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River Cruise Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Arlington, OR

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia amp; Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Bar Harbor, ME

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia amp; Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Baton Rouge, LA

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia amp; Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Mobile, AL

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia amp; Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Natchez, MS · On-site

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Fort Madison, IA

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia amp; Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Pittsburgh, PA

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia amp; Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Brunswick, GA · On-site

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Grand Rivers, KY · On-site

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Tunica, MS

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia amp; Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Alton, IL

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia amp; Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

Be Seen First

Sales Representative

Sandy, UT · On-site

$60K - $100K/yr

At American Cruise Lines, our people make the difference. We are proud to operate the newest and most innovative fleet in the country and are recognized as America's leading river cruise specialist.

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Red Wing, MN · On-site

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Bar Harbor, ME · On-site

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Saint Paul, MN

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia amp; Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Wilmington, NC

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia amp; Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Marco Island, FL

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia amp; Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsRiver Cruise Jobs

River Cruise information

See salary details

$44.5K

$87.7K

$184.5K

How much do river cruise jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for river cruise in the United States is $87,739.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $108,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive in a River Cruise role, you generally need excellent hospitality skills, knowledge of local geography and rivers, and experience in customer service or maritime operations. Familiarity with reservation systems, safety protocols, and the operation of river vessels (which may require specific boating licenses or certifications, depending on the position) is often expected. Outstanding communication, problem-solving abilities, and a friendly, service-oriented demeanor help professionals provide memorable experiences for guests. These skills are crucial for ensuring safety, smooth operations, and guest satisfaction on scenic and often busy river cruises.

What is a river cruise?

A River Cruise job involves working on a river cruise ship, providing services such as hospitality, dining, housekeeping, entertainment, and navigation. Employees may work in roles like servers, chefs, housekeepers, tour guides, or ship crew. These jobs often require good customer service skills, flexibility, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. River cruise staff typically live on board for the duration of their contract and travel between destinations along rivers.

More about River Cruise jobs

What cities are hiring for River Cruise jobs?

Cities with the most River Cruise job openings:

What states have the most River Cruise jobs?

States with the most job openings for River Cruise jobs include:

What job categories do people searching River Cruise jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for River Cruise jobs are:

River Cruise jobs near you
Infographic showing various River Cruise job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,739 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

River Pilot

American Cruise Lines

Arlington, OR

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

River Pilot
American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia amp; 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.

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a professional leader. American Cruise Lines Nav Mates are experienced mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Our Nav Mates are prudent decision-makers continually assessing potential risk weeks, days, and hours ahead of the vessel and crew. Our Nav Mates are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews.

Nav Mates enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef prepared meals. American Cruise Lines operates our own bridge simulator, enabling rigorous recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills. American Cruise Lines recruits and retains the best professional mariners in the industry.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.
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.
  • Maintain logs, reports, and administrative records
  • Support hotel and culinary teams in delivering five-star guest service.
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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
**This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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