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Entry Level Tug Boat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Curtin Maritime is committed to creating a high paying career path for our entry level employees. Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand ...

Curtin Maritime is committed to creating a high paying career path for our entry level employees. Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand ...

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Curtin Maritime is committed to creating a high paying career path for our entry level employees. Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand ...

$448/day

As the Able Seaman, you will work on a vessel and as a entry-level deckhand of a cargo vessel with ... Clean the tug and barges. * Assist with the handling of fuel and freight. * Act as lookout and ...

The Ordinary Seaman holds a position as entry-level deckhand with additional duties in the engine ... Cleans the tug and barges and assists with the handling of fuel and freight. * Act as lookout and ...

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Entry Level Tug Boat information

See salary details

$25K

$47.8K

$68.5K

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

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level tug boat in the United States is $47,831.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level tug boat crew members, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

Entry-level tug boat crew members often face challenges such as adapting to shift work, performing physically demanding tasks in various weather conditions, and quickly learning safety protocols. New hires can best prepare by maintaining good physical fitness, familiarizing themselves with basic maritime safety procedures, and developing strong teamwork and communication skills. Proactively asking questions and seeking mentorship from experienced crew members can also make the transition smoother and help build confidence on board.

What is the difference between Entry Level Tug Boat vs Entry Level Marine Deckhand?

AspectEntry Level Tug BoatEntry Level Marine Deckhand
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, TWIC cardSTCW Basic Safety, TWIC card
Work EnvironmentHarbor, port, and coastal watersHarbor, port, and coastal waters
Industry UsageMaritime transportation, shippingMaritime transportation, shipping
Job FocusOperating tug boats, assisting shipsGeneral deck duties, cargo handling

Both roles require similar certifications and work in maritime environments, often within the shipping and port industries. The main difference is that Entry Level Tug Boat positions focus on operating tug boats to assist larger vessels, while Entry Level Marine Deckhands perform broader deck duties. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right entry point in maritime careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Tug Boat Crew Member, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Tug Boat Crew Member, you need basic seamanship knowledge, physical fitness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with marine safety equipment, deck machinery, and sometimes certifications like a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication help ensure safe and efficient vessel operations. These skills are vital for maintaining safety, supporting navigation, and contributing to smooth tugboat operations in demanding maritime environments.

What are entry level tug boat jobs?

Entry level tug boat jobs typically involve working as a deckhand or crew member on a tug boat, assisting with docking, undocking, towing, and general vessel maintenance. These positions require physical labor, attention to safety protocols, and a willingness to work in various weather conditions. Entry level roles are a great way to gain experience in the maritime industry and can lead to more advanced positions with additional training and certification.
More about Entry Level Tug Boat jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Tug Boat jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Tug Boat job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Tug Boat jobs? The most popular types of Tug Boat jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Tug Boat jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Tug Boat jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Tug Boat jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Tug Boat jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Tug Boat job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,831 per year, or $23 per hour.
Deckhand Trainee

$100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Curtin Maritime is looking for the next generation of seafaring innovators!


Paid training for your career development!

Work 6 months a yearwhile earning$80,000k+once you reach Deckhand/Mate/Captain Level! As your experience grows, so does your pay. Many of our crew members make well over $100k each year (while working only part of the year).


Who we are:

Curtin Maritime is an industry disruptor creating great changes by our core values of; efficiency, innovation and integrity. We are a young company experiencing a rapid growth that is looking to expand while still maintaining our small company values. We are known as a industry leader with high quality and well maintained tugs, barges, and cranes. Our team provides customers with a complete suite of maritime solutions, allowing us the great opportunity to work on unique projects in some of the most amazing locations on earth.


What we're looking for:

Curtin Maritime is committed to creating a high paying career path for our entry level employees. Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand to captain, operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside), welding and building equipment, or as an engineer on tug, barge, or crane. Curtin Maritime pays for all professional development and training for its employees, and encourages growth and upward movement for all crew. We're looking to hire the best and the brightest talent, folks that are looking for long term career, not a job.


Where we work:

Our headquarters are in the Port of Long Beach, and most entry level employees are based there. Entry level employees work Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m. -4:00 p.m. Our crews have the great privilege of serving our customers from some of the greatest locations, primarily: the Pacific Northwest, the Gulf of Mexico, the Hawaiian Islands, the coast of California, and the remote islands of the Pacific Rim. Some of our crew work a set schedule of 30 days on, 30 days off, others work Monday-Friday, MUST be ready to travel as needed.


A Disclosure:

The work is hard, the hours are long. The travel (while exciting at first) can be draining. A career at Curtin Maritime will be the most demanding thing you've ever done. It will also be the most rewarding and fulfilling.


What we offer:

  • Competitive Compensation
  • Generous benefits package including:
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Short-term Disability
    • AD&D/Life Insurance
    • 401k (with company match)
    • Additional option to elect incremental Life Insurance for employee and dependents, and choice to elect Health and/or Dependent Flexible Spending Account.


Curtin Maritime is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.


Next Steps:

If you're up to the challenge, apply below. The application has some questions, applicants that do not answer, or provide single word answers will not be considered. Our team tries to read every application within 24 hours and reply. (If we decide not to move forward with your application, don't feel discouraged. Our hiring needs are constantly evolving, apply again later) If we like what we see, we will set up a phone screen or interview (if we really are interested, we may just cold call you). We try and perform panel-style interviews with folks from different departments involved. We generally make an employment decision within 24 hours of the interview and get a written job offer over within a week. From there, our People Services department will handle the pre-employment process.


Good Luck!