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Marine Vessel Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Marine Crane Operator

Williams Bay, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Marine Crane Operator & Crew Lead Gage Marine is seeking an experienced Marine Crane Operator ... Verify load weights, rigging configurations, crane capacity, weather conditions, and vessel ...

Crane Operator

Harvey, LA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Experience operating cranes mounted on a barge or other marine vessel. * Experience driving piles in a marine environment. Benefits, Perks, and Opportunities: * Regular, full-time employment.

Crane Operator

Harvey, LA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Experience operating cranes mounted on a barge or other marine vessel. * Experience driving piles in a marine environment. Regular, full-time employment. Competitive wages. Health insurance. Dental ...

Crane Operator

Harvey, LA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Experience operating cranes mounted on a barge or other marine vessel. * Experience driving piles in a marine environment. Benefits, Perks, and Opportunities: * Regular, full-time employment.

Crane Operator

Harvey, LA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Experience operating cranes mounted on a barge or other marine vessel. * Experience driving piles in a marine environment. Benefits, Perks, and Opportunities: * Regular, full-time employment.

Crane Operator

Harvey, LA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Experience operating cranes mounted on a barge or other marine vessel. * Experience driving piles in a marine environment. Benefits, Perks, and Opportunities: * Regular, full-time employment.

Showing results 41-60

Marine Vessel Operator information

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$10

$24

$39

How much do marine vessel operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine vessel operator in the United States is $24.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What challenges do marine vessel operators face in their daily work?

Marine Vessel Operators frequently encounter challenges such as navigating adverse weather conditions, managing vessel maintenance, and ensuring compliance with strict safety and environmental regulations. You’ll also need to remain alert for other marine traffic and potential mechanical issues while maintaining clear communication with crew and port authorities. Operating on tight schedules and adapting to unexpected changes in routes or cargo are also common aspects of the job. Successfully addressing these challenges requires a high level of expertise, situational awareness, and teamwork.

What does a marine vessel operator do?

A Marine Vessel Operator is responsible for navigating and operating boats, ships, or other watercraft safely and efficiently. They ensure compliance with maritime regulations, monitor weather conditions, and oversee crew and cargo operations. Their duties may include steering, maintaining communication with port authorities, and responding to emergencies. Vessel operators work in industries such as transportation, fishing, tourism, and military operations. Proper licensing and training are required, depending on the vessel type and location of operation.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a marine vessel operator?

To thrive as a Marine Vessel Operator, you need a thorough understanding of marine navigation, vessel handling, and safety procedures, usually supported by a relevant maritime license or certification. Familiarity with navigation systems (such as GPS and radar), radio communication equipment, and marine regulations is essential. Strong decision-making skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure are key soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial to ensure safe, efficient vessel operations and compliance with maritime laws in challenging environments.

How much do marine vessel operators make?

Marine vessel operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, vessel type, and location. Salaries can increase with certifications, specialized skills, and working on larger or more complex vessels.
More about Marine Vessel Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Marine Vessel Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Marine Vessel Operator job openings:

What states have the most Marine Vessel Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Marine Vessel Operator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Marine Vessel Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Marine Vessel Operator jobs are:

Infographic showing various Marine Vessel Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,325 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Marine Crane Operator

Gage Marine Corporation

Williams Bay, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Gage Marine rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description:

Marine Crane Operator & Crew Lead


Gage Marine is seeking an experienced Marine Crane Operator & Crew Lead to safely operate articulating boom cranes and lead pier crews during marine construction and offseason projects. This role requires strong leadership, sound judgment, and a consistent commitment to safe operating practices.

Responsibilities

  • Operate articulating boom cranes aboard barges and lead marine work sites
  • Lead and coordinate crew members, riggers, and other assigned personnel
  • Conduct pre-use crane, rigging, and safety inspections; identify and report defects or unsafe conditions
  • Verify load weights, rigging configurations, crane capacity, weather conditions, and vessel stability before lifts
  • Participate in maintenance talks, job site analyses, safety meetings, and incident reporting
  • Use general construction skills to install and remove seasonal piers, lifts and other recreation lake items

What We Offer

  • Competitive pay based on experience and certifications
  • Bonus opportunities
  • Overtime and rotational opportunities, where applicable
  • Excellent benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life, 401(k), paid vacation/personal time
  • Employee discounts on products and services
  • Fun, family-oriented culture and outdoor recreation perks
  • Paid training and certification support
Requirements:

Required Qualifications

  • Current certification to operate an articulating boom crane
  • Demonstrated experience operating cranes in a marine, offshore, port, barge, or vessel environment
  • Previous experience leading crane crews, deck crews, or rigging teams
  • Ability to work safely around moving equipment, suspended loads, changing weather, and marine conditions
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
  • Ability to pass required pre-employment screening, including drug and alcohol testing, background check, and physical/fit-for-duty requirements
  • Ability to work extended shifts, overtime, weekends, and rotational schedules when required
  • Ability to consistently lift 50–75 lbs. and work outdoors in variable weather conditions

Preferred Qualifications

  • NCCCO or equivalent crane operator certification, where applicable
  • Experience with hydraulic knuckle-boom, telescopic, pedestal-mounted, or vessel-mounted cranes
  • Familiarity with vessel stability, deck loading, and marine cargo operations
  • Previous knowledge of boat lifts and pier construction around Lake Geneva

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