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Ferry Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Harris County Toll Road Authority

Deck Hand I

Houston, TX · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Serves as lookout for the pilot and vessel when ferry is underway. Stands lookout during periods of restricted visibility and assists the pilot in maneuvering the vessel in high density traffic areas ...

Akima, LLC

Chief Pilot

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

The Chief Pilot personally performs FCF, MTF, and ferry duties as required, serving as a working supervisor and the technical authority on functional check flight procedures, post-maintenance flight ...

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Ferry Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do ferry pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for ferry pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are ferry pilots?

Ferry pilots are professional aviators who specialize in transporting aircraft from one location to another, often over long distances or international borders. Their main responsibility is to deliver planes safely, whether for new aircraft delivery, post-maintenance relocation, or moving planes to new owners. Ferry pilots must be skilled in flying various types of aircraft and often face unique challenges such as unfamiliar routes, weather changes, and long solo flights. They play a crucial role in the aviation industry by ensuring that aircraft are positioned where they are needed most.

What is the difference between Ferry Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectFerry PilotCommercial Pilot
CertificationsRequires a Commercial Pilot Certificate, often with additional type ratings for specific aircraftRequires a Commercial Pilot Certificate; may need additional ratings depending on the job
Work EnvironmentPrimarily flying aircraft between locations, often over long distances, with minimal passenger interactionVaries; includes aerial work, charter flights, and other paid flying activities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by aircraft operators, ferry companies, and private owners for repositioning aircraftEmployed by charter companies, flight schools, and aerial service providers

Ferry pilots and commercial pilots both hold commercial certifications and operate aircraft, but ferry pilots focus on relocating aircraft between locations, often over long distances, while commercial pilots engage in a broader range of paid flying activities. Understanding these differences helps aspiring pilots choose the right career path.

What are some common challenges ferry pilots face during long-distance aircraft deliveries?

Ferry pilots often encounter unique challenges such as navigating unfamiliar airspace, managing fuel stops in remote locations, and adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions. Additionally, they may need to fly aircraft that are not fully equipped with advanced avionics or comfort features, requiring extra vigilance and preparation. Effective communication with air traffic control and coordination with ground support are also essential to ensure safe and timely deliveries, especially when crossing international borders.

What Does a Ferry Pilot Do?

A ferry pilot transports aircraft from one location to another. Your duties usually focus on the transport of new or used aircraft from a manufacturer or seller to a buyer. Ferry flying can involve different types of airplanes, but when you pilot a ferry flight, the plane does not have passengers or cargo. You can also transport an aircraft to a specific location for maintenance or perform a return flight for an aircraft that provided one-way service to private clients. Some ferry pilots work with commercial airlines. Your responsibilities in this scenario involve moving aircraft to different airports where the airline needs them.

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

To thrive as a Ferry Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license, strong navigation skills, and extensive experience with various aircraft types. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and international aviation regulations is essential. Excellent decision-making, adaptability, and communication skills help manage unexpected situations and coordinate with clients and authorities. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and compliant delivery of aircraft across diverse and sometimes challenging routes.
More about Ferry Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Ferry Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Ferry Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ferry Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Ferry Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Ferry Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Ferry Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ferry Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ferry Pilot jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Ferry Pilot jobs? For Ferry Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Ferry Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ferry Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Part Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Deck Hand I

Deck Hand I

Harris County Toll Road Authority

Houston, TX • On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Salary: $20.00 - $28.00 Hourly
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600579
Department: Lynchburg Ferry Operations and Maintenance
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Closing Date: 7/22/2026 11:59 PM Central
Position Description
The Deckhand directs vehicles safely on and off the ferry. Performs deck evaluations, operates vehicle safety barricades and vehicle loading ramps. Directs, spaces, and parks vehicles on the ferry deck. Maintains security on deck, observing passengers for compliance with all USCG, Federal, State and local regulations, reports any violations to the ferry pilot. Responsible for accurately counting vehicles and passengers, reporting count to ferry pilot.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Serves as lookout for the pilot and vessel when ferry is underway. Stands lookout during periods of restricted visibility and assists the pilot in maneuvering the vessel in high density traffic areas under all weather and sea conditions in accordance with the Inland Rules of the Road and rules of good seamanship.
  • Serves as secondary enforcement authority for Federal, State and local regulations governing operation of the ferry and safe welfare of the vessel. Reports all observations, actions and matters affecting the stability, operational capacity, safety and welfare of the vessel, crew and passengers to the ferry pilot.
  • Checks all vehicles for hazardous cargo, safe and unsafe loads, height, max weight etc. to ensure ferry is compliant with regulations; flags vehicle traffic and assists in the removal of stalled vehicles as needed.
  • Assists ferry pilot in the daily inspection of the operational condition of all emergency, fire fighting, life saving and operating equipment.
  • Performs routine maintenance work, including washing down of vessel, mopping, scrubbing, disinfecting, exterior and interior cleaning, washing of bulkheads and overheads, gangway hardware inspection, lubricates machinery, primes and paints, and splices and repairs ropes and cables as needed.
  • Makes regular rounds of the engine room and deck to ensure good, safe, and operational order.
  • Participates in periodic all-hands drills and emergency exercises.

Other Duties:
This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Requirements
Education and Experience:
  • High School diploma or G.E.D. from an accredited education institution.
  • Valid Texas driver's license
  • Participation in a random drug and alcohol testing program.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of and ability to follow/enforce maritime laws, rules and regulations, seamanship.
  • Ability to swim.
  • Ability to acquire and maintain a TWIC card.
  • Certified in CPR, First Aid and AED.
  • Ability to communicate and work well with staff and the general public.
  • Knowledge of ferry maneuvers.
  • Ability to respond to emergency/high-stress events such as a fire.
  • Ability to understand and operate machinery and rigging.
  • Knowledge of engines and similar mechanical equipment.

Physical Demands:
  • Must be able to pass a U.S. Coast Guard physical.
  • Physical ability to perform job duties including: walking, bending, climbing stairs, swimming (in emergency situations), pushing, pulling, and standing for extended periods of time.
  • Must regularly lift and/or move at least 50 pounds.
  • Marine operations are subject to varied wake and motion.

NOTE:Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours Work:
  • This is a full-time position.
  • On-call after hours, various rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.
  • Emergency situations may require additional hours.

Work Environment:
Work environment is mostly outdoors and involves working in inclement weather, extreme heat, extreme cold, and confined spaces.
Reporting Relations:
Reports To Position: Ferry Pilot
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email:
Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.
The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Wellness
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 10 days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service. Accrual rates increase based on years of service.
  • 10 county holidays plus one (1) floating holiday
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
  • Healthcare Reimbursement Account
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Retirement pension (TCDRS)
  • Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:
01
Do you have a High School diploma or GED from an accredited institution?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a valid Texas driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Are you willing to participate in a random drug and alcohol testing program as required for this position?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you require sponsorship?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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