69.5 per hour.
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels (88K)

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels (88K)

U.S. Army

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

United States Army rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 468 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

Enlist as a Soldier into the United States Army and As a Watercraft Operator (88K), you’ll be responsible for navigation, cargo operations, and supervising other Soldiers on Army watercraft. As part of the piloting team, you’ll train in the basics of seamanship and vessel operations, using electronic positioning systems, handheld navigation devices, and traditional watch standing procedures. You’ll learn boat handling techniques, how to dock and undock vessels, drop and weigh anchor, interpret code signal flags, and send and receive messages via radio, beacon, and signal flag. Since safety is such an important part of this job, you’ll also learn emergency water survival, how to operate lifeboats, shipboard firefighting, and other emergency procedures. This is not a civilian contractor position.  
No experience necessary. Position is entry level.  
REQUIREMENTS:  
  • A U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Green Card.
  • 17 to 34 Years Old.
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Meet Tattoo Guidelines.
  • No Major Law Violations.
  • No Medical Concerns.
TESTING & CERTIFICATIONS:  
  • 42 Nationally Recognized Certifications Available.
  • 10 weeks of Basic Training.
  • 6 weeks of Advanced Individual Training.
  • 99 ASVAB Score: Mechanical Maintenance (MM).
SKILLS YOU'LL LEARN:  
  • Seamanship & Vessel Operations.
  • Electronics & Navigational Systems.
  • Maintenance & Repairs.
BENEFITS:  
Financial Benefits:  
  • Salary and Bonuses: Competitive base pay with potential for bonuses, including enlistment bonuses and re-enlistment bonuses.  
  • Retirement Plan: Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) similar to a 401(k), and a pension plan for those who serve 20 years or more.  
  • Special Pays: Extra pay for hazardous duty, special skills, and deployment.  
Healthcare:  
  • Medical Coverage: Comprehensive medical care for soldiers and their families through TRICARE.  
  • Dental and Vision: Access to dental and vision care services.  
Education:  
  • Tuition Assistance: Financial support for college courses while on active duty.  
  • GI Bill: Benefits for education and training programs, including the Post- 9/11 GI Bill.  
  • Student Loan Repayment: Assistance in repaying student loans.  
Housing and Living:  
  • Housing Allowance: Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to cover the cost of housing.  
  • On-Base Housing: Access to housing on military installations.  
  • Commissary and Exchange: Discounts on groceries and goods at military stores.  
Career and Training:  
  • Professional Development: Opportunities for leadership training and career advancement.  
  • Skill Training: Technical and tactical training in various fields.  
Family Support:  
  • Family Programs: Support services for families, including counseling and childcare.  
  • Relocation Assistance: Help with moving costs and finding housing.  
Retirement and Veterans Benefits:  
  • Pension: Lifetime monthly pension after 20 years of service.  
  • VA Benefits: Access to Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, including healthcare and home loans.  
Recreation and Leisure:  
  • Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR): Access to recreational facilities, sports programs, and leisure activities.  

What United States Army employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About US Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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