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Freight Boat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ordinary Seaman

Orient, NY · On-site

$28.37/hr

Ensure safe transport of passengers and freight. * Assist vessel captain in navigation and boat handling. * Support operation of marine vessels in the transport of passengers, freight, cargo and ...

Ordinary Seaman

Orient, NY · On-site

$28.37/hr

... freight. • Assist vessel captain in navigation and boat handling. • Support operation of marine vessels in the transport of passengers, freight, cargo and livestock. • Perform maintenance ...

InterJet West is a Part 125 cargo operator supporting on-demand freight operations across a variety of operational environments and schedules. We are seeking experienced, safety-focused pilots who ...

Recovers freight costs by following the current freight policy and including anticipated freight ... Military and boat owners to name a few. What began as a small family-owned business has evolved ...

Service Estimator

Hilliard, OH · On-site

$23 - $31/hr

Recovers freight costs by following the current freight policy and including anticipated freight ... Military and boat owners to name a few. What began as a small family-owned business has evolved ...

Service Estimator

Savannah, GA · On-site

$23 - $31/hr

Recovers freight costs by following the current freight policy and including anticipated freight ... Military and boat owners to name a few. What began as a small family-owned business has evolved ...

Service Estimator

Hilliard, OH · On-site

$23 - $31/hr

Recovers freight costs by following the current freight policy and including anticipated freight ... Military and boat owners to name a few. What began as a small family-owned business has evolved ...

Recovers freight costs by following the current freight policy and including anticipated freight ... Military and boat owners to name a few. What began as a small family-owned business has evolved ...

Recovers freight costs by following the current freight policy and including anticipated freight ... Military and boat owners to name a few. What began as a small family-owned business has evolved ...

Plant Manager

Shelton, WA · On-site

$35.56/hr

POSITION SUMMARY This is a manual labor position to oversee all processing departments and freight ... Will be required to wear life jackets whenever working on a boat or structure over water. Proper ...

MASTER LICENSED DAILY

Dutch Harbor, AK · On-site

$82K - $99K/yr

... freight. Works direct with the Corporate or fleet manager to plan and implement vessel movements ... Two years as captain of a fishing boat in the fishery being applied for. * Five+ years as a ...

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Freight Boat information

See salary details

$25.5K

$66.7K

$117K

How much do freight boat jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for freight boat in the United States is $66,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do Great Lakes freighter crews get paid?

Great Lakes freighter crews typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, position, and the size of the vessel. Salaries can increase with seniority and specialized skills such as navigation and cargo handling, and crew members often work on rotational schedules that can last several weeks at a time.

What boat job pays the most?

The highest-paying boat jobs often include captain or master mariner positions, especially on large commercial vessels like cargo ships, tankers, or luxury yachts. These roles require extensive experience, certifications such as STCW, and often involve long periods at sea, but they offer the highest salaries in the maritime industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freight Boat Captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freight Boat Captain, you need a valid captain’s license (such as a Merchant Mariner Credential), strong navigational skills, and comprehensive knowledge of maritime regulations. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, radar, radio communication equipment, and cargo management software is typically required. Effective leadership, decision-making under pressure, and clear communication are essential soft skills for managing crew and ensuring safe operations. These skills are vital for ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely transport of goods across waterways while complying with legal and safety standards.

How to get a job on a freight boat?

To get a job on a freight boat, candidates typically need a valid maritime license such as a Merchant Mariner Credential, relevant experience, and safety training. Applying through shipping companies, crew agencies, or maritime job boards is common, and physical fitness and the ability to work in a marine environment are essential.

What is the difference between Freight Boat vs Cargo Ship?

AspectFreight BoatCargo Ship
CredentialsMaritime licenses, STCW certificationMaritime licenses, STCW certification
Work EnvironmentCoastal waters, inland waterwaysOpen seas, international routes
Industry UsageRegional freight, short-distance transportGlobal freight, long-distance shipping

Freight boats are typically smaller vessels used for regional or inland waterway freight transport, requiring similar certifications as cargo ships but operating in different environments. Cargo ships are larger vessels designed for international shipping across open seas. While both roles involve freight transport, freight boats focus on short-distance, regional routes, whereas cargo ships handle long-distance, global routes.

How much do shipping boats make?

Freight boat captains and crew members typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, vessel size, and routes. Salaries can increase with seniority, specialized skills, and certifications such as STCW or USCG licenses. Pay may also vary based on the employer and geographic location of operations.

What are freight boats?

Freight boats, also known as cargo ships or freighters, are vessels specifically designed to transport goods and materials across bodies of water. They play a crucial role in international trade by moving products such as raw materials, finished goods, and machinery between ports around the world. Freight boats come in various types, including container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers, each tailored for specific kinds of cargo. Their efficient operation is essential for global supply chains and economies.

What are some common challenges faced by crew members on a freight boat, and how can they prepare for them?

Crew members on freight boats often face challenges such as long periods away from home, adapting to rotating shifts, and working in varying weather conditions. Teamwork is essential, as crew members must communicate effectively and support each other to ensure safe navigation and efficient cargo handling. Preparing for these challenges involves building strong interpersonal skills, maintaining good physical fitness, and familiarizing oneself with maritime safety protocols. Additionally, staying adaptable and proactive helps crew members manage the unpredictable nature of life at sea.
More about Freight Boat jobs
What states have the most Freight Boat jobs? States with the most job openings for Freight Boat jobs include:
Infographic showing various Freight Boat job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $66,677 per year, or $32.1 per hour.
Ordinary Seaman

$28.37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


ASRC Federal rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 357 rated engineering


Job description

ASRC Federal is a leading government contractor furthering missions in space, public health and defense. As an Alaska Native owned corporation, our work helps secure an enduring future for our shareholders. Join our team and discover why we are a top veteran employer and Certified Great Place to Work™
ASRC Federal Field Services, a Subsidiary of ASRC Federal Holding Company, is currently seeking an Ordinary Seaman at the Plum Island Animal Disease Research Center, located on Plum Island, NY. (1.5 nautical miles off North Fork of Long Island & 6 nautical miles off coast of Old Saybrook, CT). Marine transportation furnished by Government provided ferry.
Key Role:
  • Provide support to operations and maintenance functions at research facility.
  • Assist in the operations of a water ferry within domestic waterways.
  • Ensure safe transport of passengers and freight.
  • Assist vessel captain in navigation and boat handling.
  • Support operation of marine vessels in the transport of passengers, freight, cargo and livestock.
  • Perform maintenance, handle lines, or operate vessel equipment.
  • Ensure that proper procedures and safety practices are followed.
  • Ensure that machinery and equipment are in good working order.
  • Duties to include line handling, vessel maintenance, monitoring passenger movement, visitor control, housekeeping, navigational assistance, directing freight traffic & deck loading of freight.
  • In alignment with tasks will be required to utilitze appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) such as safety shoes, hard hats, hearing, and eye protection is required.
  • Ability to climb ladders, reach overhead and lift to 50 lbs.
  • Industrial work environment that may include loud noise, heat stress, work indoors and outdoors.
  • Able to communicate effectively with all levels of personnel and customers.
  • Shift Starts and Ends in New York.

Basic Qualifications:
  • HS Diploma or GED
  • Commercial Driver License class B with passenger endorsement or ability to obtain.

Physical Requirements:
  • Perform physical activities that require considerable use of your whole body.
  • Utilization of appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) such as safety shoes, hard hats, hearing, and eye protection is required. Ability to climb ladders, reach overhead and lift to 50lbs. Industrial work environment that may include loud noise, heat stress, work indoors and outdoors.
  • Ability to carry out housekeeping duties with minimal direction, following prescribed methods & directives.
  • Assignments may require entry into biocontainment facilities, utility plants, a variety of storage buildings and constructions sites. Work within the containment laboratory requires decontamination showers.
  • You must be physically able to move freely in environments that are restricted in space, unsteady or otherwise not easily accessible. Ability to climb ladders, and lift to 50 lbs.

We invest in the lives of our employees, both in and out of the workplace, by providing competitive pay and benefits packages. Benefits offered may include health care, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k); education assistance; paid time off including PTO, holidays, and any other paid leave required by law. The salary offered will depend on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, geographic location, internal equity, business needs, and other factors permitted by law. Posted pay ranges are a general guideline only and are not a guarantee of compensation or salary.
EEO Statement
ASRC Federal and its Subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, color, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, national origin, religion, marital status, ancestry, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other factor prohibited by applicable law.

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