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River Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Tampa, FL · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Bar Harbor, ME

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Cape Girardeau, MO · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Baton Rouge, LA

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Guilford, CT

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Natchez, MS · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Cape Girardeau, MO

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Tunica, MS

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Point Pleasant, WV

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Brunswick, GA · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Grand Rivers, KY · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Guilford, CT · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Natchez, MS

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Guilford, CT

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Arlington, OR · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Nashville, TN · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Providence, RI · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Alton, IL

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsRiver Pilot Jobs

River Pilot information

See salary details

$153.5K

$197.1K

$235K

How much do river pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for river pilot in the United States is $197,088.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $176,000.00 and $218,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by river pilots, and how do they typically overcome them?

River pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing river conditions, unpredictable weather, and navigating through congested or narrow waterways. To overcome these obstacles, they rely on their extensive local knowledge, ongoing training, and strong communication with the crew and other vessels. Staying updated on river charts, water levels, and regulations is essential, and collaboration with the harbor master and port authorities helps ensure safe passage. Adaptability and quick decision-making are key skills that help river pilots handle unexpected situations effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a River Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a River Pilot, you need expert knowledge of river navigation, vessel handling, and local waterways, typically supported by a relevant license such as a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential. Familiarity with navigational aids, radar, GPS, and electronic chart systems is crucial for safe and efficient piloting. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making, and communication skills help manage dynamic river conditions and coordinate with crews and authorities. These competencies are vital for ensuring the safe transit of vessels, protecting cargo, and maintaining environmental and operational safety.

What are river pilots?

River pilots are highly trained mariners who specialize in navigating ships and large vessels through river systems, often in areas that are challenging due to shallow waters, narrow channels, strong currents, or heavy traffic. They have extensive knowledge of local waterways, tides, weather, and regulations, and are responsible for ensuring the safe passage of vessels to and from ports. River pilots board ships to guide the captain and crew, using their expertise to avoid hazards and comply with local navigation laws.

What Does a River Pilot Do?

A river pilot steers boats on inland waterways. As a river pilot, your duties focus on guiding a vessel up and down rivers. Some pilots drive a riverboat or tugboat, while others take over for captains on ocean-going vessels when they enter river systems. In these cases, you stay onshore and travel to each ship as it sits at the mouth of the river. Sometimes, your responsibilities involve taking a boat into a harbor that is on a river near the ocean. While piloting any ship, you are in charge of all crew members and must work to ensure their safety.

What is the difference between River Pilot vs Marine Pilot?

AspectRiver PilotMarine Pilot
CertificationsRiver pilot licenses, maritime certificationsMarine pilot licenses, maritime certifications
Work EnvironmentRivers, inland waterwaysOpen sea, coastal areas
Industry UsageNavigation of inland vessels and bargesNavigation of ships in ports and open waters
Common Search/ComparisonRiver Pilot vs Marine Pilot

River pilots and marine pilots both require maritime certifications and play crucial roles in navigation. River pilots specialize in inland waterways and rivers, guiding vessels through confined and shallow areas. Marine pilots operate in ports and open seas, assisting ships in navigating complex port entrances and coastal waters. While their certifications overlap, their work environments and specific responsibilities differ significantly, making each role essential in different maritime contexts.

More about River Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for River Pilot jobs? Cities with the most River Pilot job openings:
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What are popular job titles related to River Pilot jobs? For River Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
River Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various River Pilot job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 25% Contract, and 13% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $197,088 per year, or $94.8 per hour.
River Pilot

River Pilot

American Cruise Lines

Tampa, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 10 hours 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 & 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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