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Ferry Boats Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NBBB has been building boats on beautiful Whidbey Island since 1964. We are in Freeland, WA where ... Company funded commuter benefit for riders of the Washington State Ferry System * 401(k) and 401(k) ...

Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) has been building boats on beautiful Whidbey Island since ... Company funded commuter benefit for riders of the Washington State Ferry System * 401(k) and 401(k) ...

NBBB has been building boats on beautiful Whidbey Island since 1964. We are in Freeland, WA where ... Company funded commuter benefit for riders of the Washington State Ferry System * 401(k) and 401(k) ...

Ferryboat Deckhand 1-3

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$2.7K - $5.0K/mo

... the Cameron Ferry, where you'll play a key role in safely loading and unloading vehicles and ... Operates emergency equipment such as firefighting hoses, fire extinguishers, rescue boats, life ...

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Ferry Boats information

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$7

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$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:
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.

SHIPFITTER JOURNEYMAN NBB

ICE FLOE LLC

Freeland, WA

$33.90 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

NBBB has been building boats on beautiful Whidbey Island since 1964. We are in Freeland, WA where we produce state-of-the-art vessels, tugs, ferries, fire boats, fishing vessels, barges, dinner boats, along with many other sophisticated ships. We are seeking a Facilities and Maintenance Technician who will service the shipyard facilities and maintenance related needs including but not limited to oversight, administration and execution of company’s stormwater management system, yard electrical system, air and gas systems, plumbing systems, structural building repair and maintenance and light construction projects to ensure smooth operation of production facilities.

We are now seeking a Shipfitter, who will work primarily in fabrication, assembly, subassembly, and final erection of all structural components on marine vessels including hulls, superstructures, masts, pilot house, and engine rooms.

What You will Do

  • Fabricate, form, and fit metal structures to build structural elements of marine vessels during all phases of construction and rebuilds.

  • Perform job functions in a variety of environments including fabrication shop, modular jigs, or on finished assembly.

  • Layout, cut, form, prepare, and perform final assembly

  • Use a variety of power and hand tools including grinder, level, and tape measure.

  • Lay out and build jigs for building modules and superstructures.

  • Work from standard and metric engineering drawings.

  • Tack and perform minor welding with MiG and Arc Welding processes.

  • Use a variety of metal forming equipment such as sheers, band saws, rollers, and possibly press breaks.

  • Use Oxygen/Propane cutting torches and plasma cutters.

  • Work as a member of a team demonstrating skills to effectively communicate, adapt, interpret and problem solve.

  • Always embrace ESR safety culture and practice safe shipyard work practices and housekeeping

  • Develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with fellow crew members and supervisors.

  • Share your knowledge in the trade with other employees, especially those in learning or apprentice roles.

  • Other tasks as needed that may arise in our exciting start-up work environment.

  • Ability to pass company pre-employment screens in background check, drug test, and physical skills test.

What You Bring to Our Team

  • 3+ years Shipbuilding or metal working experience in a marine environment (experience as a Shipfitter preferred.)

  • Basic Welding Skills (MiG, Tig and Stick welding)

  • High School Education or equivalent or vocational education

  • Ability to understand and apply basic math skills

  • Knowledge of Standard Ship fitting tools and forming equipment including torches, saws, cutting torch, bandsaw, rollers, presses and shears.

  • Ability to read, interpret and work from drawings and blueprints

  • Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of metal fabrications, preferably in a marine environment

  • Ability to express ideas concisely and clearly, both orally and in writing.

  • Experience working around heavy machinery

  • Ability to work overtime as necessary

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

  • Must be able to work at heights of 60 ft.

  • Ability to enter confined spaces using a respirator, and work in small workspaces at odd angles.

What Additional Things Would Distinguish You

  • Skills and experience in aluminum and steel fabrication

  • Previous experience in a shipyard (new construction or repair)

  • Certification or skills and experience in driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklift or manlifts

  • Certification as a Shipyard Competent Person

  • Previous experience and/or basic skills in Pipe and Carpentry

  • Interest in and aptitude for taking on future crew leadership roles

Benefits:

  • Company funded commuter benefit for riders of the Washington State Ferry System

  • 401(k) and 401(k) matching

  • Health insurance

  • Health savings account

  • Dental insurance

  • Group Life Insurance with Optional supplemental life and disability insurance programs

  • Paid time off

  • Vision insurance

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Culture of Learning with State-Certified Apprenticeship Programs

Equal Employment Opportunity:  Nichols Bros. Boat Builders is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, political affiliation, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability.

Nichole Bros. Boat Builders is a drug free workplace, and all applicants are subject to a pre-employment drug screen and a background check.