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Full Time River Boat Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ergon, Inc

Fuel Boat Pilot

East Alton, IL

Fuel Boat Pilot Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply, Inc., has an opening for a Fuel Boat Pilot at its Wood River, IL, location. If you are a hard-working person who enjoys helping others and taking ...

Ergon, Inc

Fuel Boat Pilot

East Alton, IL · On-site

Fuel Boat Pilot Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply, Inc., has an opening for a Fuel Boat Pilot at its Wood River, IL, location. If you are a hard-working person who enjoys helping others and taking ...

CRH

Boat Pilot

Belpre, OH · On-site

Ability to safely and efficiently operate a tow boat and move barges along the river. * Responsible ... Boat Pilot licensure required. If individual does not currently hold this licensure, must have the ...

Ergon, Inc

Fuel Boat Pilot

East Alton, IL · On-site

Fuel Boat PilotErgon Marine & Industrial Supply, Inc., has an opening for a Fuel Boat Pilot at its Wood River, IL, location.If you are a hard-working person who enjoys helping others and taking pride ...

CRH

Boat Pilot

Belpre, OH

Ability to safely and efficiently operate a tow boat and move barges along the river. * Responsible ... Boat Pilot licensure required. If individual does not currently hold this licensure, must have the ...

The Lindy Group

Inland Marine Boat Pilot

Monaca, PA

$44.96/hr

... Boat Pilot to support the Montgomery Lock & Dam Project in Monaca, Pennsylvania, a major U.S. Army ... Ohio River navigation system with an estimated 8-year duration.This is a long-term, full-time ...

Terral River Service Inc

BOAT PILOT

Lettsworth, LA · On-site

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

Terral RiverService

BOAT PILOT

Channelview, TX · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description Position Summary: Terral RiverService, Inc. is currently looking for ... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ...

Terral River Service Inc

BOAT PILOT

Channelview, TX

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

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Full Time River Boat Pilot information

See salary details

$54.5K

$144.5K

$270K

How much do full time river boat pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time river boat pilot in the United States is $144,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $230,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by full time river boat pilots during navigation, and how can they be addressed?

Full-time river boat pilots often encounter challenges such as unpredictable water levels, shifting sandbars, and changing weather conditions that can impact safe navigation. Staying updated with real-time river reports and maintaining close communication with crew members and other pilots is crucial for addressing these issues. Regular training in river navigation technology and local regulations also helps pilots adapt quickly to route changes and ensure passenger and cargo safety. Building strong situational awareness and teamwork on the vessel are key to successfully managing these challenges.

What is the difference between Full Time River Boat Pilot vs Part Time River Boat Pilot?

AspectFull Time River Boat PilotPart Time River Boat Pilot
Work HoursTypically full-time hours, often 40+ hours per weekFewer hours, flexible schedule
CertificationsRequired licenses and certifications for full-time operationSame certifications, but on a part-time basis
Work EnvironmentConsistent, onboard river vesselsOn-demand, may vary in location and schedule
Employer UsageUsually employed directly by shipping companies or river transport servicesOften contracted or freelance

Full Time River Boat Pilots work regular hours with consistent employment, while Part Time River Boat Pilots have flexible schedules and fewer hours. Both roles require similar certifications and operate in similar environments, but employment arrangements differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time river boat pilot?

To thrive as a Full Time River Boat Pilot, you need expert navigation skills, a comprehensive understanding of river systems, and typically a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with an appropriate pilot endorsement. Familiarity with radar, GPS navigation, electronic chart systems, and VHF radio communications is essential. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for safely guiding vessels and coordinating with crews. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe and efficient transport of cargo or passengers while minimizing risks on often challenging waterways.

What is a full time river boat pilot?

Full Time River Boat Pilots are licensed professionals responsible for navigating and steering riverboats along inland waterways. They ensure the safe passage of vessels, cargo, and passengers by interpreting river conditions, managing crew operations, and complying with maritime regulations. Their job requires extensive knowledge of local waterways, weather patterns, and navigational technology, as well as strong communication and leadership skills. Pilots often work long hours and must maintain a high level of alertness to prevent accidents and respond promptly to emergencies.

What are the most commonly searched types of River Boat Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of River Boat Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Full Time River Boat Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Full Time River Boat Pilot jobs include:

Full Time River Boat Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time River Boat Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 83% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,531 per year, or $69.5 per hour.

River Boat Pilot

Magnolia Marine Transport

Vicksburg, MS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Location: Vicksburg, MS, USA

Description

Magnolia Marine Transport has an opening for a full-time Pilot to safely operate company vessels and tows in accordance with all applicable regulations and company policies.

We are a relationship-driven, family-owned company that values professionalism, leadership, and teamwork. Magnolia Marine Transport offers competitive pay, strong benefits, and maintains a small-company culture where each employee's contribution matters.

Pilot Qualifications

  • Must hold appropriate USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials for the assigned area of operation

  • Must possess a valid TWIC Card, Radio License, and Radar Observer Certificate, as required

  • Demonstrated time and experience with Magnolia Marine sufficient to establish competence and leadership ability

  • Working knowledge of USCG Rules and Regulations and company policies

  • Ability to exercise sound judgment in dynamic and potentially hazardous operating environments

Pilot Responsibilities Include the Following

  • Acts as second in command and is directly responsible to the Captain; represents the Captain when standing watch

  • Responsible, along with all crew members, for the safety of the vessel, crew, and tow, and for compliance with the Safety Management System

  • Navigates the vessel in full compliance with USCG regulations, company policies, and the vessel's Certificate of Inspection (COI), when applicable

  • Reports unsafe conditions, incidents, and nonconformities to the Captain and Port Captain, and takes appropriate action to prevent accidents

  • Has the authority to determine when unsafe conditions exist and may refuse a tow or navigational area deemed unsafe or presenting undue risk

  • Requests company assistance when necessary to ensure safe and compliant operations

  • While on watch, maintains responsibility for the safety and welfare of the vessel, crew, and tow; sounds alarms and summons the Captain if a dangerous situation develops

  • Stands watch in the pilothouse at all times, including when the vessel is tied up, except during dry-dock periods

  • Ensures all required logs and records are accurately completed during assigned watch

  • Communicates all pertinent operational information and incidents to the Captain in a timely manner

Benefits

Magnolia Marine Transport offers a competitive benefits package, including:

  • 401(k)

  • Health, Dental, and Life Insurance

  • Paid Holidays

  • Vacation and Sick Leave

  • Tuition Assistance

  • Profit Sharing

Equal Employment Opportunity

Magnolia Marine Transport is an EEO/AAP Employer. Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug test and background check.

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