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Full Time Tugboat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PacifiCorp

Fish Transporter/Hydro Utility Worker

WA · On-site

$37.30/hr

... tugboat for the purpose of removing log debris on the reservoirs, and positioning log booms and ... Power Supply Schedule: Full-Time Personnel Subarea: IBEW Local 125 Hiring Range: $37.30 per hour ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Licensed Engineer

Port Arthur, TX · On-site

$54.16 - $62.04/hr

This is a full-time position. Moran Towing Corporation is one of the oldest companies in America and has prospered by continuously reinventing itself for over 160 years. Starting in 1860 as a tugboat ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Unlicensed Engineer

Port Arthur, TX · On-site

$31.88 - $45.28/hr

This is a full-time position. Moran Towing Corporation is one of the oldest companies in America and has prospered by continuously reinventing itself for over 160 years. Starting in 1860 as a tugboat ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Port Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$103K - $114K/yr

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position reporting to the General Manager. Moran Towing ... Starting in 1860 as a tugboat company, we have grown from those roots to become a dominant provider ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Dispatcher

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$55K - $62K/yr

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position reporting to the General Manager. Moran Towing ... Starting in 1860 as a tugboat company, we have grown from those roots to become a dominant provider ...

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Full Time Tugboat information

See salary details

$19K

$104.2K

$181.5K

How much do full time tugboat jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time tugboat in the United States is $104,157.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Full Time Tugboat vs Part Time Tugboat?

AspectFull Time TugboatPart Time Tugboat
Work HoursTypically 40+ hours per weekFewer hours, often less than 30 hours per week
CertificationsRequired maritime licenses and safety certificationsSame certifications as full-time, but on a part-time basis
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships or docks, maritime industrySame environment, flexible scheduling
Employment TypeFull-time employment with benefitsPart-time, often without full benefits

Full Time Tugboat operators work regular hours with benefits, while Part Time Tugboat operators work fewer hours with more flexible schedules. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same maritime environments, but employment terms differ in hours and benefits.

How to get a job working on a tugboat?

To work as a tugboat crew member, you typically need a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the Coast Guard, along with relevant certifications such as STCW and first aid. Prior maritime experience, physical fitness, and knowledge of navigation and safety procedures are also important for securing a position on a tugboat.

What boat job pays the most?

In the maritime industry, chief engineers and captains on large vessels such as oil tankers, container ships, and cruise ships tend to earn the highest salaries. These roles require extensive experience, certifications, and often involve long periods at sea, but they offer the highest compensation among boat jobs.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

Full-time tugboat captains and senior maritime professionals can earn around $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and working in high-demand maritime regions. These roles often require specialized skills, licenses such as a Master Mariner license, and the ability to work long hours at sea.

Is working on a tugboat worth it?

Working as a full-time tugboat operator can be rewarding for those interested in maritime work, offering competitive pay and opportunities for advancement. The job requires specialized skills, certifications, and often involves long shifts and being away from home. It is physically demanding and involves working in challenging weather conditions, but it can provide a stable career in the maritime industry.
More about Full Time Tugboat jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Tugboat jobs? The most popular types of Tugboat jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Tugboat jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Tugboat jobs are:
Full Time Tugboat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Tugboat job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,157 per year, or $50.1 per hour.
Port Engineer - Tugboat Fleet (Remote with Travel)

Port Engineer - Tugboat Fleet (Remote with Travel)

Dann Marine Towing

Chesapeake City, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Description:

The Port Engineer is responsible for the technical management, maintenance oversight, and operational readiness of a fleet of oceangoing and inland tugboats. This role blends hands-on troubleshooting with planning, contractor coordination, and shipyard project management. The Port Engineer will support vessels across multiple ports, respond to emergent issues, and ensure the fleet operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company and regulatory standards.

This is a remote position with a rotating on-call schedule shared among four Port Engineers.

Key Responsibilities

Fleet Maintenance & Technical Support

  • Oversee the maintenance, repair, and operational condition of all assigned tugboats.
  • Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electronic control issues as they occur.
  • Manage preventative maintenance schedules for all vessels.
  • Conduct repairs within personal skill level; coordinate contractors for specialized or major repairs.
  • Support vessels equipped with a wide range of propulsion and generator systems, including:
    • Main Engines: EMD, Caterpillar, Cummins, Wabtec, Mitsubishi, Alco
    • Generators: Detroit Diesel, John Deere, Cummins, Caterpillar
  • Work with both pneumatic and electronic engine control systems.
  • Oversee maintenance and troubleshooting of pneumatic and hydraulic reduction gears
  • Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair direct drive and hydraulic towing machines.

Operational Support

  • Travel to vessels as needed to support emergent repairs, inspections, and operational issues.
  • Provide technical guidance to vessel crews and assist with troubleshooting remotely when possible.
  • Ensure vessels maintain compliance with company standards, USCG regulations, and class requirements.

Shipyard & Project Management

  • Lead and manage scheduled shipyard periods, including:
    • Scope development
    • Contractor oversight
    • Budget tracking
    • Quality assurance
    • Daily progress monitoring
  • Remain onsite for the duration of major shipyard periods (typically 30 days).

Documentation & Reporting

  • Complete detailed Port Engineering Reports for all major repairs, emergent issues, and shipyard periods.
  • Submit reports to upper management, including summaries of work performed, costs, delays, and recommendations.
  • Maintain accurate maintenance records, service logs, and equipment histories.
  • Review and approve repair invoices, parts orders, and contractor documentation.
Requirements:

Qualifications

Required

  • Strong background in diesel mechanics, including medium-speed and high-speed marine engines.
  • Proficiency in electrical systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, electronics, and control systems.
  • Experience with welding and fabrication for marine applications.
  • Solid understanding of general seamanship, vessel operations, and marine safety practices.
  • Hands-on experience with vessel repairs, troubleshooting, and maintenance planning.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and engineering drawings.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Willingness to travel frequently and stay overnight as required.

Preferred

  • Prior experience as a Port Engineer, Chief Engineer, ABS inspector or shoreside maintenance manager.
  • Experience with pneumatic control systems and hydraulic gear systems.
  • Shipyard project management experience.
  • Familiarity with ABS, USCG, and other regulatory frameworks.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to work in confined spaces, machinery spaces, and other restricted areas.
  • Ability to work in elevated areas, including accessing stacks, masts, and upper deck structures.
  • Ability to lift parts, tools, and supplies as required for vessel maintenance.
  • Ability to climb ladders, gangways, and vertical access points aboard vessels and in shipyards.
  • Comfortable working in industrial environments with heat, noise, and moving machinery.

Work Environment & Expectations

  • Remote work with significant autonomy and responsibility.
  • Company vehicle provided for travel to vessels and shipyards.
  • Must be able to respond to vessel needs during on-call weeks.
  • Hands-on work in industrial and marine environments, including confined spaces and elevated areas.

Position Type: Full-Time, Remote.

Schedule: Rotating On-Call (1 week on / 3 weeks off).

Travel: Required during shipyard periods and as operational needs dictate. A company vehicle is provided.

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