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River Boat Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ergon, Inc

Fuel Boat Pilot

East Alton, IL

Fuel Boat Pilot Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply, Inc., has an opening for a Fuel Boat Pilot at its Wood River, IL, location. If you are a hard-working person who enjoys helping others and taking ...

CRH

Boat Pilot

Belpre, OH · On-site

Ability to safely and efficiently operate a tow boat and move barges along the river. * Responsible ... Boat Pilot licensure required. If individual does not currently hold this licensure, must have the ...

Ergon, Inc

Fuel Boat Pilot

East Alton, IL · On-site

Fuel Boat PilotErgon Marine & Industrial Supply, Inc., has an opening for a Fuel Boat Pilot at its Wood River, IL, location.If you are a hard-working person who enjoys helping others and taking pride ...

CRH

Boat Pilot

Belpre, OH

Ability to safely and efficiently operate a tow boat and move barges along the river. * Responsible ... Boat Pilot licensure required. If individual does not currently hold this licensure, must have the ...

The Lindy Group

Inland Marine Boat Pilot

Monaca, PA

$44.96/hr

... Boat Pilot to support the Montgomery Lock & Dam Project in Monaca, Pennsylvania, a major U ... S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) infrastructure project located on the Ohio River navigation ...

Terral River Service Inc

BOAT PILOT

Lettsworth, LA · On-site

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

Terral River Service Inc

BOAT PILOT

Channelview, TX · On-site

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

Terral RiverService

BOAT PILOT

Channelview, TX · On-site

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

Terral RiverService

BOAT PILOT

Lettsworth, LA · On-site

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

Farmer Holding Company

Capital Sand is recruiting a Boat Pilot for our traveling dredge crew. Pilots will be responsible ... Master of Towing Vessels Upon Western Rivers. * Must have a valid TWIC card, Radar Observer ...

TerralRiver Service

BOAT PILOT

Channelview, TX · On-site

... sounds, rivers, lakes, bays and other navigable bodies of water. * Responsible for crew safety ... Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

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River Boat Pilot information

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$54.5K

$144.5K

$270K

How much do river boat pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for river boat pilot in the United States is $144,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $230,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a river boat pilot?

A River Boat Pilot navigates boats and ships along inland waterways, such as rivers and lakes, ensuring safe passage for cargo, passengers, and crew. They are responsible for understanding water currents, weather conditions, and potential hazards to avoid accidents. Pilots must have extensive knowledge of their assigned waterways and often hold specialized licenses. Their duties also include communicating with other vessels, coordinating with dock personnel, and following maritime regulations.

What does a river boat pilot do?

A typical day for a River Boat Pilot involves preparing the vessel for departure, reviewing weather and river conditions, plotting navigational routes, and remaining vigilant while guiding the vessel along designated waterways. Pilots frequently communicate with deckhands, engineers, and port authorities to ensure all safety protocols are followed and schedules are maintained. Throughout the day, you may also monitor onboard systems, make real-time navigational adjustments, and provide direction during docking or undocking. The work can involve variable hours, and duties often change based on the type of boat—whether it's a passenger tour vessel, ferry, or cargo barge—making adaptability essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the river boat pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a River Boat Pilot, you need expert knowledge of river navigation, vessel handling, and local maritime laws, typically supported by a relevant license such as a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a pilot endorsement. Familiarity with tools like radar, GPS, electronic chart display systems, and radio communication equipment is crucial. Strong situational awareness, excellent decision-making skills, and effective communication are key soft skills for coordinating with crew and ensuring safety. These competencies are vital for safely navigating challenging river environments and providing reliable transportation or tour services.

How do you become a river boat pilot?

To become a river boat pilot, individuals typically need to obtain a license or certification from relevant maritime authorities, which involves completing specialized training, gaining experience in navigation and boat handling, and passing written and practical exams. Many pilots start as deckhands or mates to accumulate experience before advancing to pilot certification, often working in environments that require knowledge of local waterways and safety regulations.

How much money do river boat pilots make?

River boat pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, the size of the vessel, and the region. Experienced pilots with specialized certifications and skills in navigation and safety procedures tend to earn higher salaries.
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River Boat Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various River Boat Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $144,531 per year, or $69.5 per hour.

River Boat Pilot

Magnolia Marine Transport

Vicksburg, MS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Location: Vicksburg, MS, USA
Description
Magnolia Marine Transport has an opening for a full-time Pilot to safely operate company vessels and tows in accordance with all applicable regulations and company policies.
We are a relationship-driven, family-owned company that values professionalism, leadership, and teamwork. Magnolia Marine Transport offers competitive pay, strong benefits, and maintains a small-company culture where each employee's contribution matters.
Pilot Qualifications
  • Must hold appropriate USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials for the assigned area of operation
  • Must possess a valid TWIC Card, Radio License, and Radar Observer Certificate, as required
  • Demonstrated time and experience with Magnolia Marine sufficient to establish competence and leadership ability
  • Working knowledge of USCG Rules and Regulations and company policies
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment in dynamic and potentially hazardous operating environments
Pilot Responsibilities Include the Following
  • Acts as second in command and is directly responsible to the Captain; represents the Captain when standing watch
  • Responsible, along with all crew members, for the safety of the vessel, crew, and tow, and for compliance with the Safety Management System
  • Navigates the vessel in full compliance with USCG regulations, company policies, and the vessel's Certificate of Inspection (COI), when applicable
  • Reports unsafe conditions, incidents, and nonconformities to the Captain and Port Captain, and takes appropriate action to prevent accidents
  • Has the authority to determine when unsafe conditions exist and may refuse a tow or navigational area deemed unsafe or presenting undue risk
  • Requests company assistance when necessary to ensure safe and compliant operations
  • While on watch, maintains responsibility for the safety and welfare of the vessel, crew, and tow; sounds alarms and summons the Captain if a dangerous situation develops
  • Stands watch in the pilothouse at all times, including when the vessel is tied up, except during dry-dock periods
  • Ensures all required logs and records are accurately completed during assigned watch
  • Communicates all pertinent operational information and incidents to the Captain in a timely manner
Benefits
Magnolia Marine Transport offers a competitive benefits package, including:
  • 401(k)
  • Health, Dental, and Life Insurance
  • Paid Holidays
  • Vacation and Sick Leave
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Profit Sharing
Equal Employment Opportunity
Magnolia Marine Transport is an EEO/AAP Employer. Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug test and background check.

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