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River Barge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TerralRiver Service

BARGE WORKER

Blytheville, AR · On-site

Terral RiverService, Inc. is currently looking for dependable and hard-working barge cleaners for ... We specialize in bulk storage, material handling, river, road and rail logistics along the ...

Terral RiverService

BARGE WORKER

Blytheville, AR · On-site

Terral RiverService, Inc. is currently looking for dependable and hard-working barge cleaners for ... We specialize in bulk storage, material handling, river, road and rail logistics along the ...

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River Barge information

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$22.5K

$54.2K

$74.5K

How much do river barge jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for river barge in the United States is $54,168.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying jobs such as senior executives, specialized surgeons, and successful entrepreneurs can earn $500,000 or more annually. Certain roles in finance, technology, and law, especially with bonuses or profit sharing, also reach this level, often requiring advanced skills, extensive experience, and significant responsibility.

What is the difference between River Barge vs Cargo Ship?

AspectRiver BargeCargo Ship
Work EnvironmentOperates on inland waterways and riversOperates on oceans and seas
Required CredentialsMay require a license for inland waterway navigationRequires maritime certifications and licenses
Industry UsageUsed primarily for transporting goods on rivers and lakesUsed for international and coastal freight shipping
Common Search IntentRiver Barge vs Cargo Ship

The main difference between a River Barge and a Cargo Ship lies in their operating environment and certifications. River Barges are designed for inland waterways, often requiring specific licenses, while Cargo Ships operate on oceans, requiring maritime certifications. Both are essential for freight transport but serve different routes and industries.

What Are Jobs on a River Barge?

River barges travel up and down rivers to transport heavy freight and cargo. Some barges are self-propelled while others require tugboats or towboats. You can work as a captain, where your responsibilities include overseeing the safety of the crew and cargo and assisting with daily operations. As a mate or pilot, you handle navigational duties and help steer the barge. As a deckhand, you stand watch, handle rigging and lines, and use hand and power tools to repair and provide maintenance on the ship. You can also work as a cook, a barge cleaner, an engineer, or as an oiler in the engine room.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by river barge operators during seasonal changes?

River barge operators often encounter significant challenges as water levels and weather conditions fluctuate with the seasons. During periods of high water, strong currents can make navigation more difficult and require heightened attention to safety protocols. Conversely, low water levels in dry seasons may limit the cargo load or even restrict passage in certain river sections, impacting schedules and logistics. Operators must stay adaptable, work closely with dispatchers and port authorities, and be prepared to adjust routes or schedules as conditions change.

What are river barge jobs?

River barge jobs refer to positions involved in the operation, maintenance, and management of barges that transport goods and materials along rivers and inland waterways. These jobs can include roles such as deckhand, barge captain, engineer, and cook. Employees are responsible for tasks like securing cargo, navigating the vessel, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and maintaining equipment. River barge work can be physically demanding and often requires spending extended periods away from home. It's an essential part of the shipping and logistics industry, ensuring the movement of bulk goods efficiently and cost-effectively.

How do you get a job on a barge?

To get a job on a barge, candidates typically need relevant maritime or industrial experience, such as in navigation, engineering, or deck operations. Certifications like STCW or OSHA safety training are often required, and physical fitness is important due to the demanding environment. Applying through maritime companies or job boards specializing in industrial or maritime work is common.

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

To thrive as a River Barge Operator, you need knowledge of navigation, vessel handling, safety regulations, and a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, marine radios, and barge-specific equipment is typically required. Strong attention to detail, communication, and teamwork skills help operators coordinate with crew and ensure safe operations. These abilities are crucial for transporting cargo efficiently and safely while minimizing risks on inland waterways.

How much do barge workers make?

Barge workers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific duties. Skilled positions such as deckhands or engineers may have higher wages, and overtime can increase overall earnings. Certifications in safety and navigation are often required and can impact pay rates.

How much do you get paid to drive a barge?

Barge captains and crew members typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the vessel. Pay may also include benefits such as overtime pay and per diem for long shifts or travel.
More about River Barge jobs
What cities are hiring for River Barge jobs? Cities with the most River Barge job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of River Barge jobs? The most popular types of River Barge jobs are:
What states have the most River Barge jobs? States with the most job openings for River Barge jobs include:
What job categories do people searching River Barge jobs look for? The top searched job categories for River Barge jobs are:
River Barge jobs near you
Infographic showing various River Barge job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Locum Tenens, 41% Internship, 49% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,168 per year, or $26 per hour.

BARGE WORKER

Terral River Service Inc

Blytheville, AR

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Description

Position Summary:

Terral RiverService, Inc. is currently looking for dependable and hard-working barge cleaners for our cleaning docks. Experience is preferred but not required.


Essential Job Functions:

Applicants must be able to work variable schedules. Job duties are as follows, but not limited to:

  • Securing barges
  • Handling fire hose
  • General labor (sweeping, shoveling, etc.)
  • Operating equipment (skid steer, backhoe, crane)
  • General maintenance
  • Maintaining required paperwork

Requirements

Basic requirements:

  • At least eighteen (18) years of age.
  • Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
  • Must have and maintain a valid/current Drivers license.
  • Must have dependable transportation to designated TRS locations, no exceptions.
  • Must be able to work various hours/holidays/weekends.
  • Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment background and drug screening.
  • OSHA 10 Certification is desired.

Physical Requirements

  • The employee must meet physical requirements including but not limited to, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing up/down ladders and stairs, negotiating uneven and moving surfaces.
  • Must be able to work in difficult conditions with exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, wind, heat, etc.).
  • Must be comfortable working barges.
  • Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and work at protected heights up to 40 feet.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Note:

This job description provides a general overview of the typical responsibilities and qualifications for a Barge Cleaner. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and industry standards.


 About Terral RiverService, Inc:

Terral RiverService (TRS) is a Family owned business with a continually growing footprint of boats and barges throughout most of the inland waterway system of the US. We specialize in bulk storage, material handling, river, road and rail logistics along the Mississippi River system, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the inland waterways of Louisiana and southern Arkansas. With our growing fleet of push boats, river barges and modern dock operations strategically located throughout the Lower Mississippi River Valley, we are outfitted to transport, handle and store virtually any commodity needed in the marketplace. TRS has over 600 employees and has operations in multiple states.

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