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River Barge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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.
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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.
Repair Technician Convent Fleet

Repair Technician Convent Fleet

American Commercial Barge Line

Convent, LA • On-site

$22.75 - $30.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Repair Technician
Company: American Commercial Barge Line
Location: Port Allen, LA
Job Type: Full-Time
ACBL is seeking a dedicated Repair Technician to join our team. The role primarily involves ensuring the cleanliness, proper functioning, and structural integrity of ACBL's barges through repairs, inspections, and maintenance activities. The ideal candidate will have experience in barge repair and operations within a marine transportation or shipyard environment.
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... YourIMPACT
  • Performs repairs to barges including welding, fiberglass repair, steel fitting, and barge rigging.
  • Assists with prepping barge for future loadings, including skid steer operation, cleaning and/or cover handling.
  • Perform evaluations and preventative maintenance to barge equipment.
  • Performs barge inspections to ensure barge reliability.

What we are looking for...
You will need to have:
  • Two (2) + years of experience in barge repair and operations competence in marine transportation or shipyard environment.
  • Knowledge of barging river systems required.
  • Knowledge of USCG, OSHA, MSDS regulations is required.
  • Must be able to obtain a valid state driver's license.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid TWIC card.
  • High School Diploma or GED. Additional vocational/technical mechanical training is preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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