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Ferry Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20/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 ...

Senior Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$132K - $174K/yr

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 ...

Food and Beverage - Prep Cook

Marina Del Rey, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Ferry Boat Captain

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

The Captain is responsible for ensuring safe and efficient vessel operations while delivering exceptional guest service in a fast-paced hospitality environment. This role requires a positive attitude ...

Posted today

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Food and Beverage - Cook

Marina Del Rey, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Ferry information

See California salary details

$16

$37

$74

How much do ferry jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for ferry in California is $37.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.66 and $41.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ferry?

A ferry job typically involves working on a boat or ship that transports passengers, vehicles, or goods across bodies of water. Positions can range from deckhands and captains to ticketing agents and engineers. Responsibilities may include ensuring passenger safety, operating and maintaining the vessel, and assisting with loading and unloading. Ferry jobs often require maritime training, licensing, and knowledge of navigation and safety protocols. The work environment can vary depending on the route, vessel size, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the ferry position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ferry Operator or Ferry Crew Member, you need knowledge of maritime safety procedures, vessel operation, and typically a relevant maritime certification such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) or state boat operator’s license. Proficiency with navigation tools, communication radios, and basic mechanical systems is usually required to ensure safe passage and vessel functionality. Strong customer service skills, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help you succeed in passenger-facing situations. These skills are crucial for maintaining passenger safety, punctual service, and efficient ferry operations.

What are the typical work hours and scheduling expectations for ferry crew positions?

Ferry crew positions often require working in shifts that may include early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays, as ferry services typically operate outside of standard business hours to meet public or commuter demand. Schedules can vary based on the route and employer, but rotations may include several days on followed by days off, especially for longer routes. Crew members should be prepared for variable weather conditions and periods of downtime while the vessel is docked. Teamwork is essential, as you’ll be collaborating closely with other crew members to manage passenger safety, vessel operations, and customer service. Flexibility and a willingness to adapt to changing schedules are important for success in this dynamic environment.

What are popular job titles related to Ferry jobs in California?

For Ferry jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ferry jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Ferry jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Ferry jobs?

Cities in California with the most Ferry job openings:

Infographic showing various Ferry job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,290 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Relief/Casual Captain - Alcatraz Cruises

Hornblower

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$61.83/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


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 Captain operates a United States Coast Guard (USCG) inspected small passenger vessel under contract with the National Park Service between the San Francisco Waterfront, Alcatraz Island, and on adjacent routes in a manner that ensures the safety and security of the crew, enjoyment of passengers, and respect for the environment. A Captain is a vessel manager who leads, manages, supervises, and trains crew including First Officers, Deckhands and Captains. Captains plan and lead training and drills aboard vessels for emergency preparedness.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Serve as master in navigational command. Operate the vessel with due regard for proper watch standing and wheelhouse resource management standards, in accordance with the practice of good seamanship.
  • Have ultimate responsibility for the safe operation of the vessel and the safety of all crew and passengers.
  • Directly manage, supervise, and train first officers, deckhands, and other crewmembers in marine transportation safety, security and training.
  • Train Captains in company culture, best practices and standard operating procedures.
  • Participate in Marine Operations applicant interviews.
  • Have authority for maintaining good order, discipline, and accountability of assigned crew members by providing supervision and direction to crew and ensuring that crew members under Captain's supervision follow Company policies, rules, and regulations.
  • Take appropriate and swift disciplinary action of crew where necessary.
  • Monitor crew time and attendance for punctuality.
  • Review and approve crew timesheets; promote compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws.
  • Recommend and inform decisions to hire, terminate, or promote crew members.
  • Conduct regular crew performance reviews and assessments; provide feedback in a timely fashion to optimize crew performance. Mentor and lead the crew.
  • Regularly inspect all areas of the vessel for unsafe conditions, perform accident investigations, and make safety announcements to ensure the safety and comfort of the crew and passengers
  • Regularly plan and lead watch, quarter, and station bill emergency drills per USCG regulations. Plan and lead safety meetings per Alcatraz Cruises policy to ensure efficient and safe vessel operations and the proper use of equipment during any possible onboard emergency.
  • Maintain vessel operations and maintenance logs, personnel reports, and other required ship's business records.
  • Oversee transferring of pumping sewage and water.
  • Supervise crewmembers to ensure the maintenance of a clean workplace (i.e., rest rooms, trash, common areas, pilot house, and gangways).
  • Comply with all USCG regulations.
  • Exercise strong practical working knowledge of the Navigational Rules of the Road.
  • Comply with all National Park Service directives and Alcatraz Cruises policies, to ensure passengers, guests, and visitors to the Golden Gate National Recreational Area have a quality interpretive experience.
  • Implement vessel safety and security plans to ensure compliance with USCG Office of Homeland Security Rules and Regulations.
  • Lead by personal example of uniform appearance and grooming.
  • Set a high standard of personal and professional conduct for subordinates to emulate.
  • Ensure subordinates offer exceptional customer service and follow environmental practices (Respect Our Planet).
  • Through personal instruction and practice, set a positive example as a team leader for crew members, to the fulfillment of Alcatraz Cruises' policies, and the enjoyment of visitors to the Golden Gate National Recreational Area.
  • Comply with and enforce established policies and procedures.
  • Maintain current licenses and certifications.
  • Ensure regular work attendance by crew members, in conformance with Alcatraz Cruises standards. Hold crew members accountable. Communicate that irregular attendance will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
  • Ensure, upon employment, that all crewmembers fully comply with Alcatraz Cruises rules and regulations. Hold employees who violate Alcatraz Cruises rules and regulations accountable, up to and including termination of employment
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements & Qualifications:
  • U.S. Coast Guard Inland Masters (100 ton) or equivalent
  • FCC Marine Radio License
  • Possess and maintain a current California driver's license and satisfactory driving record
  • Two (2) years of boat handling
  • Customer service experience is helpful
  • Knowledge of foreign language is helpful
  • Open schedule and ability to work any assigned schedule, including holidays and weekends
  • Ability to work a shift that may start as early as 4:30 am or end as late as 10:45 pm. Shifts are 8 hours.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
#AlcatrazCityCruises
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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