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River Boat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

T. Parker Host

Push Boat Captain

Braithwaite, LA · On-site

Push boat Captain Status: Full-time, Rotational Schedule Company: Host Crewing, LLC Reports To: UBT ... Parker Host acquired United Bulk Terminals (UBT) on Mile 55 of the Mississippi River as one of the ...

T. Parker Host

Push Boat Captain

Braithwaite, LA · On-site

Push boat Captain Status: Full-time, Rotational Schedule Company: Host Crewing, LLC Reports To: UBT ... Parker Host acquired United Bulk Terminals (UBT) on Mile 55 of the Mississippi River as one of the ...

Mural Industrial

Boat Captain

Detroit, MI · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

Captain Harbor Assist Towing Detroit, MI / Toledo, OH (Consolidated Port) | Minimum 3-4 Years ... Valid USCG Master of Towing Vessel License upon Great Lakes, Inland Waters and Western Rivers

Mural Industrial

Boat Captain

Detroit, MI · On-site

$96.15 - $144.23/hr

Captain Harbor Assist Towing Detroit, MI / Toledo, OH (Consolidated Port) | Minimum 3-4 Years ... Valid USCG Master of Towing Vessel License upon Great Lakes, Inland Waters and Western Rivers

Zachry

Tug Boat Captain

Mead, OK · On-site

Position Summary The Construction Tug Boat Captain is responsible for the safe and efficient ... Safely operate tug boats and support vessels in rivers, lakes, channels, ports, and inland ...

Mormac Marine Group Inc

Captain

Sault Sainte Marie, MI · On-site

... Boat Tours in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan taking passengers through the wonders of the Soo Locks and St Mary's River. In 2022, we joined the Interlake family of businesses and are now known as Soo ...

Southern Devall Towing Co

4A Captain

Sulphur, LA · On-site

While on the boat, pilothouse personnel stand watch for 12 hours each day with the watch broken ... River Charts. They must be able to write so as to accurately record all events in the vessel log ...

Southern Devall

4A Captain

Memphis, TN · On-site

While on the boat, pilothouse personnel stand watch for 12 hours each day with the watch broken ... River Charts. They must be able to write so as to accurately record all events in the vessel log ...

Southern Devall Towing Co

4A Captain

Memphis, TN · On-site

While on the boat, pilothouse personnel stand watch for 12 hours each day with the watch broken ... River Charts. They must be able to write so as to accurately record all events in the vessel log ...

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River Boat Captain information

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$25

$48

How much do river boat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for river boat captain in the United States is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a river boat captain do?

A River Boat Captain is responsible for navigating and operating boats along rivers, ensuring the safe and efficient transport of passengers or cargo. They oversee the crew, monitor weather and river conditions, and comply with all maritime regulations. Captains also handle emergency situations, communicate with ports, and maintain the vessel’s logs and equipment. Their expertise ensures smooth operations and the safety of everyone on board.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a river boat captain?

To thrive as a River Boat Captain, you need a valid captain's license (such as a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential), in-depth knowledge of navigation, safety regulations, and vessel operations. Proficiency with radar, GPS, radio communication systems, and emergency response equipment is typically required. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills are crucial for managing crew and ensuring passenger safety. These skills and qualifications are vital for safe, efficient vessel operation and compliance with legal and safety standards on inland waterways.

What are the main challenges river boat captains face when navigating changing river conditions?

River Boat Captains often encounter fluctuating water levels, shifting sandbars, and unpredictable weather, which can all impact safe navigation. Adapting quickly to these changes requires strong situational awareness and constant communication with crew members and river traffic controllers. Captains must also stay updated on local regulations and river conditions to ensure passenger and cargo safety. These challenges can be rewarding for those who enjoy problem-solving and working in dynamic environments.

What is the difference between River Boat Captain vs Marine Deck Officer?

AspectRiver Boat CaptainMarine Deck Officer
CertificationsCaptain's license, STCW certificationSTCW certification, Deck officer license
Work EnvironmentRivers, inland waterwaysOpen seas, maritime routes
Industry UsagePassenger and cargo boats on riversCommercial shipping, maritime industry

While both roles require STCW certification and involve navigation, the River Boat Captain primarily operates on inland waterways and rivers, focusing on passenger or cargo boats. In contrast, the Marine Deck Officer works on open seas and larger vessels, handling maritime navigation and safety. The roles differ mainly in environment and vessel type, but share core certifications and responsibilities related to navigation and safety management.

How do you become a river boat captain?

To become a river boat captain, you typically need to obtain a U.S. Coast Guard license, which requires meeting age, experience, and health requirements, passing written and skills exams, and accumulating several years of maritime experience. Candidates often start as deckhands or mates to gain necessary experience and develop navigation, safety, and leadership skills.

How much do river boat captains make?

River boat captains typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, the size of the vessel, and the region. They are responsible for navigation, safety, and compliance with maritime regulations, often requiring a captain's license and specialized training.

Is there a demand for river boat captains?

The demand for river boat captains depends on the region and industry, with opportunities primarily in tourism, freight transport, and recreational boating. Employment can be influenced by factors such as tourism trends, infrastructure development, and regulatory requirements like licensing and certifications. Overall, job prospects are steady in areas with active waterways and tourism industries.
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River Boat Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various River Boat Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 3% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Fleet Boat Captain

Ingram Barge Company

Collinsville, IL • On-site

$600/day

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Ingram Marine Group encompasses our operating units involved in transporting bulk commodities on America's inland waterways, delivering fuel and supplies to the towing industry, and providing a ship anchorage in Louisiana. As the leading carrier, we operate a fleet that transport aggregates, grain, fertilizer, coal, ores, alloys, steel products, chemicals, and other products.
We're committed to being the best at whatever we do. We're continuously growing, adapting, and responding, and we're successful because of the outstanding hard work and creative energy of our associates.
Job Description
Ingram Marine Group is seeking a Fleet Boat Captain for St. Louis, MO Fleets. In this position you will be responsible for steering the boat up and down the river; keeping watch for safety of crew, equipment and environment, while positioning barges together into tows. You will be required to live within an hour radius for consideration, due to schedule.
What you'll be doing:
  • Keeping the crew safe
  • Moving tow/build tow
  • Ensuring safe navigation and operation of vessel
  • Efficiently managing the crew and the vessel
  • Responsible for the safety of the equipment
  • Responsible for the safety and preservation of the environment
  • Steering tow up and down river
  • Making locks and bridges
  • Conducting safety meetings and drills

Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Demonstration of the Ingram Way
  • Ability to uphold Ingram's high safety standards
  • 8+ years of experience
  • MMC; Advanced education and training (SCI, CEMS, Etc.) TWIC, or state ID required
  • Proven leadership abilities
  • Able to navigate the river in which working on
  • Working knowledge of how to handle a large tow
  • Able to safely operate aboard a vessel and perform necessary tasks within the safety guidelines
  • Able to perform in a fast-paced environment and quickly respond to unexpected circumstances and safety
  • Able to identify and employ appropriate safety practices to manage risks
  • Able to supervise and give direction and effectively communicate and cooperate with a team
  • Able to apply basic critical-thinking and decision-making skills to tow building and locking
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Intermediate skills with MS Outlook and Internet Explorer helpful

Candidates must:
  • Must be able to read and write the English language to comply with USCG regulatory requirements
  • Commitment to work safely and follow all safety policies and procedures
  • Complete a pre-employment physical examination and drug screen
  • Work in extreme weather

Schedule:
7/7 Schedule; ability to work nights or days
Additional Information
  • A competitive compensation package
  • Comprehensive benefits including Medical/Prescription Drug plans, HSA, Vision, Dental and Health Care FSA.
  • Generous paid time off benefits
  • 401K match upon first day of hire
  • Life and AD&D, Employee Assistant programs, Group Legal, & more
  • Associate growth and development encouraged through internal training and tuition reimbursement program

$600 Daily Rate
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
If you are requesting reasonable accommodation or disability assistance in submitting your application, you may email us at Recruiting@ingrambarge.com
Ingram Marine Group and its affiliates ("Company") is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, work related mental or physical disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information.
EEO/AA Employer/Vet/Disabled
We participate in EVerify
http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeosp.pdf

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