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Port Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Port City Air

Pilot

Portsmouth, NH · On-site

... Port City Air, and its subsidiaries, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual ...

Port City Air

Pilot

Portsmouth, NH · On-site

... Port City Air, and its subsidiaries, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual ...

Core Group Resources

Harbor Pilot

South Point, OH

Harbor Pilot Job Summary We are seeking experienced and safety-focused Harbor Pilots to join our ... Maintain clear radio communication with dispatch, port authorities, lock operators, and other ...

V2X

The Port Captain will oversee the operation and maintenance of the U.S. Army vessels assigned to ... As Pilot he/she will know the passes, the lagoon and docks may be assigned to vessels as captain or ...

Kirby Corporation

Port Captain - KOM

Houston, TX · On-site

The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel operations ... Approves new vessel pilot house employees. * Participates in on-call duty rotation. * Cultivates ...

KBR Careers

KC-130 Pilot (Port Hueneme)

Port Hueneme, CA · On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

Title C/KC-130 Pilot KBR is seeking a highly qualified C/KC-130 Pilot to support tasking at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron THREE ZERO (VX ...

Ergon, Inc

Big Valley Pilot

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

... Port Captain and Vice President, for promotion from within the company * Must be able to swim ... Big Valley Pilot Employment offer contingent upon pre-employment drug test, background check, and ...

Ergon, Inc

Big Valley Pilot

Vicksburg, MS

... Port Captain and Vice President, for promotion from within the company * Must be able to swim ... Big Valley Pilot Employment offer contingent upon pre-employment drug test, background check, and ...

Ergon, Inc

Big Valley Pilot

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

... Port Captain and Vice President, for promotion from within the company * Must be able to swim ... Big Valley Pilot Employment offer contingent upon pre-employment drug test, background check, and ...

Livestock Nutrition Center

Boat Pilot

Keota, OK

The Harbor/Port Tugboat Pilot will oversee all crew onboard and is responsible for the safety of all crew and equipment. Responsibilities & Duties: * Responsible for safety of navigation and ...

Livestock Nutrition Center

Boat Pilot

Keota, OK · On-site

The Harbor/Port Tugboat Pilot will oversee all crew onboard and is responsible for the safety of all crew and equipment. Responsibilities & Duties: * Responsible for safety of navigation and ...

Intercruises Port Operations USA Inc.

Join our team as a Port Operations Agent where you are expected to independently oversee agency ... arranging pilots, line handlers and stevedores, coordinating ship clearance with government ...

Norfolk Southern Corp.

Captain Pilot

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Requisition 39928: B5 - Captain Pilot Please note, applying for a position outside of your ... port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting ...

Norfolk Southern Corp.

Captain Pilot

Atlanta, GA

Requisition 39928: B5 - Captain Pilot Please note, applying for a position outside of your ... port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting ...

Ergon, Inc

Big Valley Pilot

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

... by the Port Captain and Vice President, for promotion from within the companyMust be able to ... Big Valley Pilot Employment offer contingent upon pre-employment drug test, background check, and ...

Illinois Marine Towing

Vessel Pilot

Joliet, IL · On-site

... port authorities, and other vessels to maintain safety, coordination, and operational clarity. D ... Pilot of Towing Vessels, at minimum, with endorsements for Western Rivers, Great Lakes, and Inland ...

Illinois Marine Towing

Vessel Pilot

Inland, NE

... port authorities, and other vessels to maintain safety, coordination, and operational clarity. D ... Pilot of Towing Vessels, at minimum, with endorsements for Western Rivers, Great Lakes, and Inland ...

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Port Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do port pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for port pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a port pilot?

Port Pilots, also known as maritime pilots or harbor pilots, are highly skilled mariners responsible for navigating ships safely in and out of ports, harbors, and through challenging waterways. They board incoming vessels and use their expert knowledge of local tides, currents, weather, and navigational hazards to guide ships to their berths or out to sea. Their role is critical for preventing accidents and ensuring the smooth and safe flow of maritime traffic.

What are the main challenges port pilots face during vessel navigation and docking operations?

Port Pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, strong currents, and limited visibility, all of which can complicate safe navigation and docking. They must also coordinate closely with tug crews, harbor masters, and vessel captains to ensure precise maneuvers in often crowded or narrow waterways. Effective communication, quick decision-making, and adaptability are essential skills for managing these dynamic situations and ensuring the safety of both vessels and port infrastructure.

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

To thrive as a Port Pilot, you need in-depth knowledge of maritime navigation, vessel maneuvering, and local waterways, typically gained through extensive seafaring experience and a valid Pilot’s license. Familiarity with radar, GPS navigation systems, electronic chart displays, and communication equipment is essential for safely guiding ships. Excellent situational awareness, decisive problem-solving, and clear communication with ship crews and harbor authorities are standout soft skills. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe vessel passage, preventing accidents, and maintaining efficient port operations.

What is the difference between Port Pilot vs Marine Pilot?

AspectPort PilotMarine Pilot
CredentialsLicenses, certifications in port operations and navigationSimilar licenses, often including maritime licenses and navigation certifications
Work EnvironmentPort facilities, ships, and harbor areasOpen waters, ships, and maritime environments
Employer & IndustryPort authorities, shipping companies, harbor authoritiesShipping lines, maritime agencies, port authorities

Both Port Pilots and Marine Pilots are essential for safe navigation of ships, but Port Pilots typically operate within port areas guiding ships in harbor, while Marine Pilots often work in open waters assisting ships during transit or docking. The roles overlap in credentials and industry usage, but their work environments differ significantly.

How much does a port pilot get paid?

Port pilots typically earn between $150,000 and $300,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the port. They often work long hours and require specialized certifications and local knowledge to navigate ships safely into port.

What does a port pilot do?

A port pilot is a maritime professional responsible for navigating ships through port waters, including entering and leaving harbors. They use local knowledge, navigational skills, and tools like radar and charts to ensure safe passage, often working closely with ship crews and port authorities. Pilots typically hold specialized certifications and are required to have extensive experience in maritime navigation.

What qualifications do you need to be a port pilot?

To become a port pilot, candidates typically need a maritime or engineering background, extensive experience as a ship officer, and a valid license or certification issued by maritime authorities. They must also demonstrate strong navigation skills, knowledge of local waterways, and often pass physical and medical examinations. Additional training and on-the-job experience are essential for certification as a port pilot.
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Cities with the most Port Pilot job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Port Pilot jobs?

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What states have the most Port Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Port Pilot jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Port Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Port Pilot jobs are:

Port Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Port Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Pilot

Port City Air

Portsmouth, NH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Air New England is a dynamic and safety-focused Part 135 charter operator based inPortsmouth, New Hampshire, seeking a skilled and experienced full-time pilot to join ourgrowing team. This position involves flying both a Citation Mustang in a variety of charteroperations throughout the Northeast and beyond. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated,professional pilot who is comfortable operating PIC in a Citation Mustang and meets all Part 135
PIC requirements, and has higher multi-engine time.

Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as PIC in a Citation Mustang Dual Pilot
- Conduct pre-flight planning, aircraft inspections, and ensure compliance with all
regulations and company procedures
- Operate safely and efficiently in a single-pilot environment
- Deliver exceptional customer service to passengers and clients
- Maintain accurate flight logs and submit required reports in a timely manner
- Coordinate with maintenance and scheduling personnel to ensure flight readiness and
operational efficiency
- Represent the company with professionalism at all times

Minimum Requirements:
- 2,000 hours total time- No less
- 350 hours multi engine
- FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with Airplane Multi-Engine Land and Instrument
Rating
- Must meet 135.243(c) PIC minimums
- Have a 135.293/297 or 61.56/instrument proficiency check within the last 6 months
- Current First-Class Medical Certificate
- Must hold a current U.S. Passport with unrestricted travel
- Strong knowledge of IFR operations in the Northeast and New England weather
- Excellent communication, decision-making, and CRM skills
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays as needed
- Must live within 1 hour driving distance of KPSM airport

Preferred Qualifications:
- 2,000 hours total time
- 500 hours multi engine time- strict requirement.
- Larger amounts of multi-engine turbine time are a plus!!
- Previous Part 135 PIC experience
- Time in type in Citation

Benefits:
- Competitive salary based on experience

-Medical and vision insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and company-provided training
- Opportunities for advancement and additional type ratings
- Supportive, tight-knit team atmosphere

Port City Air, and its subsidiaries, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran or any other characteristics protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. For more information visit https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf

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