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Mate Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Mate

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

Mate American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Mates for our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest ...

American Cruise Lines

Mate

Nashville, TN

Mate American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Mates for our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest ...

American Cruise Lines

Mate

Chattanooga, TN

Mate American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Mates for our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest ...

American Cruise Lines

Mate

Memphis, TN · On-site

Mate American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Mates for our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest ...

American Cruise Lines

Mate

Memphis, TN

Mate American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Mates for our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest ...

American Cruise Lines

Mate

Nashville, TN · On-site

Mate American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Mates for our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Goodlettsville, TN

Boatswain's Mate Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Boatswain's Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ship's crew. They handle small boats ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Oak Hill, TN

Boatswain's Mate Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Boatswain's Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ship's crew. They handle small boats ...

U.S. Navy

TN

Boatswain's Mate Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Boatswain's Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ship's crew. They handle small boats ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Ripley, TN

Boatswain's Mate Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Boatswain's Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ship's crew. They handle small boats ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Piperton, TN

Boatswain's Mate Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Boatswain's Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ship's crew. They handle small boats ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Carthage, TN

Boatswain's Mate Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Boatswain's Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ship's crew. They handle small boats ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Nashville, TN

Boatswain's Mate Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Boatswain's Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ship's crew. They handle small boats ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

College Dale, TN

Boatswain's Mate Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Boatswain's Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ship's crew. They handle small boats ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Greenbrier, TN

Boatswain's Mate Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Boatswain's Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ship's crew. They handle small boats ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Smyrna, TN

Boatswain's Mate Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Boatswain's Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ship's crew. They handle small boats ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Athens, TN

Boatswain's Mate Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Boatswain's Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ship's crew. They handle small boats ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Jellico, TN

Boatswain's Mate Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Boatswain's Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ship's crew. They handle small boats ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Gatlinburg, TN

Boatswain's Mate Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Boatswain's Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ship's crew. They handle small boats ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Gallatin, TN

Boatswain's Mate Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Boatswain's Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ship's crew. They handle small boats ...

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All JobsMate JobsMate Jobs in Tennessee

Mate information

See Tennessee salary details

$14

$31

$69

How much do mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for mate in Tennessee is $31.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.02 and $30.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mate?

Mates are licensed officers on a ship who assist the captain in navigating, operating, and managing the vessel. They are typically ranked as chief mate (first officer), second mate, and third mate, each with specific duties related to navigation, safety, cargo operations, and crew management. Mates ensure that the ship runs smoothly by overseeing daily operations, supervising the crew, and maintaining equipment. They also play a crucial role in emergency procedures and compliance with maritime regulations.

What are the job duties of a mate?

A mate on a ship operates and maintains a merchant boat. A typical deep-sea ship includes a crew of at least three mates, including the first mate or chief mate, second mate, and third mate. Your duties as a mate can vary depending on the size of the vessel. You supervise the ship during your shift, delegate duties to lower ranking crew members, and manage other sailors on board. You may also charter a course for the boat, steer the vessel, or navigate on open water. Additional responsibilities include conducting bridge watch and maintaining log entries. Mates are responsible for the overall maintenance of the ship as well.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mate, you need strong knowledge of navigation, seamanship, safety procedures, and typically a relevant maritime certification such as an Officer of the Watch license. Familiarity with navigation systems, GPS, radar, and vessel management software is essential. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving are critical soft skills for managing crew and responding to emergencies. These competencies ensure safe vessel operation, efficient teamwork, and compliance with maritime regulations.

What is the difference between Mate vs Carpenter?

AspectMateCarpenter
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; apprenticeship or technical training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, shipyards, or industrial settingsConstruction sites, residential, or commercial buildings
Industry UsageMaritime, industrial, or construction sectorsConstruction, renovation, and building industries
Common Search/ComparisonMate vs Carpenter

In summary, a Mate typically works in maritime or industrial environments and may require basic certifications, focusing on assisting with operations. A Carpenter specializes in building and repairing structures, often requiring technical training or apprenticeships. Both roles are essential in construction-related industries but differ in work setting and skill requirements.

What are some typical challenges a mate faces when managing deck operations aboard a commercial vessel?

Mates often encounter challenges such as coordinating deck crew during adverse weather conditions, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and handling unexpected maintenance issues. They must balance supervisory responsibilities with hands-on work, all while maintaining effective communication between the captain and crew. Adapting to rapidly changing circumstances at sea and managing fatigue during long shifts are also common aspects of the role. Developing strong organizational and leadership skills is crucial for overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth vessel operations.
More about Mate jobs
What are popular job titles related to Mate jobs in Tennessee? For Mate jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mate jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Mate jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Mate jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Mate job openings:
Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mate job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $65,878 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Mate

American Cruise Lines

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 3 hours ago

Job description

Mate
American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Mates for our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, Cumberland Rivers, and Great Lakes. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service.
Mates are senior shipboard officers reporting directly to the Captain and are responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a professional leader. Our Mates are experienced mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Our Mates are skilled team and time managers, supervising daily deck teams while also developing piloting expertise on our coastal and river routes. Our Mates are prudent decision-makers continually reducing risk by keeping our crew tasks ahead of daily and weekly schedules. Our Mates are people-oriented leaders and meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews.
Mates enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef prepared meals. American Cruise Lines operates our own bridge simulator, enabling rigorous recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills. American Cruise Lines recruits and retains the best professional mariners in the industry.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.
  • Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.
  • Supervise, lead, and develop deck officers.
  • Execution of Vessel cleaning, sanitation, maintenance, and logistics.
  • Execution of Crew orientation, training, watch standing, and emergency drills.
  • Teamwork with Hotel Officers and Service Crew ensuring five-star guest service.
  • Administrative documentation of cleaning, sanitation, maintenance, and logistics.
  • Leadership of safe, secure, clean, and comfortable onboard environment for passengers and crew.

Work Schedule:
  • Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or repositioning year-round.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.

Qualifications:
  • U.S. Coast Guard Mate's license: minimum 100T, desired license 1600T.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Mate experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience.
  • Basic marine engineering knowledge of diesel machinery, hydraulics, and liquid load management.
  • Excellent communication skills and team-building skills.
  • Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing.
  • Great Lakes Mate: Route familiarization and recency in all or several areas including: St. Lawrence Seaway, Welland Canal, St. Mary's River, and U.S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20" diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Access to advanced simulator-based training.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.

Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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