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Merchant Marine Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Lindy Group

Inland Marine Boat Pilot

Monaca, PA · On-site

$44.96/hr

The Boat Pilot will operate towboats and support vessels used to position barges, floating cranes ... Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) or equivalent marine license requiredRecent and ...

Illinois Marine Towing

Vessel Pilot

Joliet, IL · On-site

... Marine Superintendent. V. EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION 1. Possess a Merchant Mariner Credential issued by the U.S. Coast Guard appropriate for the route. Pilot of Towing Vessels, at minimum, with ...

Illinois Marine Towing

Vessel Pilot

Inland, NE

... Marine Superintendent. V. EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION 1. Possess a Merchant Mariner Credential issued by the U.S. Coast Guard appropriate for the route. Pilot of Towing Vessels, at minimum, with ...

Magnolia Marine Transport

River Boat Pilot

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

... Marine Transport offers competitive pay, strong benefits, and maintains a small-company culture where each employee's contribution matters. Pilot Qualifications * Must hold appropriate USCG Merchant ...

Magnolia Marine Transport

River Boat Pilot

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

... Marine Transport offers competitive pay, strong benefits, and maintains a small-company culture where each employee's contribution matters. Pilot Qualifications * Must hold appropriate USCG Merchant ...

genesis

Trip Pilot Marine Vessels Inland

Houston, TX · On-site

The Trip Pilot shall be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel and its tow ... Merchant Mariner's document and a STCW training and certification booklet, as required by law.

genesis

Trip Pilot Marine Vessels Inland

Houston, TX · On-site

The Trip Pilot shall be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel and its tow ... Merchant Mariner's document and a STCW training and certification booklet, as required by law.

genesis

Trip Pilot Marine Vessels Inland

Houston, TX · On-site

The Trip Pilot shall be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel and its tow ... Merchant Mariner's document and a STCW training and certification booklet, as required by law.

HFL 412 Marine Inc

Trip Pilot

Point Pleasant, WV · On-site

Valid USCG Merchant Mariner's Credential with Towing Endorsement * Valid TWIC * Valid Radar ... High School Diploma or GED * Prior experience in a similar position within the marine ...

HFL 412 Marine Inc

Trip Pilot

Pittsburgh, PA · Remote

Valid USCG Merchant Mariner's Credential with Towing Endorsement * Valid TWIC * Valid Radar ... High School Diploma or GED * Prior experience in a similar position within the marine ...

Bowhead

Captain

Fairhope, AL · On-site

$26/hr

This is an opportunity to serve and support the training and development of a pilot's skills in ... USCG Merchant Marine Master's license 100 ton or greater, required. Plus TWIC card. * Minimum of ...

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Merchant Marine Pilot information

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$54.5K

$144.5K

$270K

How much do merchant marine pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchant marine pilot in the United States is $144,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $230,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Merchant Marine Pilot?

Merchant Marine Pilots are highly trained maritime professionals responsible for navigating ships through hazardous or congested waters, such as harbors, rivers, or canals. They board vessels to guide them safely to their destinations, using their extensive knowledge of local waterways, currents, and regulations. Merchant Marine Pilots play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of ships, preventing accidents and protecting the environment. They typically work with both domestic and international ships and must maintain specialized licenses and credentials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Merchant Marine pilot?

To thrive as a Merchant Marine Pilot, you need in-depth knowledge of maritime navigation, ship handling, and local waterway regulations, supported by a relevant license from the U.S. Coast Guard or equivalent authority. Familiarity with radar, GPS, electronic chart display systems (ECDIS), and communication equipment is crucial for safe vessel operations. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and clear communication skills help pilots work effectively with ship crews and harbor personnel. These skills are vital to ensure the safe and efficient movement of vessels, prevent accidents, and protect marine environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Merchant Marine pilots during vessel navigation and how are they addressed?

Merchant Marine Pilots often encounter challenges such as maneuvering large vessels through congested or narrow waterways, unpredictable weather conditions, and coordinating with ship crews from diverse backgrounds. To address these challenges, pilots rely on advanced navigational technology, maintain clear communication with onboard teams and harbor authorities, and continually update their knowledge of local waterways. Ongoing training and simulation exercises also help pilots stay prepared for unexpected situations, ensuring safe and efficient vessel transit.

What is the difference between Merchant Marine Pilot vs Marine Engineer?

AspectMerchant Marine PilotMarine Engineer
CredentialsMerchant Mariner Credential with pilot endorsementsEngineering licenses or certifications, such as a Third Assistant Engineer license
Work EnvironmentBridge of ships, navigating and steering vesselsEngine rooms, maintaining and operating ship machinery
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, ports, maritime transportationShip operators, maritime engineering firms

Merchant Marine Pilots primarily navigate ships through ports and waterways, requiring navigation credentials, while Marine Engineers focus on maintaining ship engines and systems. Both roles are essential in maritime operations but differ in responsibilities and work environments.

How much do merchant marine pilots make?

Merchant marine pilots typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, vessel size, and the employer. Salaries can increase with seniority, certifications, and specialized skills such as navigation and safety procedures.

How to become a merchant marine pilot?

To become a merchant marine pilot, you typically need to obtain a U.S. Coast Guard license as a Third Mate or higher, which requires completing maritime training, accruing sea service hours, and passing written and practical exams. Additional certifications such as STCW may be required for international operations, and strong navigation, communication, and safety skills are essential. Gaining experience on ships and maintaining good physical health are also important steps in the process.
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What states have the most Merchant Marine Pilot jobs?

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Merchant Marine Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Marine Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,531 per year, or $69.5 per hour.

Inland Marine Boat Pilot

PJ Dick-Trumbull-Lindy Paving

Monaca, PA • On-site

$44.96/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Inland Marine Boat Pilot

Trumbull-Brayman Joint Venture Montgomery Lock & Dam Project - Monaca, Pennsylvania

Trumbull Corporation is seeking an experienced union Inland Marine Boat Pilot to support the Montgomery Lock & Dam Project in Monaca, Pennsylvania, a major U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) infrastructure project located on the Ohio River navigation system with an estimated 8-year duration.

This is a long-term, full-time position responsible for operating project vessels supporting heavy civil construction activities. The Boat Pilot will operate towboats and support vessels used to position barges, floating cranes, and other marine equipment within an active inland river navigation pool.

This position offers stable, long-term employment on a high-profile federal infrastructure project supporting the U.S. inland waterway system.

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Schedule & Compensation

The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday - approximately 40 hours per week, with additional overtime available based on project needs and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.

This is a union position, and the successful candidate will become a member of the applicable Operating Engineers Local.

Compensation includes:

  • Union wage starting at $44.96 per hour based on experience
  • Overtime pay
  • Medical / Prescription Drug Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Pension Plan
  • Additional benefits provided through the collective bargaining agreement

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Key Responsibilities

The Boat Pilot is responsible for safely operating project vessels and supporting marine construction activities within an active inland river navigation pool.

Responsibilities include:

  • Operating towboats and support vessels used for construction operations
  • Positioning and maneuvering construction barges, crane barges, and floating equipment
  • Assisting with marine construction activities including pile driving operations and barge crane work
  • Monitoring river conditions and coordinating vessel movements within the inland navigation system
  • Working closely with marine crews, deckhands, and equipment operators to support field operations
  • Ensuring safe vessel operation and compliance with USACE requirements and Coast Guard regulations
  • Performing daily inspections of vessels and marine equipment
  • Maintaining communication with project supervision and marine fleet personnel
  • Assisting with general marine operations and maintaining safe work areas
  • The Boat Pilot is expected to operate vessels safely while supporting efficient marine construction operations on the project.

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Qualifications & Education

  • Minimum 5 years of experience operating towboats or similar inland marine vessels
  • Minimum 10 years of marine experience
  • Experience operating vessels within inland river navigation systems
  • Experience supporting marine construction operations or barge fleet movements preferred
  • Knowledge of river navigation practices, barge handling, and vessel positioning
  • Familiarity with lock and dam navigation procedures
  • Strong understanding of marine safety practices and navigation rules
  • Ability to work effectively with marine crews and construction personnel
  • Commitment to maintaining safe vessel operations
  • Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) or equivalent marine license required
  • Recent and verifiable work history required

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Work Environment

Work is performed on and around water within an active inland river navigation pool supporting heavy civil construction operations. Duties involve operating vessels and working aboard towboats, barges, and floating equipment in varying weather and river conditions.


Individuals with Disabilities: PJ Dick-Trumbull-The Lindy Group wants all interested and qualified candidates to be able to use the career site to review and apply for employment opportunities. If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access this site, please contact us for assistance at 412.807.2000 or email us at careers@pjdick.com.
PJ Dick-Trumbull-The Lindy Group strives to create a diverse, safe, welcoming, and inclusive work environment in which all teams can excel.
We are an Equal Opportunity and VEVRAA Federal Contracting Employer and welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates, including covered veterans, minorities, females, and people with disabilities. Our policy is clear: We do not discriminate based on any characteristic protected by law.
To view our EEO policy, click here; to view our Section 503 and VEVRAA Affirmative Action Policy, click here.

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