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Harbor Pilot Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Harbor Pilot information

See Michigan salary details

$43.1K

$114.1K

$175.2K

How much do harbor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for harbor pilot in Michigan is $114,106.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,200.00 and $135,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a harbor pilot?

A Harbor Pilot is a highly trained maritime professional responsible for safely navigating ships into and out of ports, harbors, and restricted waterways. They have expert knowledge of local tides, currents, and hazards, ensuring vessels avoid accidents and comply with port regulations. Pilots board incoming ships, often via pilot boats or helicopters, and take temporary control to guide them safely to their berth. Their work is crucial for preventing collisions, protecting the environment, and maintaining efficient port operations.

What does a harbor pilot do?

A typical day for a Harbor Pilot involves boarding large vessels as they approach or depart a port, frequently by pilot boat or sometimes by helicopter, and expertly navigating them through challenging harbor waters to their berth or safe exit. Pilots must coordinate closely with ship captains, tugboat crews, and harbor authorities to ensure every maneuver is safe and compliant with local regulations. Work schedules can vary, often including night shifts, weekends, and being on-call to respond to ships at any hour. The role requires constant focus and readiness, as every vessel and weather condition presents unique challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a harbor pilot?

To thrive as a Harbor Pilot, you need expert knowledge of local waterways, advanced ship handling abilities, and a marine pilot license, often requiring years of seafaring experience and specialized examination. Familiarity with navigation systems, radar, communication equipment, and local port regulations is crucial. Exceptional situational awareness, decisiveness under pressure, and strong communication skills distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies ensure the safe and efficient guiding of vessels, protecting crews, cargo, and infrastructure within busy harbors.

What are popular job titles related to Harbor Pilot jobs in Michigan?

For Harbor Pilot jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Harbor Pilot jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Harbor Pilot jobs in Michigan are:

Harbor Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Harbor Pilot job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,106 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

Class A CDL - Fuel Transport Driver

Pilot Flying J

Benton Harbor, MI

$29 - $32/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Class A CDL - Refined Fuel Driver - Benton Harbor, MI

Estimated Annual: $94,000-$102,000/year*

Pay: $29.00-$32.00/hour**

Sign On Bonus: $5,000

We are urgently seeking a Fuel Transport Driver with an excellent driving record. Experience in the petroleum industry is preferred but not required.

The right candidate will have:

  • Class A CDL
  • Hazmat and Tanker endorsements
  • A minimum of 1 year’s tractor/trailer driving experience

Our truck drivers enjoy the generous compensation and the excellent benefits package we offer, which are detailed below. Based on schedule and performance, drivers may be eligible to receive the below pay differentials:

  • Night Shift Pay = additional $1.00/hour worked
  • Weekend Pay (both Saturday and Sunday schedule) = additional $1.50/hour worked

In addition to pay differentials, drivers will receive the following compensation:

  • Time-and-a-half pay for all hours over 40 in a workweek
  • Safety Enhancement Pay (for qualifying drivers) = additional $1.00/hour worked
  • Driver Trainer Pay (for qualifying drivers) = $25/day up to $500 + bonuses for successful post-training observations
  • $12 meal coupon per shift redeemable at all company locations

Our drivers enjoy the excellent benefits package we offer:

  • Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage for self and family
  • Company paid life insurance and long-term disability
  • Company matched 401k: 100% match of first 3% and 50% match of next 2% contribution
  • Paid time off, up to 5 weeks for tenured drivers
  • Holiday pay for 9 holidays for full-time drivers and 3 holidays for part-time drivers
  • Up to 6 weeks of paid parental leave for eligible drivers (mothers and fathers)
  • Wellness offerings and perks, including free sleep apnea therapy, smoking cessation programs and weight loss coaching for drivers who participate in the health plan
  • Opportunities for career advancement through leadership roles like Driver Trainer, Lead Driver, Field Supervisor and regional Safety and Operations Management
  • Driver referral bonuses

Benefits are subject to vesting and eligibility requirements.

* Estimated annual earnings assume a driver will work an average work week of 55 hours.

** During the required training period (approximately 2–6 weeks), drivers earn $27.00 per hour. After successfully completing training, drivers receive their full base rate.

Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than 30,000 team members and over 750 retail and fueling locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces. Our energy and logistics division serves as a top supplier of fuel, employing one of the largest tanker fleets and providing critical services to oil operations in our nation’s busiest basins. Pilot Company supports a growing portfolio of brands with expertise in supply chain and retail operations, logistics and transportation, technology and digital innovation, construction, maintenance, human resources, finance, sales and marketing.

Founded in 1958 by Jim A. Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and commitment to giving back remains true to us today. Whether we are serving guests, a fellow team member, or a trucking company, we are dedicated to fueling people and keeping North America moving.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.


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