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Full Time River Boat Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Terral RiverService

BOAT PILOT

Lettsworth, LA · 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 ...

TerralRiver Service

... 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 ...

TerralRiver Service

BOAT PILOT

Channelview, TX · 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 ...

TerralRiver Service

BOAT PILOT - FLEET

Blytheville, AR · 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 ...

Livestock Nutrition Center

Boat Pilot

Keota, OK · On-site

Ensure the vessel is operated safely and efficiently in various weather and river conditions ... All full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package.

United States Steel Corporation

Boat Pilot

Clairton, PA · On-site

Operating Technician I (River Pilot) is responsible for moving the barge fleet around the Mon River basin. This will include placing barges under and around the Coal Unloaders, which remove the coal ...

Meuth Concrete

Marine Harbor Boat pilot

Henderson, KY · On-site

We are looking to add to our team a Marine Harbor Boat Pilot. The candidate should have 2-3 years handling tow boats on the western rivers. The candidate must be well verse in the day to day ...

Meuth Concrete

Marine Harbor Boat pilot

Henderson, KY · On-site

We are looking to add to our team a Marine Harbor Boat Pilot. The candidate should have 2-3 years handling tow boats on the western rivers. The candidate must be well verse in the day to day ...

Meuth Concrete

Marine Harbor Boat pilot

Henderson, KY · On-site

We are looking to add to our team a Marine Harbor Boat Pilot. The candidate should have 2-3 years handling tow boats on the western rivers. The candidate must be well verse in the day to day ...

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All JobsRiver Boat Pilot JobsFull Time River Boat Pilot Jobs

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.

Boat Pilot - MO City

Farmer Holding Company

Missouri City, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Capital Sand was founded in 1973 and is the trusted sand mining, production, and distribution company throughout the Midwest. We are committed to the highest level of production quality, customer service & safety standards for you and your business.

Capital Sand is recruiting a Boat Pilot for our traveling dredge crew.  Pilots will be responsible for the overall safety of the crew, barge, tow, and cargo during their watch.

Work Schedule: The position requires the ability to work a rotating schedule and live on vessel for extended periods of time. Primarily 5 days/week and 12-hour shifts. Some Saturdays as needed.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Safely navigate the barge or tow while assuring the remainder of the crew performs their daily functions.
  • Operate in strict compliance with all company policies and USCG compliance regulations pertaining to drug, alcohol, pollution, and safety.
  • Ensure vessel navigation equipment, VHF Radios, machinery, rigging, and all related equipment are in operating order.
  • Maintenance of an accurate and current log.
  • Timely investigate all accidents occurring during their shift involving boat and crew and make reports to the main office.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Must possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard issued Merchant Mariner Credential: Master of Towing Vessels Upon Western Rivers.
  • Must have a valid TWIC card, Radar Observer Certificate and Radiotelephone Operator Permit.
  • Experience in dredging operations and operating on the Missouri River is a plus.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. We offer competitive wages and great employee benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) plan, life insurance and short and long-term disability.

EEO/Employer/Vet/Disabled

Capital will give consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status

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