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Ferry Boats Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gohrt

Warranty and Assets Administrator

Norfolk, VA

$54K - $65K/yr

This includes transit buses, trollies, light rail vehicles, Paratransit vehicles, ferry boats, and all shop equipment that supports the maintenance functions of the various maintenance departments.

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$7

$18

$39

How much do ferry boats jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for ferry boats in the United States is $18.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money do you make working on a ferry?

Ferry boat operators typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start around minimum wage, while experienced captains can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by overtime and benefits.

How much do ferry workers make?

Ferry boat operators and deckhands typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Many ferry workers also receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and some positions require certifications like a captain's license or safety training.

What are some common challenges faced by ferry boat crew members, and how can job seekers prepare for them?

Ferry boat crew members often face challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, managing large volumes of passengers, and responding quickly to emergency situations. The role requires strong communication skills and teamwork, as crew members must coordinate closely to ensure safety and efficiency. Preparing for this role involves gaining familiarity with maritime safety procedures, developing customer service skills, and being physically prepared for demanding shifts. Additionally, adaptability and a calm demeanor are valuable traits for handling unexpected situations on board.

What are ferry boat operators and what do they do?

Ferry boat operators are professionals responsible for navigating and operating ferries, which are vessels used to transport people, vehicles, and cargo across bodies of water. Their duties include steering the ferry, ensuring passenger safety, following navigation routes, and maintaining communication with port authorities. They may also be involved in routine maintenance, responding to emergencies, and providing customer service to passengers. Ferry boat operators play a crucial role in public transportation systems, especially in areas where bridges or tunnels are not feasible.

What boat job pays the most?

In ferry boat operations, captain or master positions typically offer the highest salaries due to their responsibility and required certifications. These roles often require extensive experience, licensing, and navigation skills, and they can earn significantly more than deckhands or crew members.

What do I need to work on a ferry?

To work on a ferry, you typically need a valid maritime or transportation-related license, such as a captain's or deckhand certification, and a good understanding of safety procedures. Physical fitness, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a team environment are also important. Some positions may require prior experience or training in navigation, boat handling, or customer service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ferry Boat Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ferry Boat Operator, you need a valid captain’s license, strong navigational skills, and a thorough understanding of maritime safety regulations. Familiarity with navigation systems, marine radios, and vessel maintenance tools is typically required. Excellent communication, quick decision-making, and customer service skills help operators manage passengers and respond to emergencies. These skills ensure safe, efficient transport and a positive experience for all aboard, which is crucial for public safety and operational reliability.

What is the difference between Ferry Boats vs Boat Captains?

AspectFerry BoatsBoat Captains
Required CredentialsCommercial driver's license, maritime certificationsMaritime licenses, captain's license
Work EnvironmentWaterways, docks, terminalsVarious vessels, water routes
Industry UsagePublic transportation, commuter servicesPrivate, commercial, or passenger vessels

Ferry Boats are specialized vessels used primarily for transporting passengers across bodies of water, often in urban or commuter settings. Boat Captains, on the other hand, operate a variety of vessels including ferries, yachts, or cargo ships, and may work in diverse environments. While ferry boat operators focus on specific routes and passenger safety, boat captains have broader responsibilities across different vessel types. Both roles require maritime certifications, but their work scopes and environments differ.

More about Ferry Boats jobs
What cities are hiring for Ferry Boats jobs? Cities with the most Ferry Boats job openings:
What states have the most Ferry Boats jobs? States with the most job openings for Ferry Boats jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ferry Boats jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ferry Boats jobs are:
Ferry Boats jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ferry Boats job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,955 per year, or $18.7 per hour.
DECK HAND - JERSEY COUNTY - BRUSSELS FERRY

DECK HAND - JERSEY COUNTY - BRUSSELS FERRY

State of Illinois

Grafton, IL • On-site

$6.5K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Directs traffic to ensure that safe loading procedures are followed when vehicles, commodities, and personnel are loaded onto barges.

  • Performs preventive maintenance to the ferry boats, barges, equipment, office, and grounds.

  • Keeps ice and debris removed from around boats to prevent their damage.

State Of Illinois rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 73 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 50 rated states

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 56746IPR#26-01411Opening Date: 06/16/2026Closing Date: 07/01/2026Agency: Department of TransportationPosition Title: Deck Hand - Jersey County - Brussels Ferry Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/26) $6,558 Monthly; Full Range: $6,558 - $8,195 MonthlyJob Type: SalariedCategory: Full Time County: JerseyNumber of Vacancies: 4Bargaining Unit Code: RC019 Downstate (All counties other than Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, & Will counties) Teamsters
This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.
All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.
Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.
This position is subject to a pre-employment physical examination, drug and alcohol testing, and random drug and alcohol testing after hired.
Why Work for Illinois?
Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you're helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you're part of something bigger-something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you're looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule-flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.
Position Overview
The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking to hire Deck Hands for the Brussels Ferry. This position Directs traffic to ensure that safe loading procedures are followed when vehicles, commodities and personnel are loaded onto barges. The ideal candidate will have elementary knowledge of boat and ferry operations and river traffic regulations.
Essential Functions
  • Directs traffic to ensure that safe loading procedures are followed when vehicles, commodities and personnel are loaded onto barges.
  • Performs preventive maintenance to the ferry boats, barges, equipment, office, and grounds.
  • Keeps ice and debris removed from around boats to prevent their damage.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned which are within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of eight years of elementary school.
  • Requires elementary knowledge of boat and ferry operations and river traffic regulations.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prefer ability to repair and maintain equipment, office, and grounds.
  • Prefer the ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Conditions of Employment
  • Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and drug and alcohol screening.
  • Requires the ability to pass a background investigation.
  • This position is considered medium work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(c)). Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
  • The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency
The IDOT team works diligently to provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity and protect our environment. We are problem solvers and leaders, constantly searching for innovations and improvements in support of our commitment to providing the best multimodal transportation system for Illinois. Our team fosters a culture of inclusivity. We value diversity and hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards as we work together for a common purpose. Team members frequently collaborate with colleagues and others outside the department to best meet customer needs.
The department offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. Employees also receive a robust benefit package including:
  • Monday-Friday work schedule
  • Flexible work schedules in several program areas (flexible time, hybrid scheduling)
  • Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
  • Pension Plan
  • (12) Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
  • Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
  • Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually
  • New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually
  • Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually
  • (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

We invite qualified applicants to apply to become part of our team. We are confident that you will take pride in serving Illinois and its residents and visitors.
Work Hours: 7:00am - 3:30pm Monday-Friday; varies
Work Location: 16211 State Highway 100 W, Grafton, Illinois, 62037
Work Office: Office of Highways and Intermodal Project Implementation, Region 5/District 8/Bureau of Operations
Agency Contact: DOT.CONTACTHR@ILLINOIS.GOV
Posting Group: Transportation; Building, Fleet & Institutional Support; Public Safety
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Use the "Apply" button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.
If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.
State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees - a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.
Non-State employees should log in on the using the "View Profile" link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.
If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:
State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid
Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com - click "Application Procedures" in the footer of every page of the website.
Seasonal and temporary workers should use a personal e-mail address when applying for jobs.
The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your "junk mail", "spam", or "other" folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
  • donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
  • systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

What State Of Illinois employees say

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State of Illinois logo

About State of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Illinois is not a traditional company, but rather a governmental entity encompassing diverse agencies and departments that serve the constituents of Illinois. Based in Illinois, United States, this governmental body communicates with its citizens through the official website illinois.gov. The website is a one-stop resource for Illinois residents to access information about the state's services, including education, healthcare, transportation, and public safety, among others.

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Springfield, IL, US

Year founded

2009

Social media

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