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Tankerman Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Canal Barge Company, Inc.

Shore Tankerman

Joliet, IL · On-site

$24.25 - $28/hr

CANAL BARGE COMPANY SHORE TANKERMAN *Chicagoland area.* Canal Barge LLC Shore Tankerman are our internal experts in the transfer of liquid cargos. Qualified candidates must be safety conscious and ...

Canal Barge Company

Shore Tankerman

Lemont, IL

$65K/yr

CANAL BARGE COMPANY SHORE TANKERMAN *Chicagoland area.* Canal Barge LLC Shore Tankermanare our internal experts in the transfer of liquid cargos. Qualified candidates must be safety conscious and ...

Canal Barge Company

Shore Tankerman

Joliet, IL

$62K/yr

CANAL BARGE COMPANY SHORE TANKERMAN *Chicagoland area.* Canal Barge LLC Shore Tankermanare our internal experts in the transfer of liquid cargos. Qualified candidates must be safety conscious and ...

Midwest Tankermen

Shore Tankerman

Joliet, IL · Remote

Our Tankermen work on inland tank barges conducting critical operations and are responsible for protecting the environment by ensuring the safe transfer of liquid hazardous cargo from barge to shore.

Quala

Union Tank Wash Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

Discover a career at Depot Connect International (DCI) , a global leader in the Tank/ISO Tank Container Services and Tank Trailer Parts industry. We're more than just a service provider; we're a ...

C F C INC

Tank Wagon Driver

Des Plaines, IL

We are seeking an experienced CDL Class A Certified Tank Wagon driver to join our team. Responsibilities * Safely operate a tank wagon truck daily * May be required to pull a dry van on occasion

Quala

Union Tank Wash Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

Discover a career at Depot Connect International (DCI) , a global leader in the Tank/ISO Tank Container Services and Tank Trailer Parts industry. We're more than just a service provider; we're a ...

Schneider National, Inc.

Tanker truck driver

Chicago, IL · On-site

$1.1K - $1.4K/wk

Haul liquid chemical freight in tanker trailers. * Home for 34-48-hours, typically on weekends. * 5-10 loads per week. Pay and bonus potential * Mileage pay, plus hourly pay while on duty, not ...

Schneider National, Inc.

Tanker truck driver

Chicago, IL · On-site

$980 - $1.4K/wk

Haul 75% non-hazardous freight in tanker trailers. * Get home for three days every other weekend. Pay and bonus potential * Mileage pay, plus hourly pay while on duty, not driving. * Weekly ...

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All JobsTankerman JobsTankerman Jobs in Chicago, IL

Tankerman information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$27

$40

How much do tankerman jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for tankerman in Chicago, IL is $27.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $28.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 qualifications do you need for a tankerman job?

Tankermen typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant maritime training and certifications such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Tankerman endorsement. Prior experience in cargo handling, safety training, and knowledge of hazardous materials are also important qualifications for the role.

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 jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For a Tankerman, high annual earnings of $300,000 or more are uncommon and typically require extensive experience, specialized certifications, and working in high-responsibility roles such as senior maritime or offshore positions. Most tankerman roles offer lower salaries, but those in supervisory or managerial positions within the maritime industry can reach or exceed this level with years of experience. Salary potential varies based on employer, location, and specific responsibilities.

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 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.

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 for those new to maritime work.

How much does a tankerman get paid?

A tankerman's salary typically ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. Experienced tankermen with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, especially when working overtime or on offshore vessels.
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Tankerman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tankerman job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,206 per year, or $27 per hour.

Shore Tankerman

Canal Barge Company, Inc.

Joliet, IL • On-site

$24.25 - $28/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

CANAL BARGE COMPANY
JOB DESCRIPTION
SHORE TANKERMAN
*Chicagoland area.*
Canal Barge LLC Shore Tankerman are our internal experts in the transfer of liquid cargos. Qualified candidates must be safety conscious and able to work in a physically demanding environment. Shore Tankerman must be on-call and be able to travel independently. All applicants must have favorable work references and a valid driver's license and must pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screen. Tankermen must hold a U.S. Merchant Mariner's endorsement as a PIC/DL, and must possess a current, valid TWIC
I. Primary Job Duties
  • Conduct transfers of liquid cargos
  • Follow all safety, environmental, and barge processes to conduct incident-free transfers
  • Conduct inspections of barges prior to conducting transfers
  • Perform minor maintenance and repair of barges and pumps as necessary
  • Inspect all safety and transfer equipment
  • Perform liaison role with customer dock personnel
  • Serve as first-line emergency responders
  • Physical requirements of the job include climbing ladders and stairs, repetitive bending and stooping, lifting heavy marine equipment, and lifting objects from various levels ranging from 10-100 pounds

II. Requirements
  • A valid Driver's License
  • A high school diploma or equivalency
  • Able to pass a background check
  • Able to pass a physical which includes a respirator fit test and requires candidate to be clean shaven
  • Must live in the Chicagoland area

Canal Barge Company and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

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