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Ship Captain Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

WI · On-site

$58 - $93/hr

As our Captain I, you'll help oversee a bustling, non-stop maritime operation. We run a dedicated ... Christi Ship Channel between Harbor Island and Mustang Island. From smooth ten-minute daily ...

New

Steward Assistant

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

Description Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking a Steward Assistant to work aboard the ... Clean and prepare crew cabins before and during voyages, ensuring they meet the ship's cleanliness ...

Material Handler (Raw)

Pleasant Prairie, WI · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

After all, our founder, sea captain Robert Fergusson, didn't particularly set out to invent rust preventive paint. He just wanted to keep his ship intact and stumbled upon a valuable solution. Today ...

Material Handler (Raw)

Pleasant Prairie, WI

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

After all, our founder, sea captain Robert Fergusson, didn't particularly set out to invent rust preventive paint. He just wanted to keep his ship intact and stumbled upon a valuable solution. Today ...

Material Handler (Comp)

Pleasant Prairie, WI

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

After all, our founder, sea captain Robert Fergusson, didn't particularly set out to invent rust preventive paint. He just wanted to keep his ship intact and stumbled upon a valuable solution. Today ...

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Showing results 1-20

Ship Captain information

See Wisconsin salary details

$16

$26

$48

How much do ship captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship captain in Wisconsin is $26.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.70 and $32.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ship captain?

A ship captain is responsible for the safe operation and navigation of a sea vessel such as a ferry, barge, tugboat, or cruise ship. In this career, you must ensure its seaworthiness and follow all safety protocols for your passengers before setting sail. You also manage a large crew, ensuring that each crew member understands your policies. Other duties include setting the ship course, giving commands to your crew, and supervising the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers. You record all relevant information regarding each voyage, including the course and speed of the boat and weather conditions. Other responsibilities include maintaining equipment, like engines, navigational systems, and life preservers, and signaling passing vessels.

What does a ship captain do?

A Ship Captain, also known as a Master or Captain, is responsible for the overall operation and safety of a vessel and its crew. Their duties include navigating and steering the ship, ensuring compliance with maritime laws, overseeing cargo operations, and managing onboard emergencies. Captains also supervise officers and crew, maintain detailed records and logs, and communicate with port authorities. Their leadership is crucial for the successful and safe completion of each voyage.

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

To thrive as a Ship Captain, you need extensive maritime knowledge, navigational expertise, and a valid captain's license such as a Merchant Mariner Credential. Familiarity with navigation systems, radar, GPS technology, and safety management protocols is essential. Strong leadership, decision-making, and effective communication skills help manage the crew and respond to emergencies. These skills ensure the safe and efficient operation of the vessel, compliance with international regulations, and the well-being of all onboard.

What are some common challenges faced by ship captains during long voyages, and how are they typically managed?

One of the main challenges Ship Captains face during extended voyages is maintaining crew morale and operational efficiency in isolated and sometimes unpredictable environments. Captains must also manage navigation through changing weather conditions and ensure strict compliance with international maritime regulations. Effective communication, decisive leadership, and adaptability are crucial in addressing issues such as equipment malfunctions, time zone changes, and emergency situations. Regular safety drills, clear delegation of duties, and fostering a supportive team atmosphere help mitigate these challenges and ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Ship Captain vs Ship Engineer?

AspectShip CaptainShip Engineer
CredentialsSTCW Master License, maritime certificationsSTCW Engineer License, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentBridge, deck operations, navigationEngine room, machinery maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageShipping companies, maritime industryShip operators, maritime industry
Primary ResponsibilitiesNavigation, safety, crew managementEngine maintenance, machinery operation

While both Ship Captains and Ship Engineers work onboard ships within the maritime industry, the Ship Captain primarily oversees navigation, safety, and crew management, requiring a Master License. In contrast, the Ship Engineer focuses on maintaining and operating the ship's engines and machinery, holding an Engineer License. Both roles are essential for safe and efficient vessel operation but differ in their technical focus and responsibilities.

Is a ship captain a good career?

A ship captain is a high-responsibility role that involves overseeing vessel operations, navigation, and crew management. It requires extensive training, certifications such as a captain's license, and the ability to work long hours often at sea for extended periods. The career offers opportunities for advancement and travel but also involves significant responsibility and potential risks.

What are popular job titles related to Ship Captain jobs in Wisconsin?

For Ship Captain jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ship Captain jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Ship Captain jobs in Wisconsin are:

What are popular job titles related to Ship Captain jobs in WI?

For Ship Captain jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Ship Captain job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,051 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Ferryboat Captain I

Txdot

WI • On-site

$58 - $93/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Job Description - Ferryboat Captain I (2602186)

Job Description

Position Information

Looking for a career where your leadership keeps Texas moving?

As our Captain I, you’ll help oversee a bustling, non-stop maritime operation. We run a dedicated fleet of eight ferries (three 20-car and five 28-car vessels) crossing the quarter-mile Corpus Christi Ship Channel between Harbor Island and Mustang Island. From smooth ten-minute daily commutes to managing peak summer tourist surges and critical hurricane evacuation planning, no two days are the same.

If you’re ready to bring your operational expertise to a supportive, high-performing team with incredible long-term stability, let's connect!

Minimum Salary

57,614.00

Maximum Salary

93,138.00

Pay Basis

Yearly FLSA Status : Nonexempt

Work Locations

Port Aransas Ferry Operations 619 W COTTER STREET CC SHIP CHANNEL, PTA/ARAN Port Aransas 78373

Travel

Yes, 5 % of the Time Shift : Rotating Shift Details : 40 Location Flexibility : Onsite

Benefits and Perks

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

  • Retirement Plans
  • Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
  • Paid Leave and Holidays
  • Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
  • Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
  • Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package
To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance (ERS.texas.gov)

Performs as an experienced ferryboat captain of motor ferry vessels transporting crew members, public vehicles and passengers. Has total responsibility for decisions and/or actions affecting the safety and welfare of the vessel, crew, passengers, vehicles and other public properties. Has sole authority for the movement or non-movement of the vessel and the retention or expelling for cause, of crew members and/or passengers and their property from the vessel. Work requires constant contact with private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

Provides general direction to deckhands involved in performance of deck evolutions (loading, unloading, security and minor cleaning and maintenance.)

Provides general direction to marine communications coordinators involved in public relations and land-to-sea communications.

Provides general direction to the watch engineer involved in performance of engineering watch and maintenance duties.

Takes charge of all ferry operations and support functions in the absence of the Ferry Operation Manager/Assistant and/or Ferry Supervisor, when directed.

Ensures strict compliance with the Federal Waters Pollution Control Act and the Federal Communications Commission Communications Act of 1934.

Ensures the daily inspection and report of the operating condition of all emergency fire fighting, lifesaving and childbirth equipment on the vessel.

Leads and trains ferry operations personnel as necessary.

Maintains and submits daily activity logs of vessel movements, traffic and passenger statistics and unusual occurrences or special events.

Navigates and maneuvers vessels in high density traffic areas and/or under all weather and sea conditions in accordance with Inland Navigation Rules of the Road and the rules of good seamanship.

Navigates in situations involving meetings/overtaking/crossing encounters with other vessels in times of darkness and light, high winds, extreme tide fluctuations, heavy ebb/flow currents, zero visibility and close proximity to shoal waters.

Reports to U.S. Coast Guard all incidents of marine, accident, injury or death occurring on the vessel while in his/her charge.

Responsible for the periodic conduct of all-hands emergency drills and exercises such as fire, collision, man overboard, fog navigation, grounding, bomb threat and emergency childbirth.

Serves as primary enforcement authority for State Regulations Governing Operation of the Ferries.

Submits reports on the above matters of the Ferry Operation Manager and/or staff as well as any other matters affecting the stability and/or operational capability of the vessel and all matters of consequence with the public.

Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: High School Grad or Equivalent in general high school studies.

Experience: 6 years in marine operations. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).

Graduation from a maritime academy will substitute for 5 years experience.

  • Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
  • Must have required US Coast Guard (USCG) certifications an/or documents appropriate for the position and vessel being operated.
  • USCG Lic-Mas-S&L Ves-100 Tons > (Must have at the time of application).
  • Transportation Worker ID Cred-TWIC (Must have at the time of application).
  • Applicable industry safety standards, guidelines and specification codes.

Applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

  • Leading, assigning, reviewing, and monitoring the work of others.
  • Preparing and maintaining confidential and sensitive records, files and reports.
  • Training in a classroom, office, or field environment.
  • Maintaining a safe working relationship.
  • Maintaining a safe working environment.

Ability to:

  • Work in varying conditions to include heavy traffic, overhead power lines and underground utilities.

Work in cramped spaces (bend, stoop, crawl) and at varied heights.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

  • Subject to outside environmental conditions; no effective weather protection.
  • Subject to extreme cold and heat; below 32 and/or above 100 degrees for more than one hour.
  • Subject to noise.
  • Subject to vibration.
  • Required to wear protective gear-respirator, hard hat, or other device.
  • Works frequently in small/crawl spaces; manholes; areas that can cause claustrophobia.
  • Works in narrow aisles or passageways.
  • Medium work: Lift up to 50 lbs. at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25 lbs.
  • Balancing-walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling.
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