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Inland Towing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Inland Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR) is completed We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit unlawful discrimination per federal, state, and local laws. We value diversity and are ...

Safely and efficiently carrying out the duties of a member of the deck crew onboard inland towing vessels and barges. * Completing Declarations of Inspection (DOIs), Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), and ...

Safely and efficiently carrying out the duties of a member of the deck crew onboard inland towing vessels and barges. * Completing Declarations of Inspection (DOIs), Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), and ...

Deckhand

Joliet, IL ยท On-site

BASIC FUNCTION Illinois Marine Towing Deckhands work on our fleet of Inland Towing and Fleeting Vessels preparing barges for safe and timely transport. Qualified candidates must be safety-conscious ...

Deckhand

Inland, NE ยท On-site

BASIC FUNCTION Illinois Marine Towing Deckhands work on our fleet of Inland Towing and Fleeting Vessels preparing barges for safe and timely transport. Qualified candidates must be safety-conscious ...

Vessel Pilot

Inland, NE ยท On-site

CBC Pilots work on our Fleet of Inland Towing Vessels. Extensive orientation and training is provided; all Pilots must possess a current U.S. Coast Guard license for Master or Pilot of Towing Vessels ...

Cook

Inland, NE ยท On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

CANAL BARGE COMPANY COOK Canal Barge LLC Cooks work on our fleet of Inland Towing Vessels. The primary responsibilities of Cooks are to provide well-balanced, nutritious meals for CBC vessel ...

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Inland Towing information

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$24

$54

How much do inland towing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for inland towing in the United States is $24.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Inland Towing Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Inland Towing Operator, you need knowledge of navigational practices, vessel operations, and safety procedures, usually supported by a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and relevant endorsements. Familiarity with marine radios, GPS navigation, and towboat-specific equipment is essential for daily operations. Strong communication, teamwork, and situational awareness are vital soft skills for handling dynamic river environments and coordinating with crew. These competencies ensure safe, efficient transport of goods and compliance with maritime regulations.

What is inland towing?

Inland towing refers to the transportation of barges, ships, or other vessels along rivers, canals, and other inland waterways. This job typically involves operating towboats or tugboats to move cargo safely and efficiently between ports that are located away from the open sea. Inland towing is crucial for industries such as agriculture, petroleum, and construction, as it allows for the movement of large amounts of goods over long distances. Workers in this field need to have strong navigational skills, knowledge of maritime regulations, and the ability to work in various weather conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by inland towing professionals, and how can they be managed on the job?

Inland towing professionals often encounter challenges such as navigating narrow waterways, unpredictable weather conditions, and coordinating with lock and port authorities. These challenges require strong situational awareness, effective communication skills, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Working as part of a close-knit crew also means collaborating efficiently and maintaining safety standards at all times. Employers typically provide ongoing training and support to help team members manage these challenges and ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Inland Towing vs Marine Towing?

AspectInland TowingMarine Towing
Required CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), towing certificationsMaritime licenses, STCW certifications
Work EnvironmentRivers, lakes, inland waterwaysOpen seas, coastal areas
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, inland freight carriersMaritime shipping, port authorities

Inland Towing involves transporting vessels or cargo along rivers and lakes using tugboats or barges, requiring CDL and inland navigation skills. Marine Towing, on the other hand, involves towing ships or large vessels at sea, requiring maritime licenses and sea navigation expertise. Both roles are essential in the shipping industry but differ mainly in environment and certification requirements.

More about Inland Towing jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Inland Towing jobs? The most popular types of Inland Towing jobs are:
Infographic showing various Inland Towing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,219 per year, or $24.1 per hour.
Wheelhouse - Liquid Division

Wheelhouse - Liquid Division

Parker Towing Company

Creola, AL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Parker Towing Company, a family-owned company, is one of the largest barge lines in the United States, operating a fleet of towboats and over 400 open and covered hopper barges as well as a growing fleet of 30,000 BBL tank barges. Commodities transported include coal, steel, and steel-related products, aggregates, forest products, grain products, cement, asphalt, and other petroleum products. We pride ourselves in our corporate responsibility, reliability, operating efficiencies, cost competitiveness, and protection of the environment. In addition to our barging operations, Parker Towing Company also operates terminals for loading and unloading barges at several locations in Alabama and Tennessee. These terminals handle a broad range of dry cargo commodities and provide an intermodal link between barges, trucks, and rail. We also operate the Parker Mobile fleet and machine shops in the Mobile, Alabama area. Parker Towing Company has progressed a long way over the last 80 years and looks to build upon that success into the future.

Employment Incentives:

ยท Ride-over pay

ยท Flexible Schedules: 28/28, 20/10, 28/14

ยท Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

ยท 401k with Company Match

ยท Life Insurance

ยท Short/Long Term Disability

ยท Bi-annual bonuses

ยท Quarterly safety bonuses

Description:

Wheelhouse personnel is responsible for safely and efficiently navigating inland towing vessels, and transporting liquid cargoes on various inland and coastal waterways of the United States. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

ยท Safely and efficiently operating and navigating inland towing vessels and tank barges on the inland and coastal waterways of the United States.

ยท Ensuring the safety of crew members.

ยท Accurately and continuously communicating with management and office personnel relative to vessel performance, locations, ETAs, weather conditions, and other information specific to the vessel, route, and crew.

ยท Maintaining compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Parker Towing policies, and procedures.

ยท Performing and maintaining routine maintenance of his or her assigned vessel and barge(s), which may include maintenance to engines, generators, winches, navigation systems, and safety equipment.

ยท Communicating in a clear, effective, and professional manner

ยท Timely completion of all required reports and logs.

Qualifications

ยท A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record is required.

ยท A valid Transportation Workers Identification Credential (T.W.I.C.) is required.

ยท A valid Master of Towing Vessels (MOTV) or Mate Pilot of Towing Vessels license with towing endorsements to include Western Rivers and Inland Waters is required.

ยท A valid Radar Endorsement and FCC license are required.

ยท Experience operating 600 feet of tow or wheelhouse experience on tank barge tows is preferred.

ยท Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) Tankerman- PIC (Barge) is preferred (not required).

ยท Must be capable of safely navigating up to two 30,000 BBL barges on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and Mississippi River

ยท Must complete a pre-employment USCG physical exam and DOT Drug and Alcohol screen.

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