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Tankerman Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Richard B. Rudy, Inc

Be Seen First

Truck Driver Class A CDL Food Grade Tanker

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $82K/yr

We are a family owned and operated regional bulk liquid tank carrier with newer equipment in Frederick Maryland since 1938. We are currently seeking qualified Class A CDL drivers with a Tank ...

LCL Bulk

CDL-A OTR & Dedicated Tanker Driver

Occoquan, VA · On-site

$125K/yr

Earn $90K-$125K+ Per Year | $12,500 Sign-On Bonus | Premium Equipment | Consistent Miles LCL Bulk Transport is hiring experienced CDL-A drivers for OTR and Dedicated food-grade tanker opportunities ...

LCL Bulk

CDL-A OTR & Dedicated Tanker Driver

Bowie, MD

$125K/yr

Earn $90K-$125K+ Per Year | $12,500 Sign-On Bonus | Premium Equipment | Consistent Miles LCL Bulk Transport is hiring experienced CDL-A drivers for OTR and Dedicated food-grade tanker opportunities ...

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Tankerman information

See Washington salary details

$15

$29

$44

How much do tankerman jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for tankerman in Washington is $29.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.21 and $31.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do tankermans get paid?

Tankermen typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. Salaries can increase with additional skills such as cargo handling and safety training, and often include benefits like overtime pay and per diem for offshore work.

What are typical work schedules and living conditions like for a Tankerman on inland or coastal vessels?

Tankermen often work in rotating shifts that can range from several days to weeks on board, followed by similar periods off. Living conditions on vessels are typically communal, with shared sleeping quarters and limited personal space, so adaptability and strong communication skills are important. The work can be physically demanding and requires adherence to strict safety and environmental protocols, but it also offers a structured routine and opportunities for advancement into supervisory or training roles. Teamwork is essential, as Tankermen collaborate closely with crew members and shore-based personnel during cargo operations.

What Does a Tankerman Do?

As a tankerman, your duties involve overseeing the transfer and transport of liquid cargo on a barge, ship, or specialized tankboat. The primary responsibilities of a tankerman (variously referred to as an able-bodied tankerman or AB tankerman) are to ensure the safety of crew during loading and transport of the liquid freight. You may work with hazardous materials such as gases and other potentially explosive or toxic substances. You are responsible for inspecting and maintaining liquid transfer equipment onboard and onshore.

What are Tankermen?

Tankermen are specialized maritime professionals responsible for the safe transfer of liquid cargo—such as oil, chemicals, or hazardous materials—on tank vessels like barges and ships. Their duties include operating pumps, supervising loading and unloading processes, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and maintaining equipment. Tankermen must be highly trained and typically require certification, as their work is critical to preventing spills and accidents during cargo operations.

What is the difference between Tankerman vs Deckhand?

AspectTankermanDeckhand
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety Training, Tankerman CertificationSTCW Basic Safety Training, Basic Deckhand Certification
Work EnvironmentTank barges, tankers, chemical shipsGeneral cargo ships, tankers, offshore vessels
Job ResponsibilitiesHandling, transferring, and securing liquid cargoesGeneral deck duties, cargo handling, maintenance

Tankermen specialize in handling liquid cargoes and require specific certifications related to tank operations. Deckhands perform broader deck duties across various vessel types. While both roles work in maritime environments, Tankermen focus on cargo transfer safety and procedures, making their skills more specialized compared to Deckhands.

What is the job of a tankerman?

A tankerman is responsible for loading, unloading, and transferring liquid cargo, such as petroleum or chemicals, on tank ships or barges. The role requires knowledge of safety procedures, proper handling of hazardous materials, and often involves certifications like STCW or Tankerman licenses. They work in marine environments and may operate specialized equipment to ensure safe cargo transfer.

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

To thrive as a Tankerman, you need specialized knowledge in liquid cargo handling, safety protocols, and marine regulations, generally supported by a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Tankerman endorsement. Familiarity with cargo transfer systems, pumps, hoses, and relevant safety equipment is essential, along with compliance training such as HAZMAT and OSHA standards. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for safe, efficient cargo operations and to prevent environmental incidents or workplace accidents.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Tankermen, who handle liquid cargo on ships, can earn around $10,000 or more per month with experience and certifications such as STCW. High-paying roles in sales, real estate, or skilled trades like commercial diving or offshore drilling also offer similar earnings without requiring a college degree, often relying on skills, licenses, and experience. These jobs typically involve physical work, specialized training, or certifications rather than formal education.

Is it hard to become a tankerman?

Becoming a tankerman requires completing specific training, obtaining a Merchant Mariner Credential with a Tankerman endorsement, and gaining experience in handling flammable liquids. The process involves safety courses, background checks, and sometimes physical exams, making it moderately challenging but achievable with proper preparation.
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Tankerman jobs near you
CDL-A Tanker Truck Driver - Home Weekly

CDL-A Tanker Truck Driver - Home Weekly

Indian River Transport

Annandale, VA

$90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Indian River Transport is Now Hiring CDL-A Food Grade Tanker Drivers-Bensalem, PA Route!Top Drivers Earn $90,000+ per Year - 100% No-Touch Freight


Top Pay & Benefits:
  • Experienced drivers average $60,000 per year
  • Top drivers earn $90,000+ per year
  • Earn 55 - 57 CPM*
  • Weekly home time
  • Average 2,500 - 3,000 miles per week
  • 100% no-touch freight
  • Medical, dental & vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match


*Runs 250 miles or less earn a flat 24% of the linehaul


Join the Indian River Transport Family - Apply Now!


Route Details:

Indian River Transport is hiring CDL-A Regional drivers for their Bensalem, PA operation, hauling food-grade tanker freight. With this run, you’ll get everything drivers want: solid pay, reliable miles, and time at home. Only 5 regional openings - apply before they’re gone. Drivers will haul a variety of products such as: juice, cream, milk, & coco butter. This route offer 50% drop and hook and 50% live loads, with load transit time typically being the next day or max next 2 days. Delivery locations include the following: Decatur, AL; Laurel, MD; Newark, NJ; Carlisle, PA; Batavia, NY; Riverside, NJ; Brockton, MA; Lynwood, NY; Vermont; Maine; & Rougemont, Quebec, Canada.


Additional Benefits:
  • Rider policy
  • Pet policy
  • Paid vacation & paid orientation
  • Life insurance & disability coverage
  • No forced dispatch to NYC
  • No pumping
  • Stable freight
  • Consistent lane
  • A fleet that is equipped with state-of-the-art technology & maintained to the highest standards
  • Career growth & clear pathways for advancement within the company
  • Dedicated team of administrative & support staff there to ensure your runs go smoothly


Requirements:
  • Valid Class A CDL
  • Minimum 1 year of OTR experience within the last 3 years with at least 6 months in the last year
  • Tanker endorsement
  • TWIC - must be obtained within 90 days of hire
  • Passport for runs going to Canada


Grow Your Career with Indian River Transport - Apply Now!


About Indian River Transport:

Founded in 1974, Indian River Transport provides reliable, competitive interstate, intrastate, and international transportation of bulk food-grade commodities. We build trust and teamwork with open, candid communications throughout our organization. We encourage high expectations, and we will strive to be the best in our community as well as in North America. As a leader in bulk liquid food-grade tank carriers, Indian River Transport sets the tone for the rest of our industry. Every day we strive for excellence. Our team members are ambitious, intelligent, and motivated individuals who take pride in what they do.

Apply