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Ferry System Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nc

Ferry Chief Engineer

Southport, NC

$43K - $75K/yr

Multiple Ferry Chief Engineer positions will be filled from this posting. We will be filling ... Employees operate the engineering systems in accordance with rules and regulations established by ...

Hornblower

Port Engineer - NYC Ferry

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private ... Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a Hornblower Group subsidiary and independent entity ...

Sodexo

Food Service Manager 2

Seattle, WA

$53K - $69K/yr

We are seeking a Food Service Manager II to oversee food & beverage outlets at Colman Dock, a ferry terminal serving the Washington State Ferry system. About the job Join a leadership role overseeing ...

Sodexo Live!

Food Service Manager 2

Seattle, WA

$53K - $69K/yr

We are seeking a Food Service Manager II to oversee food & beverage outlets at Colman Dock, a ferry terminal serving the Washington State Ferry system. About the job Join a leadership role overseeing ...

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All JobsFerry System Jobs

Ferry System information

See salary details

$43K

$109.5K

$166.5K

How much do ferry system jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for ferry system in the United States is $109,527.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a ferry master get paid?

A ferry master typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the ferry system. They are responsible for overseeing vessel operations, safety procedures, and crew management, often requiring maritime certifications and navigation skills.

What is the difference between Ferry System vs Marine Deckhand?

AspectFerry SystemMarine Deckhand
Required CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), Marine Safety CertificationsSTCW Certification, Basic Safety Training
Work EnvironmentPassenger ferries, terminals, docksShip decks, cargo areas, open water
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, private ferry companiesMaritime shipping, cruise lines, fishing vessels

The Ferry System role primarily involves operating passenger ferries, ensuring passenger safety, and managing schedules. Marine Deckhands assist with ship maintenance, cargo handling, and deck operations. While both roles require maritime safety certifications, Ferry System workers focus on passenger service, whereas Marine Deckhands support vessel operations and maintenance.

What do I need to work on a ferry?

To work on a ferry, candidates typically need a valid maritime or transportation-related certification, such as a captain's license or deckhand certification, depending on the role. Good communication skills, physical fitness, and the ability to work in a maritime environment are also important. Some positions may require prior experience or training in safety procedures and navigation tools.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

High-paying jobs in the ferry system industry are rare, but certain roles such as senior maritime executives, specialized marine engineers, or consultants with extensive experience can potentially earn $2000 or more per day. These positions typically require advanced certifications, significant expertise, and often involve leadership or specialized technical skills. Most ferry system jobs offer salaries below this level, with higher earnings usually found in executive or consulting roles outside standard operational positions.

How much do you get paid to work on a ferry?

Ferry system workers' salaries vary depending on the position, experience, and location. On average, deckhands and entry-level crew members earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, while more experienced roles like captains can earn over $80,000 per year. Certifications such as a Merchant Mariner Credential are often required for higher-paying positions.
What cities are hiring for Ferry System jobs? Cities with the most Ferry System job openings:
What states have the most Ferry System jobs? States with the most job openings for Ferry System jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ferry System jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ferry System jobs are:
Ferry System jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ferry System job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,527 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Ferry Chief Engineer

Nc

Southport, 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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