ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Marine Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Port Houston

Tradesman III Marine Captain

Houston, TX · On-site

Provide underway watch stations as lookout, man-overboard, marine fire and casualty response * Ability to temporarily take over throttle and engines under captain's supervision to help with ...

Savage

Marine Captain

Seattle, WA · On-site

Come work with us! Savage has been designated by USA Today as a Top Workplace and also received recognition as a Military Friendly Employer and a Top Company for Women to Work For in Transportation.

ssc

Marine Captain

Norfolk, VA

Benefits you receive when working with Savage: * Travel assistance to & from vessel paid for by employer * A culture that appreciates team members * Profit Sharing * Excellent Benefits including ...

Cooper Marine

Fleet Captain

Hahnville, LA · On-site

Cooper Marine Captains are responsible for safe and efficient operations and performance of their crew, vessel, and tow. * The Captain is the senior employee onboard and is responsible for the crew ...

Cooper Marine

Fleet Captain

Hahnville, LA · On-site

Cooper Marine Captains are responsible for safe and efficient operations and performance of their crew, vessel, and tow. * The Captain is the senior employee onboard and is responsible for the crew ...

Cooper Marine

Live Aboard Captain

Hahnville, LA · On-site

Cooper Marine Captains are responsible for safe and efficient operations and performance of their crew, vessel, and tow. * The Captain is the senior employee onboard and is responsible for the crew ...

Cooper Marine

Live Aboard Captain

Hahnville, LA · On-site

Cooper Marine Captains are responsible for safe and efficient operations and performance of their crew, vessel, and tow. * The Captain is the senior employee onboard and is responsible for the crew ...

The Cooper Group, Inc.

Fleet Captain

Hahnville, LA

Description Cooper Marine Captains are responsible for safe and efficient operations and performance of their crew, vessel, and tow. * The Captain is the senior employee onboard and is responsible ...

Captains Choice Marine

Marine Technician

Lydia, SC · On-site

Captain's Choice Marine - Leesville, SC (On-the-Water Facility) Position Type: Full-Time About Captain's Choice Marine - Leesville: Captain's Choice Marine has been serving boaters on Lake Murray for ...

MasTec Inc

Marine Boat Captain

North Charleston, SC · On-site

Overview MasTec Civil, a MasTec Company, is seeking a qualified and safety-focused Boat Captain to transport employees, contractors, equipment, and materials to and from marine construction jobsites ...

MasTec Inc

Marine Boat Captain

North Charleston, SC · On-site

Overview MasTec Civil, a MasTec Company, is seeking a qualified and safety-focused Boat Captain to transport employees, contractors, equipment, and materials to and from marine construction jobsites ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMarine Captain Jobs

Marine Captain information

See salary details

$5

$25

$48

How much do marine captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine captain in the United States is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying roles such as senior corporate executives, investment bankers, specialized surgeons, and successful entrepreneurs can earn $500,000 or more annually. Marine captains typically do not reach this level of income unless they own their vessels or operate in highly lucrative sectors, which is uncommon. Achieving such earnings often requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities.

How much does a marine ship captain make?

A marine ship captain's salary varies based on experience, vessel size, and location, but typically ranges from $80,000 to over $150,000 annually. Experienced captains with certifications and extensive sea time can earn higher wages, especially on large commercial ships or in specialized sectors like oil tankers or cruise ships.

What do marine captains do?

Marine captains are responsible for commanding ships, ensuring safe navigation, overseeing crew operations, and complying with maritime laws. They also handle planning routes, managing vessel maintenance, and making critical decisions during voyages, often requiring certifications such as a captain's license. Their work environment is typically on the water, with schedules depending on voyage duration and operational needs.

What is a Marine Captain job?

A Marine Captain is responsible for commanding and overseeing the operations of a vessel, ensuring its safety, navigation, and compliance with maritime regulations. They manage the crew, coordinate logistics, and make critical decisions regarding the ship's route, cargo, and emergency procedures. Marine Captains work in various sectors, including commercial shipping, the military, and passenger transportation. Their role requires extensive maritime training, certifications, and experience at sea.

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

To thrive as a Marine Captain, you need expertise in maritime navigation, vessel operations, crew management, and compliance with international maritime laws, typically supported by a Merchant Mariner Credential or similar captain's license. Proficiency with navigation systems such as GPS, radar, ECDIS, and communication equipment is often required. Leadership, decision-making, and excellent communication skills are essential soft skills for ensuring efficient operations and a safe onboard environment. These qualities are crucial for ensuring safety, legal compliance, and smooth coordination among the crew and with external stakeholders.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for a Marine Captain?

Marine Captains can advance their careers by taking on command of larger vessels, moving into fleet management or maritime operations roles, or specializing in areas such as offshore operations or maritime safety. With additional experience and certifications, some captains transition into shore-based roles like port management, marine surveying, or maritime training. Advancement often depends on building a strong safety record, leadership abilities, and continued professional development. This career path offers a variety of options for those interested in long-term growth within the maritime industry.

What is the highest paid marine job?

The highest paid marine jobs are typically senior positions such as ship captains or chief officers on large commercial vessels, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually. These roles require extensive experience, certifications like STCW, and leadership skills, and they often involve long periods at sea.
More about Marine Captain jobs
What cities are hiring for Marine Captain jobs? Cities with the most Marine Captain job openings:
What states have the most Marine Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Marine Captain jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Marine Captain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Marine Captain jobs are:
Marine Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Marine Captain job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Tradesman III Marine Captain

Tradesman III Marine Captain

Port Houston

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Thank you for considering a career at Port Houston. We appreciate your interest in joining our team. By applying, you are taking an important step toward advancing your career with an organization committed to excellence.
Port Houston offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a diverse, inclusive work environment. Joining our team means embarking on a fulfilling career path with opportunities for growth and impact.
Before submitting your application, please ensure your resume is ready for upload in either .doc or .pdf format. Application must be completed in full.
Position Summary:
Maintain and repair marine facilities, infrastructure and marine working vessels. Provide critical seamanship during underway watch stations while sharing in the responsibility to ensure vessels and wharves conform to USCG regulations and providing our customers with safe, clean marine facilities.
Key Responsibilities/Duties:
  • Perform heavy carpentry work to install wharf timbers
  • Using Marine grade epoxy to frequently maintain corrosion barriers on marine structures, wharf markings and vessel superstructures
  • Repair concrete and steel structures utilizing epoxy grout and concrete
  • Install and/or repair fall safety fencing and gates • Install, repair, and replace safety ladders and access hatches
  • Build and repair wooden fenders and cap logs using CCA timber
  • Perform rope work and eye splicing
  • Perform heavy duty cleat, chain and cable work to provide proper mooring design and breaking strength
  • Provide underway watch stations as lookout, man-overboard, marine fire and casualty response
  • Ability to temporarily take over throttle and engines under captain's supervision to help with maneuvering
  • Perform Helmsman duties while underway on Port Houston vessels under instruction of licensed captains employed at Port Houston
  • Operate small boats and paint skiff safely underneath marine structures
  • Perform vessel mechanical and vessel safety checks
  • Work independently
  • Work required scheduled overtime hours and be available for unscheduled overtime when operating requirements or other business needs of Port Houston cannot be fulfilled during regular working hours
  • Work a temporary, alternative schedule or shift as requested by supervisor
  • Act in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you)
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Education/Experience:
  • High School diploma or GED equivalent required
  • Associate's degree in Applied Science in Maritime Technology, Cargo Handling/Logistics, or related major in a public or accredited private academic institution preferred
  • 5+ years marine or construction experience preferred
  • NASBLA Boaters Safety Certification
  • Basic Seamanship Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Behaviors:
  • Knowledge of Port Houston safety rules and procedures
  • General knowledge of plumbing
  • Knowledge of industrial painting
  • Knowledge of Air Impact tools
  • Knowledge of Core Drilling
  • General construction knowledge
  • Seamanship
  • Basic Knowledge of basic welding and materials
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to use a 5-ton lift crane
  • Ability to operate a computer to retrieve port email and complete required training and surveys
  • Ability to tread water and swim
  • A current, valid Texas driver's license is required
  • A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) must be obtained within 30 days of appointment, and be maintained for the duration of employment

Key Competencies Required:
  • Achieve Results
  • Attention to Detail
  • Commitment to Self-Development
  • Safety
  • Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills

This work site location of this job is:
Central Maintenance
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but due to open office environment noise level may occasionally be high. To apply, please go to porthouston.com/careers. Only applications submitted through the Port Houston Careers website will be acknowledged. Port Houston is an equal opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program supervised by the U.S. Government.
Disclaimer:
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
We appreciate your interest in Port Houston. Port Houston is an equal employment opportunity employer. Port Houston's policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Port Houston also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Application must be completed in full.

Apply