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River Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Charleston, SC · On-site

Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience ... Excellent communication skills and team-building skills. * Pre-employment drug test and continual ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Portland, ME · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience ... Excellent communication skills and team-building skills. * Pre-employment drug test and continual ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Fort Myers Beach, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Moundsville, WV · On-site

Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service. Captains ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Port Canaveral, FL · On-site

Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service. Captains ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Bucksport, ME · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Belfast, ME · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Tampa, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Charleston, SC · On-site

Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service. Captains ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Fort Myers Beach, FL · On-site

Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service. Captains ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Providence, RI · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Old Saybrook, CT · On-site

Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service. Captains ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Charleston, SC · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

New London, CT · On-site

Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service. Captains ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Wilmington, NC · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

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River Captain information

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$37

$76

How much do river captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for river captain in the United States is $37.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $41.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a river captain?

River Captains are licensed professionals responsible for navigating and commanding vessels on inland waterways such as rivers, lakes, and canals. Their duties include ensuring the safety of the crew and cargo, complying with maritime laws, and skillfully maneuvering the vessel through challenging river conditions. They require specialized knowledge of local waterways, weather patterns, and navigation systems, and typically obtain specific certifications to operate on rivers. River Captains play a crucial role in commercial shipping, tourism, and transportation industries that rely on inland water routes.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a river captain?

To thrive as a River Captain, you need extensive knowledge of river navigation, vessel operations, and maritime regulations, often supported by a U.S. Coast Guard license or equivalent certification. Familiarity with navigation systems such as GPS, radar, and electronic chart display information systems (ECDIS) is essential. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills are crucial for managing crew and ensuring safe passage. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring safety, compliance, and efficient operations on often unpredictable inland waterways.

What challenges might a river captain face when navigating changing river conditions?

River Captains often encounter challenges such as fluctuating water levels, shifting sandbars, and unpredictable weather, which can significantly impact navigation and scheduling. They must constantly monitor river conditions, communicate with crew and other vessels, and adjust routes as needed to ensure safety and efficiency. Adapting quickly to these changes requires strong situational awareness and decision-making skills, making the role dynamic and demanding but also rewarding for those who thrive on problem-solving.

What is the difference between River Captain vs Boat Captain?

AspectRiver CaptainBoat Captain
CertificationsCommercial boating licenses, river navigation certificationsMaritime licenses, boat handling certifications
Work EnvironmentRivers, inland waterways, scenic toursLakes, coastal waters, recreational boats
Industry UsageTourism, transportation, cargo on riversRecreational, fishing, small commercial vessels

River Captain and Boat Captain both require maritime licenses and involve vessel operation. However, River Captains typically work on inland waterways and rivers, focusing on tourism or transportation, while Boat Captains often operate recreational or smaller vessels on lakes or coastal waters. The roles overlap in certification needs but differ mainly in environment and industry focus.

How much do river captains make?

River captains typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the vessel. They often need certifications such as a Coast Guard license and have responsibilities that include navigation, safety, and crew management.

How to become a river captain?

To become a river captain, you typically need to obtain a captain's license or certification from the relevant maritime authority, which involves passing written exams, demonstrating navigation skills, and completing a certain amount of sea or river time. Experience operating boats and knowledge of safety regulations are also essential for this role.
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River Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various River 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 $77,625 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Captain

American Cruise Lines

Charleston, SC • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Captain Position

Captain American Cruise Lines seeks experienced captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruises along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers. Captains are responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a professional leader. Captains enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef prepared meals. American Cruise Lines operates its own bridge simulator, enabling rigorous recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills.

Responsibilities:

  • Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.
  • Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Execute prudent maneuvering, docking, locking, and anchoring.
  • Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.
  • Supervise, lead, and develop deck officers.
  • Oversee Shipboard Engineer.
  • Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers.
  • Support hotel and culinary teams in delivering five-star guest service.
  • Maintain logs, reports, and administrative records.
  • Provide visible leadership through announcements, rounds, and guest interaction.

Work Schedule:

  • Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or repositioning year-round.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.

Qualifications:

  • U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum 100T, desired 1600T or greater.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience.
  • Excellent communication skills and team-building skills.
  • Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing.
  • Great Lakes Captain: Route familiarization and recency in all or several areas including: St. Lawrence Seaway, Welland Canal, St. Mary's River, and U.S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Essential Functions:

  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20" diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Access to advanced simulator-based training.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.

Apply