ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Harbor Tug Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McAllister Towing

Mate

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$708/day

Tractor tug experience * Must pass pre-employment drug test * Must pass pre-employment physical Preferred Qualifications: * Mate 1600 Gross Tons Towing/Oceans * NY Harbor experience Salary : Day Rate ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Staten Island, NY

$708/day

Tractor tug experience * Must pass pre-employment drug test * Must pass pre-employment physical Preferred Qualifications: * Mate 1600 Gross Tons Towing/Oceans * NY Harbor experience Salary : Day Rate ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

McAllister's fleet of tugs is ideal for all ship docking, general harbor, and barge assist work ... Tractor tug/Z drive experience * Must pass pre-employment drug test * Must pass pre-employment ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

McAllister's fleet of tugs is ideal for all ship docking, general harbor, and barge assist work ... Tractor tug/Z drive experience * Must pass pre-employment drug test * Must pass pre-employment ...

MILLERS LAUNCH INC

Licensed Boat Captain

New York, NY · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Knowledge of NY Harbor a PLUS Must be able to pass drug/alcohol and background check, have a valid ... Miller's Launch and its affiliated companies Miller Marine, Miller's Tug and Barge and Miller ...

MILLERS LAUNCH INC

Licensed Boat Captain

Neptune City, NJ · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Knowledge of NY Harbor a PLUS Must be able to pass drug/alcohol and background check, have a valid ... Miller's Launch and its affiliated companies Miller Marine, Miller's Tug and Barge and Miller ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Mate

Cameron, LA · On-site

$53 - $57/hr

Maritime experience working aboard a harbor assist tug. * Capable of operating a Tractor tug. * Excellent communication skills. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: * Work safely in a marine setting. * Walk, sit, or ...

McAllister Towing

Licensed Engineers

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named ...

McAllister Towing

Captain

Philadelphia, PA

McAllister's fleet of tugs is ideal for all ship docking, general harbor, and barge assist work ... Master of a tug or towing vessel. * Vessel Security Officer (VSO) in charge of implementing and ...

McAllister Towing

Captain

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

McAllister's fleet of tugs is ideal for all ship docking, general harbor, and barge assist work ... Master of a tug or towing vessel. * Vessel Security Officer (VSO) in charge of implementing and ...

McAllister Towing

Licensed Engineers

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHarbor Tug Jobs

Harbor Tug information

See salary details

$290K

$400K

How much do harbor tug jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for harbor tug in the United States is $393,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $400,000.00 and $400,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Harbor Tug job?

A Harbor Tug job involves operating or assisting in the maneuvering of tugboats to guide large vessels safely in and out of harbors, docks, and narrow waterways. Harbor tug crews help with berthing, unberthing, and towing operations, ensuring ships navigate tight spaces efficiently. Responsibilities may include deck operations, engine maintenance, and communication with port authorities. This role requires maritime experience, knowledge of tugboat operations, and adherence to safety regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Harbor Tug position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Harbor Tug operator, you need practical seamanship skills, knowledge of harbor navigation, and often a valid merchant mariner credential or appropriate licensing. Familiarity with marine radio systems, tug-specific controls, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and situational awareness are essential soft skills for coordinating with crew and port authorities. These skills ensure safe, efficient vessel maneuvering and help prevent accidents in the challenging and busy harbor environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Harbor Tug operators on the job?

Harbor Tug operators frequently work in dynamic and sometimes hazardous conditions, including poor weather, strong currents, or congested harbors, which require quick decision-making and expert navigation skills. Daily responsibilities often involve close coordination with vessel pilots, port staff, and other tug crews to maneuver large ships safely in and out of docking spaces. Additionally, operators may work irregular hours or be on-call to respond to urgent harbor needs. These challenges demand adaptability, attention to safety, and effective communication to ensure smooth port operations and minimize risks.

More about Harbor Tug jobs
What cities are hiring for Harbor Tug jobs? Cities with the most Harbor Tug job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Harbor Tug jobs? The most popular types of Harbor Tug jobs are:
What states have the most Harbor Tug jobs? States with the most job openings for Harbor Tug jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Harbor Tug jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Harbor Tug jobs are:
Harbor Tug jobs near you
Infographic showing various Harbor Tug job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $393,215 per year, or $189 per hour.
Mate

Mate

McAllister Towing

Staten Island, NY • On-site

$708/day

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job Description
McAllister Towing has provided superior tugboat service to New York Harbor since 1864, when Captain James McAllister, great-grandfather to current president Brian Buckley McAllister, bought his first sail lighter to carry cargo from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Today, McAllister's tugs provide a wide variety of services to the busy ports of New York and New Jersey, serving the most concentrated and affluent consumer market in the world and handling a significant part of the 16 million tons of cargo that passes through the port every year. In addition to ship docking services and general harbor assist work, New York based tugs are regularly employed in offshore towing along the entire East Coast.
McAllister is proud of its long history in New York Harbor and continues to provide its clients and customers with the highest quality service.
McAllister Towing of NY is seeking highly qualified Mates. Duties and responsibilities are outlined below:
Mate:
Description/Job Summary:
The Mate is responsible for assisting the Master with safe and efficient operation of the Tug. The Mate safely manages all towing operations and deck evolutions. The Mate navigates the vessel and conducts docking/undocking evolutions. The Mate is the First Line Supervisor for members of the Deck Department. Additionally, the Mate assists the Master with maintaining the well-being of the crew.
Preferred Experience:
  • Several years as an Able-Bodied Seaman/Ordinary Seaman.

Required Qualifications:
  • Valid Mate 200 Gross Ton License
  • Mate or Master of Towing
  • Current GMDSS, ARPA, Advanced Firefighting, First Aid/CPR
  • Valid STCW, TWIC and Current USCG Medical Certificate
  • Valid Merchant Marine Credential
  • Tractor tug experience
  • Must pass pre-employment drug test
  • Must pass pre-employment physical

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Mate 1600 Gross Tons Towing/Oceans
  • NY Harbor experience

Salary: Day Rate - starting at $708 a day
Physical Requirements:
The unpredictable, ever-changing and inherently dangerous nature of tug and towing operations require the Mate to be physically qualified to ensure his/her own safety, as well as that of the vessel and crew. Specific physical requirements include:
  • Adequate vision (i.e., absent any color blindness or impairment that cannot be corrected with prescription lenses).
  • Adequate hearing.• Capable of walking and standing on wet surfaces for extended periods of time.
  • Able to handle heavy lines and operate heavy machinery.
  • Ability to climb a 12-foot ladder without assistance.
  • Ability to hoist oneself up and over a 12-inch wide, 6-foot-high barrier.
  • Sufficient strength to:
    • Lift 100 lbs. from deck to waist level.
    • Lift 50 lbs. from deck to shoulder level.
    • Lift 35 lbs. from deck to overhead; and
    • Pull (drag) 120 lbs. at least 20 feet.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer.
It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of McAllister Towing not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.
This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

Apply