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River Barge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Channelview, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $25/hr

This is especially true when the river is at a low stage. Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it approximately 500 ft. * A barge ratchet weighs approximately 60 pounds. If the lead coupling on a tow was to ...

New

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Channelview, TX

$21.50 - $25/hr

This is especially true when the river is at a low stage. Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it approximately 500 ft. * A barge ratchet weighs approximately 60 pounds. If the lead coupling on a tow was to ...

New

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

This is especially true when the river is at a low stage. Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it approximately 500 ft. * A barge ratchet weighs approximately 60 pounds. If the lead coupling on a tow was to ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

This is especially true when the river is at a low stage. Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it approximately 500 ft. * A barge ratchet weighs approximately 60 pounds. If the lead coupling on a tow was to ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

This is especially true when the river is at a low stage. Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it approximately 500 ft. * A barge ratchet weighs approximately 60 pounds. If the lead coupling on a tow was to ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

This is especially true when the river is at a low stage. Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it approximately 500 ft. * A barge ratchet weighs approximately 60 pounds. If the lead coupling on a tow was to ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Channelview, TX

$21.50 - $25/hr

This is especially true when the river is at a low stage. Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it approximately 500 ft. * A barge ratchet weighs approximately 60 pounds. If the lead coupling on a tow was to ...

New

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Channelview, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $25/hr

This is especially true when the river is at a low stage. Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it approximately 500 ft. * A barge ratchet weighs approximately 60 pounds. If the lead coupling on a tow was to ...

New

TREO STAFFING LLC

Foreman - Barge Washing

Convent, LA · On-site

$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 ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Channelview, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $25/hr

This is especially true when the river is at a low stage. Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it approximately 500 ft. * A barge ratchet weighs approximately 60 pounds. If the lead coupling on a tow was to ...

New

Archer Daniels Midland

Barge Dispatcher - Mt Vernon, IN Introduction At American River Transportation Company (ARTCO), we are proud to be a critical link in ADM's global supply chain network. With a strong focus on safety ...

ADM

Barge Dispatcher - Mt Vernon, IN

Mount Vernon, IN

$58K - $105K/yr

Barge Dispatcher - Mt Vernon, INIntroduction At American River Transportation Company (ARTCO), we are proud to be a critical link in ADM's global supply chain network. With a strong focus on safety ...

Ingram Barge Company

Material Handler

Granite City, IL · On-site

$31.20/hr

The River Terminal Material Handler is responsible for safely and efficiently operating material ... Assisting with opening and closing barge cover access doors, and/or removing and resetting barge ...

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All JobsTravel JobsMaritime JobsRiver Barge Jobs

River Barge information

See salary details

$22.5K

$54.2K

$74.5K

How much do river barge jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a river barge operator?

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.

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 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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,168 per year, or $26 per hour.

Lower Miss Pilot/Captain (25+ barge experience)

American Commercial Barge Line LLC

Cairo, IL • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

American Commercial Barge Line rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Title: Lower Miss Pilot/Captain (25+ barge experience)
Company: American Commercial Barge Line
Location: Traveling on waterways
Job Type: Full-Time
Schedule: 28 Days Onboard, 28 Days Off OR 14 Days Off
Are you an experienced and dedicated Marine Pilot or Captain ready to lead vessels through the picturesque waterways of the Lower Mississippi? Join American Commercial Barge Line and play a pivotal role in ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible navigation.
When you join ACBL…
American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) is one of the largest and most diversified marine transportation companies in the U.S. Our legacy of providing the nation with the most economical, safest, and greenest mode of transportation dates all the way back to 1915, when we began moving coal on the Kentucky River.  We offer a wide range of career paths in both operations and support services. Whether you are interested in working on the river or in an office, we are always searching for the best of the best to join our ACBL team. 
What you will be doing... Your IMPACT 

  • Navigate vessels safely and efficiently along the Upper Mississippi, Lower Mississippi, Illinois Rivers, and other tributaries, considering factors such as currents, weather conditions, and river traffic.
  • Supervise and lead the vessel's crew, ensuring a cohesive and safety-conscious team.
  • Ensure vessels adhere to all federal and local maritime regulations and environmental standards.
  • Respond promptly and effectively to navigational challenges and emergencies to protect the vessel, crew, and cargo.
  • Maintain accurate logs and records of each voyage, including navigational charts and incident reports.
  • Carry out all duties assigned under the Vessel Security Plan as the designated vessel security officer.
  • Enforce all Company policies and vessel specific guidelines in support of the Crew Endurance Management System onboard all vessels
  • Report Certain Dangerous Cargoes (CDC) barges at pick-up, drop-off, and designated mile points to the Inland River Vessel Movement Center

 What we are looking for...

You will need to have:

  • Master of Towing Vessels upon Western Rivers license required
  • Must have an Inland Waters or Near Coastal Endorsement
  • Must meet USCG physical examination requirements
  • Must be able to travel to and from vessel / training locations via air or vehicle.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Ability to work 28 days onboard and 28/14 days off schedule with willingness to work overtime as needed.
  • Must be able to work a 6 hours on / 6 hours off watch or 12-hour watches.
  • Must have experience pushing 25+ barges on the Lower Miss.
  • Must be able to ride in or pilot a crew boat or zodiac to get to/from towing vessel.
  • Must be able to work in all weather conditions.
  • Must maintain valid USCG licensing.
  • Maintain an active TWIC.

Even better if you have:

  • Must have experience pushing tows of 25+ barges.
  • 4+ years of previous experience.

Reasons you will love working at ACBL …

  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Opportunity to lead navigational operations in the heartland of the United States.
  • Collaborative and safety-focused work environment
  • Well-maintained and state-of-the-art vessels
  • Commitment to environmental stewardship
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
  • Employee Assistance Program.

What American Commercial Barge Line employees say

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