ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Ferry Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Hornblower

Dishwasher- City Cruise Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05/hr

City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 ...

Hornblower

Captain Hourly- City Experiences

Chicago, IL · On-site

$28 - $38/hr

City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 ...

Hornblower

Server - City Cruises Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.35/hr

City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 ...

DB E.C.O. North America

Senior Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$118K - $153K/yr

... owners and train operators. * Project management skills, including experience leading multi ... Use tax-free money to pay for eligible transit and parking expenses (Train, subway, bus, ferry ...

previous page

Showing results 21-33

All JobsFerry Operator JobsFerry Operator Jobs in Illinois

Ferry Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$23

$34

How much do ferry operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for ferry operator in Illinois is $23.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $29.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a ferry operator do?

A ferry operator is responsible for operating and navigating ferry boats that transport passengers, vehicles, and goods across bodies of water. Their duties include ensuring the safe embarkation and disembarkation of passengers, monitoring weather and water conditions, maintaining communication with port authorities, and performing routine checks on the vessel's equipment. Ferry operators must also enforce safety regulations, respond to emergencies, and provide customer service during the voyage. This role requires a strong understanding of maritime laws, navigation skills, and often specific licensing or certification.

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

To thrive as a Ferry Operator, you need a solid understanding of maritime navigation, vessel operation, and safety procedures, often supported by a relevant maritime license such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, marine radios, and emergency response equipment is typically required. Strong situational awareness, communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring passenger safety, efficient ferry operations, and quick response to any emergencies on the water.

What are some typical challenges faced by ferry operators during daily operations?

Ferry operators often encounter challenges such as navigating in adverse weather conditions, maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, and ensuring timely departures despite fluctuating passenger and vehicle loads. They must also coordinate closely with crew members and port staff to manage boarding, disembarkation, and any unexpected situations, such as mechanical issues or emergency drills. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential for handling these dynamic aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Ferry Operator vs Boat Captain?

AspectFerry OperatorBoat Captain
Required CredentialsCommercial driver's license or ferry-specific certificationCaptain's license or maritime certification
Work EnvironmentFerry terminals, waterways, urban routesOpen water, various vessel types, maritime settings
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, ferry servicesPrivate boat companies, maritime industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Ferry Operators primarily work in urban transit environments operating ferries on scheduled routes, often under public transit agencies. Boat Captains may work on a variety of vessels in open waters, requiring maritime certifications. While both roles involve vessel operation, Ferry Operators focus on passenger transit in specific waterways, whereas Boat Captains may handle diverse vessels in different maritime settings.

What qualifications do I need to work as a ferry operator?

Ferry operators typically need a valid driver's license, a commercial driver's license (CDL) or equivalent certification, and a good driving record. They often require maritime safety training, knowledge of vessel operation, and the ability to work in various weather conditions and shifts.
Ferry Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ferry Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,293 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Event Planner / Group Concierge

City Cruises

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group’s portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences and ferry and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower Group’s premier experience division, offers dining and sightseeing cruises and walking and food tours through the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour brands. City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group’s Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually and operating services including NYC Ferry, Puerto Rico Ferry, and other regional ferry systems. Hornblower Group’s subsidiaries include Hornblower Marine, which provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Seaward Services, Inc., a full-service shipping, waterfront logistics and management company that specializes in the operation and maintenance of government and commercial vessels. Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a Hornblower Group subsidiary and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketing and website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourism and entertainment industries. Today, Hornblower Group’s global portfolio covers over 10 countries, over 50 U.S. cities and serves more than 20 million guests annually. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Hornblower Group’s additional corporate offices reside in San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit hornblowercorp.com.


Position Summary:

The Group Concierge will help drive the post-purchase process for our group guests, developing strong rapport while handling the vital details of the group business. Along with coordinating the logistics for the event, the group concierge will drive upsell potential, increasing the average order value of each order they oversee. This position will report to the General Manager or the Senior Concierge Manager depending on port-specific needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Sales Focus:

  • Develop a comprehensive knowledge of all regional vessels, products and enhancements.
  • As directed, take the lead on post-contract follow-ups including passenger count adjustments and upsells to groups, with the goal of driving incremental revenue.
  • Successfully upsells existing guests to higher-value options and enhancements.
  • Follows City Cruises guidance on when and how to follow up with clients to present revenue generation opportunities through order enhancements.
  • Handle objections as they arise by using vast product knowledge.
  • Ability to maintain a flexible weekly schedule, including night and weekend demand while conducting site visits, cruise detail meetings and meeting clients as needed to support the account management team.
  • Serve as a resource for the sales team, including conducting site visits, greeting clients upon boarding to be the local resource when a national account manager is not present in the local port.

Guest Service:

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for client post-booking, including conducting site visits and meeting clients as needed.
  • Be present during highly detailed events and serve as the liaison between sales and operations
  • High attention to detail, including complete and accurate product details are communicated to the Food & Beverage and Operation teams to ensure proper product execution.
  • Ability to manage a minimum of 50 events per month, including handling all details for the cruise.
  • As directed, being present during highly detailed events serving as a liaison between sales and operations.
  • Develops strong rapport with the guest, thanking the guest for their business, gaining feedback, asking for referrals, rebooking, and firmly asking the client to fill out our survey.
  • Work with the General Manager and Director of Sales to resolve all guest issues in a timely manner.

Administrative:

  • Manage all administrative and operational activities (including payment collection) to enhance the guest experience.
  • Answer all post-booking inquiries, leveraging deep understanding of vessel, products, enhancements, and pricing.
  • Ensure guests are billed correctly (including payment collection) for all extra services provided according to the signed contract with the support of the Account Manager.
  • Document guest interactions in Salesforce, emphasizing detailed notes and task management, and sending weekly reports as directed by the Director of Sales.
  • Compile necessary reports for bi-weekly meetings, ensuring all cruise details are visible for the sales and operations team.

Additional job duties assigned.

Requirements & Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred with a minimum of 1 year of experience in a sales support or as an event coordinator.
  • Communicate effectively in oral and written form.
  • Maintain a high level of organization & be detail-oriented.
  • Handle multiple tasks/projects at one time.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by job responsibility.
  • Listen effectively, assesses the situation, determine relevant issues, & suggest solutions.
  • Work with Microsoft Office applications (especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends to accommodate site inspections and guest needs.

#HB1


The RESPECT Service System embodies our mission, vision, values and operating principles. By creating a company culture that puts RESPECT at its core, we believe it will drive us to achieve our goal of becoming a Global Experiences and Transportation Leader.

EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Hornblower is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, as a federal, state, and local contractor, Hornblower complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals, where and as they apply. The company also participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.