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Port Pilot Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

New

Kirby Corporation

Port Captain - KOM

Houston, TX · On-site

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

New

Kirby Corporation

Port Captain - KOM

Houston, TX · On-site

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

New

Kirby Corporation

Port Captain - KOM

Houston, TX · On-site

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

New

BUFFALO MARINE SERVICE INC

Wheelman

Houston, TX · On-site

Communicate with Dispatcher, crewmembers, other Master/ Relief Captain/ Pilots, Port Engineers, Coast Guard Inspectors and others. * Direct crew to complete actions and follow regulations in a safe ...

BUFFALO MARINE SERVICE INC

Wheelman

Houston, TX

Communicate with Dispatcher, crewmembers, other Master/ Relief Captain/ Pilots, Port Engineers, Coast Guard Inspectors and others. * Direct crew to complete actions and follow regulations in a safe ...

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All JobsPort Pilot JobsPort Pilot Jobs in Texas

Port Pilot information

See Texas salary details

$46.1K

$122K

$187.3K

How much do port pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for port pilot in Texas is $121,969.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,200.00 and $144,400.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Port Pilot jobs in Texas?

For Port Pilot jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

The top searched job categories for Port Pilot jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Port Pilot jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Port Pilot job openings:

Port Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Port Pilot job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,969 per year, or $58.6 per hour.

Port Captain - KOM

Kirby Corporation

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel operations, conducting inspections, and acting as a shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels. Responsibilities also involve ensuring compliance with company policies, regulations, and customer requirements, as well as coordinating repair work for navigational equipment. The role includes approving vessel purchases and requisitions, participating in incident and emergency response, and cultivating customer relations. Additionally, the Port Captain conducts performance reviews, develops safety messages, and tracks document expiration and inspections. They also participate in audits, training, incident investigations, and budget monitoring, while attending industry/customer meetings and addressing operational issues as needed.


  • Oversees day-to-day vessel operations.
  • Oversees material condition of the fleet.
  • Conducts routine and non-routine inspections of vessels.
  • Acts as shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels.
  • Implements Company policies and procedures.
  • Ensures vessel personnel operate according to regulations, procedures, and Customer requirements.
  • Oversees vessel crew assignments.
  • Performs boat visits to monitor safety standards and monitor "appearance."
  • Transfer Audits
  • Vessel Safety Audits
  • Work Place Safety Observations
  • Job Hazard Analysis
  • Coordinates repair work for all navigational equipment aboard vessels.
  • Radar, Radios, AIS, GPS, GMDSS, BNWAS, SSAS
  • Approves vessel purchases and/or places vessel purchases.
  • Approves requisitions pertaining to vessel operations for payment.
  • Actively participates in incident and emergency response including coordinating and/or conducting post-incident drug and alcohol testing.
  • Approves new vessel pilot house employees.
  • Participates in on-call duty rotation.
  • Cultivates customer relations.
  • Reviews and recommends vessel employee promotions.
  • Reviews annual performance review of vessel crew completed by Captains.
  • Conducts Captains’ performance reviews annually.
  • Develops safety messages to fleet as required.
  • Develops “Lessons Learned” for fleet distribution when required.
  • Tracks expiration of all pertinent documents for vessels and barges and coordinates ABS/USCG inspections
  • Participates in SIRE audits.
  • Participates in vessel personnel training and HSQE System.
  • Conducts incident investigations and develops corrective actions.
  • Monitors budget versus actual vessel expenditures
  • Attends industry/customer meetings as needed.
  • Counsels Vessel Captains (crew, budget, and operational issues)
  • Special projects as required.

Special Education, Training, Degree or License Required:

Experience with Tank Barge Operations including cargo handling preferred; PIC Endorsement or 1600 Ton Master License or Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience preferred, minimum 5 years Industry experience.

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