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Ferry Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ferry Boat Captain

Georgetown, DE · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Summary Statement An employee serves as Captain of a state-owned and operated ferry boat ... Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from ...

Ferry Crewmember Location: Surry, VA 23883 Employment Type: Full-Time (W2) GovFirst is seeking a ... Valid driver's license required. DMV records check required. Pre-employment drug screening required.

Ferry Crewmember Location: Surry, VA 23883 Employment Type: Full-Time (W2) GovFirst is seeking a ... Valid driver's license required. * DMV records check required. * Pre-employment drug screening ...

Summary Statement An employee serves as Captain of a state-owned and operated ferry boat ... Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from ...

Ferry Crewmember

Surry, VA · On-site

$18/hr

... ferry boat crew, providing assistance in loading and unloading the vessel with vehicles ... Valid driver's license * All new hires are required to get a Merchant Marine Credential - endorsed ...

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Ferry Driver information

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How much do ferry driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for ferry driver in the United States is $16.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ferry driver?

Ferry drivers, also known as ferry operators or captains, are professionals responsible for operating and navigating ferries that transport passengers, vehicles, and sometimes cargo across bodies of water. They ensure the safe and timely passage of the vessel, follow maritime regulations, and oversee the safety of everyone on board. In addition to piloting the ferry, they may also perform safety checks, communicate with harbor authorities, and assist in docking procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ferry driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ferry Driver, you need a valid maritime license, strong navigational skills, and knowledge of safety regulations and vessel operations. Familiarity with GPS systems, marine radios, and safety equipment is typically required, along with certifications like a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Excellent communication, situational awareness, and customer service skills help in interacting with passengers and responding to emergencies. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable ferry transport for all aboard.

What are some common challenges faced by ferry drivers and how can they be managed?

Ferry drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating in varying weather conditions, managing tight docking schedules, and ensuring passenger safety at all times. Adapting to constantly changing tides and currents requires strong situational awareness and quick decision-making. Effective communication with crew members and coordination with shore personnel are essential for smooth operations. Ongoing training and adherence to safety protocols help ferry drivers manage these challenges and maintain a safe, reliable service.

What is the difference between Ferry Driver vs Boat Captain?

AspectFerry DriverBoat Captain
CredentialsDriver's license, commercial driver’s license (CDL) often requiredBoating license, captain’s license (depending on vessel size)
Work EnvironmentRoadways, ferry terminals, docksOpen water, lakes, rivers, ports
Industry UsagePublic transportation, commuter servicesPrivate charters, commercial shipping, passenger vessels
Common Search/ComparisonFerry Driver vs Boat Captain

Ferry Drivers primarily operate vehicles across bodies of water, often requiring a CDL and working in transportation settings. Boat Captains operate vessels on open water, requiring a captain’s license and navigating different environments. While both roles involve watercraft operation, their credentials, work environments, and industry applications differ significantly.

How much do ferry drivers get?

Ferry drivers typically earn an average salary ranging from $35,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer. Many ferry drivers are required to hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) and may work irregular hours or shifts. Salaries can vary based on the region and the size of the ferry operation.

How much do you get paid for driving a ferry?

Ferry drivers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. Salaries can range from around $30,000 to over $70,000 annually, with some positions offering benefits and overtime opportunities.

What does it take to become a ferry driver?

To become a ferry driver, candidates typically need a valid driver's license, a commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and possibly watercraft endorsements, and a clean driving record. Training on ferry operations, safety procedures, and sometimes a background check are also required, along with good communication skills and the ability to work in various weather conditions.
More about Ferry Driver jobs

What cities are hiring for Ferry Driver jobs?

Cities with the most Ferry Driver job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Ferry Driver jobs?

The most popular types of Ferry Driver jobs are:

What states have the most Ferry Driver jobs?

States with the most job openings for Ferry Driver jobs include:

Infographic showing various Ferry Driver job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,232 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Ferry Boat Captain

DelDOT

Georgetown, DE • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Introduction

The mission of Maintenance & Operations is to provide excellence in transportation by keeping the state's road transportation network in a state of good repair through the careful and consistent application of personnel, equipment and financial resources.

Summary Statement

An employee serves as Captain of a state-owned and operated ferry boat, responsible for the safe and efficient transport of vehicles and passengers on board. The Captain oversees and commands all aspects of the vessel’s operations including navigation, safety, maintenance, and crew management. Work of this class requires employees to possess a 100 ton United States Coast Guard (USCG) Master Captain’s license. This position must be available to work overtime as needed, and during storm events and other emergency events on short notice and in some cases no advance notice. This position works a rotating shift schedule and when the ferry is not operational, the position reports to the maintenance yard to perform non-ferry related duties as assigned. This position will be located at Area 28, 24450 Lewes-Georgetown Hwy, Georgetown DE 19947.

Essential Functions
  • Maintains a 100-ton United States Coast Guard (USCG) Master Captain’s license.
  • Operates the Department's ferry boat for the purpose of transporting vehicles and pedestrians across the river.
  • Ensures the vessel is supplied and rigged to serve the mission's purpose and to operate effectively and safely.
  • Supervises loading and unloading of vehicles and passengers to ensure proper distribution of weight and passenger safety and uses traffic control techniques to control high/low speed vehicular traffic movements.
  • Develops maintenance schedules and performs preventative maintenance and repairs including correcting problems or performing updates to the electronic systems, and plans and designs retrofits to the hull, machinery, electronic gear, and rigging.
  • Coordinates the acquisition of new equipment and inspection of shipyard overhauls which may include working with purchasing agents, mechanics, marine engineers, and others.
  • Maintains ferry boat logs and records pertaining to the operation of the ferry.
  • Collaborates with Department employees and staff to provide training and information on the operation and maintenance of the vessel and equipment, various projects, or repairs on the boat, and to explain maritime laws, rules, and regulations, shipboard safety, rescue, and survival techniques.
  • Monitors weather, tidal, and related conditions to determine if conditions are suitable for year-round operations.
  • Interacts with the public and provides information regarding ferry operations and the surrounding area.
  • Drives and controls on/off-road equipment such as dump trucks, pickup trucks, and trucks with trailers to haul supplies to and from the work site. This may include public highway systems.
  • Operates mobile equipment and hand tools to dig, ditch, slope, strip, grade, backfill, mow, and clear and excavate for the purpose of ditching work, guardrail installation, and digging for concrete footers.
  • Operates draw and swing bridges to permit both water and roadway traffic to pass safely.
  • Performs preventive maintenance, operational checks, pre and post walk around inspections, and makes minor repairs/adjustments of assigned equipment; reports damage and/or required maintenance.
  • May perform additional work as assigned when not operating the ferry.
Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Ferry Boat Captain Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

  • Possession of a United States Coast Guard license to operate and navigate passenger carrying vessels of at least 100 tons for the purpose of carrying vehicles and passengers.
  • One year of experience in marine operations, seamanship practices, and climatic interpretation to navigate vessels safely and efficiently.
  • One year of experience in operating and maintaining electronic gear, rigging, and diesel engines.
  • Six months’ experience in preventative maintenance on vehicles and equipment such as lubricating, cleaning, and servicing.
  • Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).
Conditions of Hire

As a condition of hire you must possess a valid driver's license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

As a condition of hire you must possess a valid CDL Class A or B drivers license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving) or obtain one during the initial 90-day probationary period.

Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.

Pre‑employment Drug Testing: Upon a conditional offer, you must undergo pre‑employment drug testing as part of the hiring process.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources. DelDOT does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.

All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/.

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com. If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov. The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

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