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River Barge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

TREO STAFFING LLC

Foreman - Barge Washing

Convent, LA

$16 - $20.25/hr

Supervises barge cleaning operations. Supervises the safe and efficient operations of the cleaning ... Knowledge of barging operations and river system is required. * Knowledge of USCG, OSHA, MSDS ...

Archer Daniels Midland

$13.75 - $16.25/hr

ADM is seeking a laborer to work as a barge cleaner at our American River Transportation Company (ARTCo) location in Winona, MN. Job Duties: * Cleaning Barges - decks, hoppers, and covers * Barge ...

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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 Jun 15, 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 context of a river barge operator or related maritime roles, earning $500,000 annually is uncommon and typically limited to top executives or owners in the shipping industry. Most operational jobs on river barges pay significantly less, but high-level management, company owners, or specialized industry consultants may reach such income levels. These roles often require extensive experience, business ownership, or advanced certifications.

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 much do barge workers get paid?

Barge workers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific duties. Pay may also include overtime, hazard pay, and benefits, with some roles requiring certifications such as STCW or TWIC cards.

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 do you get a job on a river barge?

To get a job on a river barge, candidates typically need relevant maritime or commercial boating experience, a valid transportation or safety certification such as STCW or TWIC, and sometimes a commercial driver's license. Applying through shipping companies, maritime staffing agencies, or industry-specific job boards is common, and physical fitness is often required due to the demanding environment.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

A river barge operator can earn around $10,000 a month through experience and overtime, especially in commercial shipping or logistics roles that require navigation skills and safety certifications. Other high-paying jobs without a degree include commercial pilot, real estate broker, or sales manager, which often rely on skills, licenses, or commissions rather than formal education.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, 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 yesterday

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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