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Ferry Pilot Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Ferry Pilot information

See Washington salary details

$56.1K

$148.3K

$227.7K

How much do ferry pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for ferry pilot in Washington is $148,275.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,300.00 and $175,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ferry pilot?

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Ferry Pilot jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Ferry Pilot jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Ferry Pilot jobs in Washington? For Ferry Pilot jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What are popular job titles related to Ferry Pilot jobs in WA? For Ferry Pilot jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Ferry Pilot job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,275 per year, or $71.3 per hour.

City Cruises ALX - Part Time Boat Captain

Hornblower

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Hornblower rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 9 rated cruise lines


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 systemsHornblower 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 successful Captain will greet all guests and ensure each guest is attended to in an appropriate manner ensuring consistently high levels of safety, quality, service, and guest satisfaction while maintaining a high level of profitability.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Cruise Execution
  • Rotate as cruise captain on cruises and ensure adherence to procedures detailed in the Product Management Guide. This includes thorough pre-cruise preparation, adherence to cruise scripts, supervision of crew, proper piloting of vessel, adherence to all Coast Guard rules and regulations, and guest satisfaction
  • Gather pertinent cruise event details from the other departments to ensure special guest requests are fulfilled thereby ensuring complete guest satisfaction
  • Conduct pre-cruise meetings and communicate to crew all necessary information regarding the cruise (special needs, boarding procedures, etc.)
  • Ensure that staff and guests adhere to all safety standards and procedures
  • Participate in the execution of the Safety Program, including emergency drills
  • Participate in the proper maintenance of all ship's systems and boarding facilities including but not limited to gangways, diesel, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, water (potable, raw, black, and gray), fire suppression, communications, and navigation
  • Ensure adherence to Coast Guard rules and regulations, and other federal and local rules and regulations
  • Ensure strict compliance to Emergency Response Plan
  • Execute other projects as assigned by management

Operations Team Management
  • Recruit non-exempt operations staff (crew) when necessary to fill vacant positions
  • Deliver training to new crew
  • Schedule crew according to staffing matrix
  • Adhere to Company's performance management guidelines for all discipline and termination situations
  • Recommend to Marine Management the promotion of crew to full-time annual positions
  • Develop positive working relationships with city department heads and peers
  • Develop strong teamwork within the staff

Guest Service
  • Resolve guest problems using strong guest service skills and exercising effective communication skills in keeping with company objectives and guest retention
  • Oversee the implementation and execution of safety programs in accordance with Coast Guard regulations and established Company policies

Administration
  • Complete all shift records: checklist, logbook, payroll, and documentation of safety training
  • Ensure that incident reports are completed accurately and promptly
  • Participate in administration of payroll system including scheduling, checking, transmitting, and processing
  • Execute collateral duties as assigned by Marine Management: uniforms, crew training, safety training, recruiting, scheduling crew and routine vessel maintenance
  • Schedule crew work periods to achieve maximum payroll efficiency
  • Attend all scheduled meetings
  • Assist in accounting assistance including invoice processing

Other Duties and Responsibilities
  • Additional job duties as assigned

Requirements & Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Must currently possess 100-ton license with a satisfactory record
  • Minimum of five (5) years of marine experience-preferably to include two (2) years as a captain with an outstanding record
  • Detailed working knowledge of all ship's systems and their proper maintenance: gangways, diesel, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, water (potable, raw, black, and gray), fire suppression, communications, and navigation
  • Must be able to operate vessel in accordance with all Coast Guard rules and procedures
  • Vessel handling and navigation knowledge required
  • Able to communicate effectively in oral and written form
  • Able to effectively deal with internal and external guests some of whom will require high levels of patience tact and diplomacy
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
  • Ability to analyze and solve problems
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities/tasks
  • Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (especially Word & Excel)

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to work onboard a moving vessel in varying weather and sea conditions, including maintaining balance and stability while underway.
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, frequently throughout a shift.
  • Ability to navigate stairs, ladders, narrow passageways, and confined spaces commonly found onboard vessels.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull supplies, equipment, and inventory weighing up to 40 pounds independently.
  • Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach overhead, and perform repetitive motions as required in food service and hospitality operations.
  • Ability to respond quickly and effectively during normal operations, guest service situations, and emergency procedures.
  • Ability to safely work in a fast-paced environment with exposure to moving equipment, wet surfaces, temperature variations, and moderate noise levels.
  • Ability to visually inspect service areas, food presentation, cleanliness standards, and safety conditions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with guests, crew members, and management in person and via radio or other communication devices.
  • Successfully complete vessel-specific safety and emergency training.
  • Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts as operational needs require.

Work Environment
  • Work is performed primarily onboard a Coast Guard-inspected passenger vessel, with duties split between dining, service, storage, galley-adjacent, and administrative areas.
  • Position requires regular movement throughout multiple decks and may involve occasional exposure to outdoor marine environments, including heat, humidity, rain, wind, and sunlight.
  • Must be able to safely perform duties while the vessel is docked or underway.

#CityCruisesUS
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.

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