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Ton Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pioneer Production Services, Inc

$400/day

Performs routine engine room maintenance such as changing oil, checking oil, and changing fuel filters. 7/7 Rotation - Great pay and benefits 100 ton Captain License required. Crane Operations About ...

Sea Hawk Maritime

Tugboat Captain

Largo, FL · On-site

$650 - $725/day

This Position Requires for you to have at least a 100 Ton Captain's License and Towing Endorsement. Starting Pay for This Position: $650-725 Daily Rate. This is based on previous work experience ...

Sea Hawk Maritime

Tugboat Captain

Largo, FL · On-site

$650 - $725/day

This Position Requires for you to have at least a 100 Ton Captain's License and Towing Endorsement. Starting Pay for This Position: $650-725 Daily Rate. This is based on previous work experience ...

Afton House Inn

100 Ton Licensed Captain

Afton, MN · On-site

May - October Licensed Captain will operate 2 dinner boats on the St. Croix River for daytime and evening 2-5 hour private and public cruises. Afton Princess - 84 ft. yacht - 100 Ton USCG License ...

Afton House Inn

100 Ton Licensed Captain

Afton, MN · On-site

May - October Licensed Captain will operate 2 dinner boats on the St. Croix River for daytime and evening 2-5 hour private and public cruises. Afton Princess - 84 ft. yacht - 100 Ton USCG License ...

Afton House Inn

100 Ton Licensed Captain

Afton, MN

$35 - $38/hr

May - October Licensed Captain will operate 2 dinner boats on the St. Croix River for daytime and evening 2-5 hour private and public cruises. Afton Princess - 84 ft. yacht - 100 Ton USCG License ...

Seastreak LLC

Captain

New Bedford, MA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Desired Background: * 100 Ton Master's license * TWIC * 1st Aid & CPR is helpful * Basic computer skills * Qualified candidates will have a minimum of 2 years of recent captain experience Pre ...

Seastreak LLC

Captain

New Bedford, MA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Desired Background: * 100 Ton Master's license * TWIC * 1st Aid & CPR is helpful * Basic computer skills * Qualified candidates will have a minimum of 2 years of recent captain experience Pre ...

Seastreak LLC

Captain

New Bedford, MA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Desired Background: * 100 Ton Master's license * TWIC * 1st Aid & CPR is helpful * Basic computer skills * Qualified candidates will have a minimum of 2 years of recent captain experience Pre ...

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Ton Captain information

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$5

$25

$48

How much do ton captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for ton captain in the United States is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ton captain?

A Ton Captain is a licensed individual responsible for commanding and operating commercial vessels, typically those under a certain gross tonnage, such as tugboats, ferries, or small cargo ships. The 'ton' in the title refers to the vessel's gross tonnage, which determines the licensing requirements. Ton Captains are tasked with ensuring the safe navigation of the vessel, supervising crew, and adhering to maritime regulations. They often work in coastal waters, harbors, or inland waterways, and must have specialized training and certification, such as a U.S. Coast Guard license for the appropriate tonnage class. Their role is crucial for the safety and efficiency of marine transportation.

What is a ton captain?

A ton captain is a certified boat captain who is authorized to handle larger commercial boats that carry passengers, such as water taxis, ferries, tour boats, and boats used for commercial or recreational diving excursions. As a ton captain, you also handle any boats that that do not undergo inspection. Your duties and responsibilities include ensuring that the boat you captain is seaworthy and meets all safety standards. You also organize and oversee the crew of the boat. If you captain a passenger boat, you may have some responsibilities related to interacting with your passengers, but you can often delegate this task to a lower crewmember.

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

To thrive as a Tug Captain, you need a valid captain's license (such as a U.S. Coast Guard Master of Towing Vessels), strong navigational skills, and extensive experience operating tugboats. Familiarity with marine communication systems, radar, GPS, and safety protocols is essential, along with certifications like STCW and First Aid/CPR. Leadership, decision-making, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing crew and ensuring safe operations. These competencies are vital for safely maneuvering vessels in challenging conditions, protecting crew and cargo, and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by ton captains during busy shipping seasons and how can they effectively manage them?

Ton Captains often encounter increased workloads and logistical complexities during peak shipping seasons, such as managing tight schedules, coordinating with larger crews, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations under pressure. Effective communication with crew members and port authorities, proactive maintenance checks, and efficient time management are essential strategies for handling these challenges. Many Ton Captains also rely on digital tools for route planning and cargo tracking to streamline operations and minimize delays, ensuring that shipments are delivered safely and on time.

What is the difference between Ton Captain vs Truck Driver?

AspectTon CaptainTruck Driver
Required CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), specific to heavy vehiclesCDL often required, depending on cargo and vehicle type
Work EnvironmentTransporting goods, often in logistics or freight companiesDriving trucks across various routes, long hours
Employer & IndustryLogistics, freight, shipping companiesFreight carriers, logistics firms, delivery services

Both roles involve operating large vehicles and require a CDL. A Ton Captain typically oversees the loading and safety of cargo in freight operations, while a Truck Driver focuses on transporting goods over distances. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position in the logistics industry.

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The most popular types of Ton Captain jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Ton Captain jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Ton Captain jobs are:

Ton Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ton Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

100 Ton Captain / Liftboat / Wireline

Boothville, LA • On-site

Pioneer Production Services, Inc
Oil and Gas Extraction • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Pioneer Production Services, Incexternal

$400/day

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Job Description
We are seeking a candidate who is qualified in both Captain duties, navigation and also able to work with a Wireline Operator.
This will be on a Liftboat working in and around the Boothville-Venice area inland waters including the Mississippi River.
Performs routine engine room maintenance such as changing oil, checking oil, and changing fuel filters.
7/7 Rotation - Great pay and benefits
100 ton Captain License required.
Crane Operations
About Us
Pioneer Production Services, Inc. is a supplemental contract labor company committed to providing highly trained, safety oriented personnel to the oil and gas industry. Our employees undergo extensive, job-specific training, and also have a philosophy of adhering to ethical conduct on all levels business. In addition, we also offer a friendly, knowledgeable, and professional operations group with over 75+ combined years of oilfield experience, relentless in the pursuit of customer satisfaction and employee excellence. We are committed to attracting a diverse work force that reflects the professionalism and high quality standard we provide.
Mission Statement
It is the mission of Pioneer Production Services, Inc. to exceed our customer expectations by being the leading provider of safe, responsible, and professional contract labor in the oil & gas industry.

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