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Ferry Operator Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nc

Ferry Chief Engineer

Cedar Island, NC

$43K - $75K/yr

... operating and maintaining propulsion and other engines, generators, deck, machinery, electrical ... Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Salary Grade and Salary Range: NC10 - $43,267 ...

Nc

Ferry Chief Engineer

Currituck, NC

$43K - $75K/yr

... operating and maintaining propulsion and other engines, generators, deck, machinery, electrical ... Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Salary Grade and Salary Range: NC10 - $43,267 ...

Nc

$43K - $75K/yr

... operating and maintaining propulsion and other engines, generators, deck, machinery, electrical ... Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Salary Grade and Salary Range: NC10 - $43,267 ...

Nc

$43K - $75K/yr

... operating and maintaining propulsion and other engines, generators, deck, machinery, electrical ... Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Salary Grade and Salary Range: NC10 - $43,267 ...

Nc

Ferry Chief Engineer

Hatteras, NC

$43K - $75K/yr

... operating and maintaining propulsion and other engines, generators, deck, machinery, electrical ... Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Salary Grade and Salary Range: NC10 - $43,267 ...

Nc

Ferry Chief Engineer

Southport, NC

$43K - $75K/yr

... operating and maintaining propulsion and other engines, generators, deck, machinery, electrical ... Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Salary Grade and Salary Range: NC10 - $43,267 ...

Maine

Ferry Engineer - Rockland

Rockland, ME · On-site

$35.21/hr

Maine Department of Transportation Salary : $26.17-$36.62 / hourly PLEASE NOTE: New employees will ... Work involves monitoring all operating propulsion machinery and electrical generating facilities on ...

State of Maine

Ferry Engineer - Relief

Rockland, ME · On-site

$26.17 - $36.62/hr

Maine Department of Transportation Salary : $26.17-$36.62 / hourly (This includes a 21.5% stipend ... Work involves monitoring all operating propulsion machinery and electrical generating facilities on ...

Maine

Ferry Engineer - Relief

Rockland, ME

$26.17 - $36.62/hr

Maine Department of Transportation Salary : $26.17-$36.62 / hourly (This includes a 21.5% stipend ... Work involves monitoring all operating propulsion machinery and electrical generating facilities on ...

Ferry County Health

Nurse Delegator - PRN

Republic, WA · On-site

Salary: $40.00 to $60.00 Hourly DOE *This is a safety sensitive position and subject to RCW 49.44 ... Until 1989, the Hospital was operated by the Ferry County Hospital Association, a private group ...

State of Alaska

Ferry Terminal Agent 1

Juneau, AK · On-site

$26.24/hr

Salary: $26.24 Hourly Location : Juneau, AK Job Type: Seasonal Job Number: 53763 Department ... Including tying and untying vessels, operating the hydraulic ramp, using a computerized reservation ...

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All JobsFerry Operator Salary Jobs

Ferry Operator Salary information

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$12

$24

$35

How much do ferry operator salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for ferry operator salary in the United States is $24.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Ferry Operator Salary vs Boat Captain Salary?

AspectFerry Operator SalaryBoat Captain Salary
Average Annual Salary$45,000 - $65,000$50,000 - $75,000
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License, ferry-specific trainingCaptain's License, maritime certifications
Work EnvironmentFerry terminals, water routesOpen water, private or commercial vessels
Industry UsagePublic transportation, ferry servicesPrivate charters, shipping, maritime industry

While both Ferry Operators and Boat Captains work on water and require maritime certifications, Boat Captains generally earn higher salaries and operate larger vessels in diverse environments. Ferry Operators focus on passenger transport in specific routes, often within urban areas, whereas Boat Captains may work on various watercraft in broader maritime settings.

How long does it take to become a ferry captain?

Becoming a ferry captain typically requires several years of experience as a deckhand or mate, along with obtaining necessary certifications such as a master's license. The process often involves gaining maritime experience, passing exams, and completing training programs, which can take 3 to 5 years or more depending on the individual's background and the specific requirements of the maritime authority.

How much do you make working on a ferry?

Ferry operators typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Salaries may also include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and the job often requires certifications in safety and navigation.

What qualifications do I need to work on a ferry?

Ferry operators typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a valid driver's license and maritime safety certifications such as STCW or USCG licenses. They must also pass medical exams, background checks, and often complete specialized training in vessel operation and safety procedures.

Which port job pays the most?

Among port jobs, cargo ship captains and port managers tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. These roles require significant experience, certifications, and leadership skills, and they typically offer higher pay due to the responsibility and expertise involved.
More about Ferry Operator Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Ferry Operator Salary jobs? Cities with the most Ferry Operator Salary job openings:
What states have the most Ferry Operator Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Ferry Operator Salary jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ferry Operator Salary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ferry Operator Salary jobs are:
Ferry Operator Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ferry Operator Salary job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,869 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Ferry Chief Engineer

Nc

Cedar Island, NC

$43K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Agency

Dept of Transportation

Division

Job Classification Title

Ferry Chief Engineer (S)

Position Number

Grade

NC10

About Us

It's the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people, products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation.

Description of Work

Please note that all positions close at 12:00 AM on the posted closing date. You must apply by 11:59 PM prior to the posted closing date.
This is an extended posting for Ferry Chief Engineer positions within the Ferry Division. Multiple Ferry Chief Engineer positions will be filled from this posting. We will be filling positions for the following locations: Cedar Island, Cherry Branch, Currituck, Hatteras, Ocracoke, Pamlico River, Southport, Swan Quarter. If there currently is not a vacancy at one of these locations, your application will be considered if a vacancy becomes available.
Work in this class involves full responsibility for supervising and coordinating activities of vessel personnel engaged in operating and maintaining propulsion and other engines, generators, deck, machinery, electrical, refrigeration and sanitation equipment and other related systems on board ferry vessels. Employees operate the engineering systems in accordance with rules and regulations established by the U.S. Coast Guard, North Carolina Department of Transportation and policies and procedures of the Ferry Division. Employees are responsible for following all safety and Homeland Security rules and regulations. Work is reviewed by superiors through written reports and by inspections performed by United States Coast Guard personnel. Employees may perform other duties as required.
Shift work - 7 days on and 7 days off (Tuesday - Monday)
NOTE: A COPY OF BOTH TWIC AND MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL ENDORSED AS CHIEF ENGINEER; OR LIMITED ASSISTANT ENGINEER OR POSSESS ENDORSEMENT STATING, "CHIEF ENGINEER OF MOTORPROPELLED VESSEL OF LESS THAN 4,000 HP RESTRICTED TO NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OFTRANPORTATION PASSENGER FERRIES" MUST BE PRESENTED AT TIME OF THE INTERVIEW PROCESS.
Duties include, but not limited to:
Checks, operates, and maintains marine equipment such as engines, generators, steering gears, pumps, and other auxiliary equipment; performs minor emergency repairs while underway.
Executes orders received from the Ferry Master pertaining to starting, stopping, speed of vessel, and other operations while vessel is underway.
Maintains and operates all below-deck firefighting equipment.
Prepares and maintains records of all tools and parts; keeps daily logs of all machinery operations such as engine RPMs, time, temperature, pressures, oil changes, quantity of fuel and water aboard, and all repairs made to engines auxiliary equipment.
Participates in minor repairs on motors, auxiliary equipment, and the hull.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade and Salary Range: NC10 - $43,267 - $75,718

Management prefers applicants with the following:

  • Knowledge of the operations, maintenance and repairs of marine diesel and gas engines, pumps, generators and other auxiliary equipment.

  • Knowledge of State, Federal, and U.S. Coast Guard laws and regulations regarding occupational hazards and safety precautions for engine room work aboard vessels.

  • Demonstrated ability supervising personnel in all areas of engine room operations.

  • Demonstrated ability to overhaul and maintain complex engineering equipment up to including large internal combustion diesel engines.

  • Skill in repairing and performing required periodic maintenance of the vessel's equipment in accordance with manufactures instructions, Coast Guard regulations and Ferry Division Policy.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Possession of a valid U.S. Coast Guard license as Chief Engineer or Designated Duty Engineer with the appropriate horsepower for the vessel operated.

Necessary Special Qualification Possession of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential Card (TWIC) issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Sylvia Rene Basnight

Email:

DOT-WorkdayJobRecruitment@ncdot.gov

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