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Hornblower Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group's portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences ...

Food and Beverage - Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group's portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences ...

Dishwasher | City Cruises Norfolk

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group's portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences ...

Food and Beverage - Cook

Marina Del Rey, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group's portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences ...

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group's portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences ...

Field IT Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group's portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences ...

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group's portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences ...

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Hornblower information

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$8

$26

$61

How much do hornblower jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for hornblower in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hornblower vs Boat Captain?

AspectHornblowerBoat Captain
Required CredentialsUSCG license, maritime training, safety certificationsUSCG license, maritime training, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentPassenger cruise vessels, sightseeing toursVarious vessels including ferries, private boats, cruise ships
Employer & IndustryTourism, hospitality, maritime transportationMaritime transportation, tourism, private charters
Common Search IntentJob roles, requirements, salary infoJob duties, licensing, career path

Both Hornblower and Boat Captain roles require similar credentials, including USCG licenses and maritime safety certifications. While Hornblower typically operates passenger cruise vessels in tourism settings, Boat Captains work across various vessels like ferries and private boats. The roles overlap in industry and work environment, but the specific vessel types and employer focus differ. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right maritime career path.

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

To thrive as a Hornblower, you need musical proficiency, strong breath control, and the ability to read music, often supported by formal music education or training. Familiarity with brass or wind instruments, music notation software, and possibly performance certifications is advantageous. Exceptional discipline, stage presence, and the ability to collaborate with other musicians are important soft skills. These abilities ensure accurate, expressive performances and effective contributions within ensembles or orchestras.

What are some common challenges faced by a hornblower during daily operations on the water?

As a Hornblower, especially in the context of operating passenger vessels or sightseeing cruises, you may encounter challenges such as managing communication signals during busy docking procedures, ensuring passenger safety and comfort, and adapting to changing weather conditions. Working on the water often requires quick decision-making and effective collaboration with the captain and deck crew to maintain smooth operations. Additionally, balancing the delivery of informative commentary or entertainment for guests while maintaining operational duties can be demanding, but it also provides opportunities for skill growth and guest interaction.

What is a hornblower?

A hornblower is someone who sounds a horn or trumpet, traditionally as part of a ceremonial or signaling role. Historically, hornblowers were important in military, maritime, or civic contexts to convey signals or announcements. Today, hornblowers may participate in ceremonial events, parades, or as part of historical reenactments. Their role often involves maintaining tradition and adding a distinctive auditory element to special occasions.
More about Hornblower jobs
What cities are hiring for Hornblower jobs? Cities with the most Hornblower job openings:
What states have the most Hornblower jobs? States with the most job openings for Hornblower jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hornblower job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Qualified Member of the Engine Department - QMED

Hornblower

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$36 - $40/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Hornblower rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 9 rated cruise lines


Job description

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group's portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences and ferry and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower Group's premier experience division, offers dining and sightseeing cruises and walking and food tours through the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour brands. City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually and operating services including NYC Ferry, Puerto Rico Ferry, and other regional ferry systemsHornblower Group's subsidiaries include Hornblower Marine, which provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Seaward Services, Inc., a full-service shipping, waterfront logistics and management company that specializes in the operation and maintenance of government and commercial vessels. Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a Hornblower Group subsidiary and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketing and website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourism and entertainment industries. Today, Hornblower Group's global portfolio covers over 10 countries, over 50 U.S. cities and serves more than 20 million guests annually. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Hornblower Group's additional corporate offices reside in San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit hornblowercorp.com.
Position Summary:
The Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED) holds an MMD with an appropriate QMED or Assistant Engineer's rating. You will work directly with the Chief Engineer.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Start, monitor and maintain all machinery
  • Assist Chief Engineer in all aspects
  • Handle mooring lines
  • Participate in Safety and Security drills and all as required on WQSB
  • Enforce crew and passenger safety
  • Stand engine watches as required
  • Be trained in use of fixed fire suppression systems
  • QMED is assigned an IBA
  • "Security Officer" training
  • Fill and pump fluids as needed.
  • Switch from Shore Power to Generator and back
  • Assist other departments as requested
  • Know procedures and plans for fueling and spill prevention
  • Additional job duties assigned

Requirements & Qualifications:
  • TSA TWIC
  • First Aid/CPR
  • USCG MMD with QMED rating
  • USCG Assistant Engineer's License with appropriate horsepower and route ratings desired
  • Additional ratings recommended; Lifeboat, Firefighting, STCW
  • High School or equivalency
  • Two years qualified engine room experience

#HB1 #CityCruises
The RESPECT Service System embodies our mission, vision, values and operating principles. By creating a company culture that puts RESPECT at its core, we believe it will drive us to achieve our goal of becoming a Global Experiences and Transportation Leader.
EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Hornblower is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, as a federal, state, and local contractor, Hornblower complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals, where and as they apply. The company also participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.

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