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Ferry Jobs (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 ...

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 ...

Port Engineer - NYC Ferry

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$90K - $120K/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 ...

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Ferry information

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$16

$37

$75

How much do ferry jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for ferry in the United States is $37.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.05 and $41.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, 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 is a Ferry job?

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 boat job pays the most?

The highest-paying boat jobs typically include marine captains and vessel masters, who oversee operations and navigation. These roles require extensive experience, certifications such as a captain's license, and often involve long hours and responsibility for passenger or cargo safety. Salaries can range from $80,000 to over $150,000 annually depending on the vessel type and location.

How much money does a ferry worker make?

Ferry workers' salaries vary depending on location, experience, and specific roles, but the average annual pay ranges from $30,000 to $60,000. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced crew members or supervisors can earn higher wages, often supplemented with benefits and overtime opportunities.

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 do Washington state ferry workers make?

Ferry workers, such as deckhands and operators, typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience and position. They often receive benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, and may work shifts that include weekends and holidays.

What qualifications do I need to work on a ferry?

To work on a ferry, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant certifications such as a Merchant Mariner Credential or STCW certification, and a valid driver's license if operating vehicles. Additionally, good communication skills, physical fitness, and the ability to work in a team environment are important.
More about Ferry jobs
What cities are hiring for Ferry jobs? Cities with the most Ferry job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ferry jobs? The most popular types of Ferry jobs are:
What states have the most Ferry jobs? States with the most job openings for Ferry jobs include:
Infographic showing various Ferry job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 8% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,315 per year, or $37.7 per hour.
Captain - Pensacola City Ferry

Captain - Pensacola City Ferry

Hornblower

Pensacola, FL • On-site

$26 - $29/hr

Temporary

Posted 24 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:
Directs the ferry's activities including repair, maintenance, restoration, inspection and licensing programs. Serves as primary contact onboard the vessel with the USCG concerning compliance with laws and regulations. Supervise on-board crewmembers. Provide high level of customer service. This is a part-time seasonal position, 8-12 hours / week. Sundays required.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Direct the ferry's activities and insures passengers' safety and security while vessels are underway on river.
  • Plan and coordinate safety inspections of the ferry to insure safe operation of equipment, crew safety and compliance with USCG laws and regulations.
  • Ensures that ferry logs concerning official log, radio log, safety inspections, licensing information and safety training records are maintained in accordance with USCG regulations.
  • Trains and provides feedback for evaluation of the performance of marine crew.
  • Acts as representative of the operation to the public, community groups, Coast Guard and other appropriate governmental agencies to provide information concerning ferry operations.
  • Prepares and submits reports and completes special projects as directed.
  • Ensure that all inspections by the USCG meet the standard (no 835s) insofar as is practicable.
  • Ensure that all vessel(s) are in a COI inspection ready condition at all times.
  • Maintain and enhance our benchmark status with all inspecting agencies.
  • Operate vessel at economical engine speeds, per established policies.
  • Ensure a physically safe and environmentally sound working environment, proper tools, training, facilities and materials for all crewmembers. Conduct weekly emergency drills.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state and federal safety and environmental regulations to include station bill assignments.
  • Provide required training as needed for working with and proper disposal of hazardous waste.
  • Review contents of Vessel Operations Guide and Pass Down Log.
  • Ensure that all vessels are always kept in appropriate satisfactory condition and that maintenance work is done as unobtrusively as possible while guests are onboard.
  • Maintain radio watch and monitor VHF channels 13 and 16.
  • Responsible for accuracy of passenger and vehicular numbers. Ensuring cash deposits and pickup.
  • Ensure that the safety of our guests and crewmembers is maximized through careful and vigorous definition, administration and enforcement of safety policies and guidelines. Coordinate emergency response.
  • Ensure that all company policies are understood by, valued and followed by crewmembers. Demonstrate Company goals and values and distribute to all crewmembers.
  • Develop strong relationships with appropriate crewmembers and represent the Company at meetings and other functions as requested.
  • Participate in meetings, training, drills and safety audits as required by USCG & company policy.
  • Ensure vessel is secure and alarm is set prior to departure from evening shift.
  • Assure quality workmanship and performance by crewmembers.
  • Ensure that the crew are properly uniformed, demonstrate appropriate attitudes, are technically competent in
    their area of responsibility, that all crewmembers are providing their best efforts, and that we have identified
    and are using their skills to the company's best advantage.
  • Comply with rules and regulations contained in the Crew Handbook and as directed by Supervisor
    including, but not limited to:
    o Report to work on time and ready for duty;
    o Depart the vessel(s) only when properly relieved;
    o Ensure that the proper uniform is worn and grooming standards are met;
    o Complete required administrative forms clearly and accurately to include Accident/Incident Reports.
  • Present professional level of customer service and appearance to all - internal and external.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Qualifications:
  • HS Diploma
  • Valid US MMC Master 100 ton
  • Demonstrated ability to safely operate the vessel
  • Must be available on Sundays
  • Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Copy of DD214, if Veteran status
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills; ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to train, mentor, coach, and counsel employees.
  • Exceptional customer service skills
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to effectively interact with the public
  • Possess and demonstrate superior judgment and performance under pressure.
  • Set and achieve high standards of performance.
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
  • Basic computer skills with Microsoft Office familiarity.
  • Demonstrated ability to safely operate motor vessels.
  • Experienced in supervision & training of employees.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.

This is a part-time seasonal position, 8-12 hours / week. Sundays required.
#PensacolaCityFerry
#HB2
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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