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Ferry Driver Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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Intermodal Dispatcher

Dallas, TX · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

Dowdy Ferry Transportation is seeking a highly organized and motivated Intermodal Dispatcher to ... Maintain constant driver correspondence throughout the day regarding load status, scheduling ...

Possess a valid state driver's license * Lift and move up-to 60 lbs - some of our ladders weigh 50 ... TN:Hendersonville / Walton Ferry Rd - Co:121 Walton Ferry Rd It is the policy of AT&T to provide ...

... preparing driver manifests, answering phones, assisting the dispatchers, assisting the ... ferry or highway closures, terrorist threats, hazardous material emergencies, and ordered ...

New

Scheduler

Texas City, TX · On-site

$15/hr

... preparing driver manifests, answering phones, assisting the dispatchers, assisting the ... ferry or highway closures, terrorist threats, hazardous material emergencies, and ordered ...

Oversee and coordinate ferry flights and non-revenue maintenance check flights in accordance with ... A current and valid Driver's license is required with Real ID * Current and valid Airframe and ...

Ferry Driver information

See Texas salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do ferry driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for ferry driver in Texas is $15.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $17.02 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.

What are popular job titles related to Ferry Driver jobs in Texas?

For Ferry Driver jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Ferry Driver jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Ferry Driver job openings:

Infographic showing various Ferry Driver job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,824 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Texas Department Of Transportation rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 849 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Performs highly responsible work as deck maintenance supervisor for the ferry system. Assists in the supervision of all deck personnel including captains, deck crews and deck maintenance personnel. Plans and monitors all deck maintenance work. Makes recommendations and/or decisions which are critical to the unit's operational readiness for continuous, all weather, ferry operations consistent with the demands of vehicular traffic. Reports to the Ferry Manager and assists in all personnel matters. Works as a relief ferry captain as assigned. Work requires frequent contact with the public and various local, state and federal advisory and regulatory entities. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence.

Essential Duties:

  • Assumes ferry operations and support functions in the absence of manager or assistant manager.
  • Assists the Ferry Operation Manager and Assistant Ferry Manager in all areas of personnel management including scheduling, hiring, completion of performance evaluations and discipline.
  • Assists with overseeing physical inventories of reportable property and materials.
  • Ensures personnel are trained and follow policies and procedures relating to completion of reports, records, work requests, documentation for machinery history, safety and current vessel and facility maintenance projects. 
  • Ensures strict compliance with the Federal Waters Pollution Control Act.
  • Monitors and inspects vessels shore facilities, equipment and work areas; identifies hazards and promotes on-the-spot corrections and identifies ways to correct the hazards and devises methods to improve safe working conditions.
  • Monitors safety practices of ferry crews and deck maintenance crews. 
  • Provides input into preparation of the unit-operating budget.
  • Recommends/approves formal training requests for departmental personnel. 
  • Reports to the supervisor on matters affecting the operational capability of the unit, engineering, maintenance or repair requirements of concern. 
  • Serves as primary enforcement authority for State Regulations Governing Operation of the Ferries. 
  • Supervises captains and deck personnel, as assigned. 
  • Works as a relief captain, as assigned.
  • Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline.  Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis OR related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications 

Experience: 5 years of experience in marine operations. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).

Supervisory experience:

  • No supervisory experience required.

Licenses and Certifications:

  • Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
  • Vessel Crew Member Cert
  • Must have required US Coast Guard (USCG) certifications an/or documents appropriate for the position and vessel being operated. 
  • USCG Lic-Mas-S&L Ves -100 Tons
  • Transp Worker ID Cred - TWIC

Competencies:

Extensive knowledge of:

  • Marine operations.
  • Applicable laws, rules, and regulations

Expert skill in:

  • Fire fighting.

Considerable Knowledge of:

  • Applicable inspection methods, procedures and techniques.
  • Methods and procedures used in the maintenance and repair of marine equipment, machinery, facilities and ferryboats.
  • Emergency response procedures.
  • Applicable industry safety standards, guidelines and specification codes.

Proficient skill in:

  • Overseeing and coordinating projects and program activities.
  • Prioritizing and organizing work assignments.
  • Preparing and maintaining confidential and sensitive records, files and reports.
  • Training in a classroom, office, or field environment.
  • Navigating ferryboats.
  • Using applicable hand and power tools, equipment and mechanical devices of the trade.
  • Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others.

Ability to:

  • Work in varying conditions to include heavy traffic, overhead power lines and underground utilities.
  • Work in cramped spaces (bend, stoop, crawl) and at varied heights.

Some skill in:

  • Supervising technical staff.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

    Subject to extreme cold and heat; below 32 and/or above 100 degrees for more than one hour.
    Subject to noise.
    Subject to vibration.
    Subject to hazards-moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals. 
    Subject to atmospheric conditions-fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation.
    Subject to air and/or skin exposure to oils and other cutting fluids.
    Required to wear protective gear-respirator, hard hat, or other device.
    Woks in narrow aisles or passageways. 
Sedentary work:
    Lift up to 10 lbs. at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools.
Light work:
    Lift up to 20 lbs. at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs.
Medium work:
    Lift up to 50 lbs. at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25 lbs.
    Climbing - ascending/descending ladders, stairs, scaffoldings, ramps, etc.
    Balancing-walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling.
    Stooping-bending body downward and forward by bending spine at waist.
    Kneeling-bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee(s).
    Crouching-bending body downward and forward by bending leg(s) and spine.
    Crawling-moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.
    Reaching-extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
    Standing-prolonged periods of time.
    Walking-moving on foot to accomplish tasks: long distance/from one work site to another.
    Pushing-using upper extremities to press against object with force to move in a direction.
    Pulling-using upper extremities to exert force moving objects in a sustained motion.
    Lifting-raising objects from lower to higher position/horizontally to a different position.
    Grasping-applying pressure to an object with fingers and palm.
    Feeling-determining size, shape, temperature or texture of objects.
    Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words.
    Hearing-perceive sound at normal speaking levels; receive information by oral communication.
    Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
    Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading.
    Close Visual Acuity-work includes visual inspection of small defects/parts.
    Close Visual Acuity-using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts.
    Visual Acuity-operate machines, such as drill presses, power saws, and mills.
    Visual Acuity-operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment.
    Visual Acuity-determine work quality/make general observations of facilities/structures.

Conditions of Employment:

Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

  • This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical. 
  • Must pass a drug test prior to employment forsafetyimpactpositions.This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
    • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation - 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) - does not authorize "medical marijuana" under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.

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