ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Offshore Captain Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McAllister Towing

Ordinary Seaman

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$315/day

McAllister Towing has provided superior tugboat service to New York Harbor since 1864, when Captain ... STCW Certification (offshore towing only). Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTravel JobsOffshore Captain Salary Jobs

Offshore Captain Salary information

See salary details

$9

$37

$76

How much do offshore captain salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for offshore captain salary in the United States is $37.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $41.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary of an offshore captain?

The average salary of an offshore captain varies depending on the employer, region, experience, and the type of vessel operated. In general, offshore captains can expect to earn between $80,000 and $150,000 per year, with those working on larger vessels or in specialized sectors sometimes earning even more. Additional compensation may include bonuses, overtime pay, and benefits such as health insurance and paid leave. Offshore captains with extensive experience or advanced certifications often command higher salaries. The nature of offshore work, including long shifts and time away from home, also factors into the salary structure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an offshore captain?

To thrive as an Offshore Captain, you need extensive maritime experience, a valid captain’s license (such as a Master Mariner or STCW certification), and a solid understanding of navigation and vessel operations. Familiarity with ship management systems, radar, GPS navigation, and safety protocols is crucial. Leadership, decision-making under pressure, and strong communication skills help manage crew and ensure operational safety. These competencies are essential to safely oversee offshore vessel operations and maintain compliance with maritime regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by offshore captains, and how can they prepare for them?

Offshore Captains often face challenges such as unpredictable weather, managing a diverse crew, adhering to stringent safety and environmental regulations, and making critical decisions under pressure. To prepare, candidates should develop strong leadership and communication skills, stay informed about the latest maritime safety protocols, and gain experience in various offshore operations. Continuous training and obtaining relevant certifications, such as STCW or DP licenses, can also help captains stay ready to handle these demands effectively.

What is the difference between Offshore Captain Salary vs Marine Engineer Salary?

AspectOffshore Captain SalaryMarine Engineer Salary
Required CredentialsSTCW certification, Master Mariner licenseSTCW certification, Marine Engineer license
Work EnvironmentBridge of vessels, leadership roleEngine room, technical maintenance
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, offshore oil & gasShip operators, offshore oil & gas

Offshore Captains typically earn higher salaries due to leadership responsibilities and navigation duties, while Marine Engineers focus on technical operations and maintenance. Both roles require specialized certifications and work in similar offshore environments, but salary differences reflect their distinct responsibilities.

More about Offshore Captain Salary jobs

What cities are hiring for Offshore Captain Salary jobs?

Cities with the most Offshore Captain Salary job openings:

What states have the most Offshore Captain Salary jobs?

States with the most job openings for Offshore Captain Salary jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Offshore Captain Salary jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Offshore Captain Salary jobs are:

Offshore Captain Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Offshore Captain Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,625 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Offshore Tugboat Captain

Marquette Transportation Company LLC

Lockport, LA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

About Marquette:
Headquartered in Paducah, Kentucky and founded in 1978, Marquette is a leading provider of inland marine transportation services. Our Company operates over 130 towboats on the Mississippi River System, Gulf-Intracoastal Waterway, and near-shore coastwise market. In addition, the Company controls over 1,000 dry cargo barges. The Company has additional offices in St Rose, LA, Lockport, LA and La Porte, TX. With over 1,800 vessel and shore-based employees, Marquette is the largest provider of independent towing services within the inland waterways. We are the only fully integrated fleet in the industry that can do what we do.
About Offshore Division:
Marquette's Offshore Division, established in 2007, is dedicated to providing U.S.-flagged tugboat services to meet customer project needs across the Gulf of Mexico, Eastern Seaboard, and Caribbean. Alongside our fleet of tugboats, we offer comprehensive, one-stop solutions specializing in project cargo and dredge support work. We utilize strict safety protocols, detailed planning, and a robust maintenance program to execute our operations. Our fleet consists of nine tugboats ranging from 1,800 to 3,000 BHP (brake horsepower). Despite being a smaller division, Marquette strives to provide a strong, supportive culture that extends through our offices and onboard our vessels. Marquette is truly powered by its people, both on the vessels and shoreside.
Principal Responsibilities
  • Responsible for the safe and efficient operation and performance of his crew, vessel, and tow.
  • The Captain must also strive to see that company policy, rules, and regulations are followed.
  • Must report to the office all violations of policy or violations of federal, state, or local laws.
  • Conducting monthly drills and safety meetings in accordance with policies and procedures.
  • Ensure that work completed in accordance with Company safety policies and practices.
  • Ensure all crew members on vessel receive instruction on how to do jobs properly and monitor performance.
  • Carry out all duties assigned under the Vessel Security Plan as the designated vessel security officer.
  • Ensure that each crew member knows the cargo of each barge in tow and has an understanding of any hazards associated with said cargoes.
  • Enforce all Company policies and vessel specific guidelines in support of the Crew Endurance Management System on-board all vessels.
  • Participate in crew management, performance evaluation, general supervisory duties and management of the vessel's budget.
  • Complete required log entries.
  • Maintain radio watch as required.
  • Enforce all rules.
  • Give assignments and direction to the mate and/or lead deckhand.
  • Comply with all established vessel management policies and procedures.
  • Maintain the vessel budget and help maximize cost efficiency as directed.
  • Provide instructions and information to crew members, land-based personnel, and USCG or lock personnel.

Qualifications
  • Retain a USCG Master of Towing Vessels license endorsed for service.
  • Meet USCG physical examination requirements.
  • Be able to travel to and from vessel/training locations via air or car travel (must possess a valid driver's license).
  • Be able to climb steep stairs, sit or stand for long periods of time.
  • Maintain an active TWIC.

Specific Requirements
  • Valid U.S. Coast Guard license, Master or Mate of Towing Near Coastal (Minimum) or Oceans (preferred).
  • 3-5 years of experience in dredge support work, anchor handling, & tow lining barges as Master of Towing coastwise on the US East Coast & Gulf of Mexico.

Expected Hours of Work
  • Schedule is approximately 28 days on and 14 days off.
  • Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules and hours.
  • Willing to take call outs.
  • Ability to work weekends, holidays, evenings, etc.
  • Marquette offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits and a 401k plan.

Marquette offers competitive pay, health, vision, and dental insurance, holiday pay, company paid life insurance, 401(k) plan, and other incentives.
Marquette is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. By clicking the link below, you authorize Marquette Transportation Company, LLC to contact you by any method at the number provided.

Apply