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Tow Boat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ingram Marine Group is seeking a Fleet Boat Captain for St. Louis, MO Fleets. In this position you ... Moving tow/build tow * Ensuring safe navigation and operation of vessel * Efficiently managing the ...

Ingram Marine Group is seeking a Fleet Boat Captain for St. Louis, MO Fleets. In this position you ... Moving tow/build tow * Ensuring safe navigation and operation of vessel * Efficiently managing the ...

Fleet Boat Captain

Alton, IL · On-site

$600/day

Ingram Marine Group is seeking a Fleet Boat Captain for St. Louis, MO Fleets. In this position you ... Moving tow/build tow * Ensuring safe navigation and operation of vessel * Efficiently managing the ...

Ingram Marine Group is seeking a Fleet Boat Captain for St. Louis, MO Fleets. In this position you ... Moving tow/build tow * Ensuring safe navigation and operation of vessel * Efficiently managing the ...

Ingram Marine Group is seeking a Fleet Boat Captain for St. Louis, MO Fleets. In this position you ... Moving tow/build tow * Ensuring safe navigation and operation of vessel * Efficiently managing the ...

Ingram Marine Group is seeking a Fleet Boat Captain for St. Louis, MO Fleets. In this position you ... Moving tow/build tow * Ensuring safe navigation and operation of vessel * Efficiently managing the ...

Fleet Boat Captain

Sauget, IL · On-site

$600/day

Ingram Marine Group is seeking a Fleet Boat Captain for St. Louis, MO Fleets. In this position you ... Moving tow/build tow * Ensuring safe navigation and operation of vessel * Efficiently managing the ...

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Tow Boat Captain information

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How much do tow boat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for tow boat captain in the United States is $22.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a tow boat captain do?

A Tow Boat Captain operates and navigates boats that assist disabled or stranded vessels, transport barges, or support marine construction and salvage operations. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of the crew, vessel, and cargo while following maritime laws and regulations. Duties often include coordinating with dispatch, performing routine maintenance, and responding to emergency situations. Strong knowledge of waterways, weather conditions, and towing techniques is essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tow boat captain?

To thrive as a Tow Boat Captain, you need strong maritime navigation, vessel operation, and situational awareness skills, often backed by a U.S. Coast Guard license such as the Master of Towing Vessels endorsement. Familiarity with onboard communication systems, navigation equipment (like GPS and radar), and safety protocols is essential. Excellent leadership, decision-making abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this position. These capabilities are crucial to ensure the safe and efficient movement of towed vessels, crew safety, and compliance with maritime regulations.

What are the typical challenges tow boat captains face during their work shifts?

Tow Boat Captains often encounter challenges such as navigating difficult weather conditions, handling heavy or awkward loads, and maintaining communication with crews and port authorities. The job can require quick problem-solving when mechanical issues or unexpected hazards arise on the water. Additionally, captains need to ensure that all safety and regulatory procedures are strictly followed, which can be demanding during high-pressure situations. Working hours may be irregular, with shifts often extending overnight or on weekends, so adaptability and resilience are essential for success.

How much do tow boat captains make?

Tow boat captains typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the vessel. They often need a Coast Guard license and must have extensive maritime experience to qualify for higher-paying positions.

How long does it take to become a tow boat captain?

Becoming a tow boat captain typically requires several years of experience, including obtaining a Coast Guard license such as a Master of Towing Vessel endorsement, which involves completing training, passing exams, and accumulating sea time. The process can take 3 to 5 years or more, depending on prior experience and training programs.
More about Tow Boat Captain jobs
What cities are hiring for Tow Boat Captain jobs? Cities with the most Tow Boat Captain job openings:
What states have the most Tow Boat Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Tow Boat Captain jobs include:
Infographic showing various Tow Boat Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $47,733 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Fleet Boat Captain

Ingram Barge Company

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$600/day

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Ingram Marine Group encompasses our operating units involved in transporting bulk commodities on America's inland waterways, delivering fuel and supplies to the towing industry, and providing a ship anchorage in Louisiana. As the leading carrier, we operate a fleet that transport aggregates, grain, fertilizer, coal, ores, alloys, steel products, chemicals, and other products.

We're committed to being the best at whatever we do. We're continuously growing, adapting, and responding, and we're successful because of the outstanding hard work and creative energy of our associates.

Job Description

Ingram Marine Group is seeking a Fleet Boat Captain for St. Louis, MO Fleets. In this position you will be responsible for steering the boat up and down the river; keeping watch for safety of crew, equipment and environment, while positioning barges together into tows. You will be required to live within an hour radius for consideration, due to schedule. 


What you'll be doing:

  • Keeping the crew safe
  • Moving tow/build tow
  • Ensuring safe navigation and operation of vessel
  • Efficiently managing the crew and the vessel
  • Responsible for the safety of the equipment
  • Responsible for the safety and preservation of the environment
  • Steering tow up and down river
  • Making locks and bridges
  • Conducting safety meetings and drills
Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Demonstration of the Ingram Way
  • Ability to uphold Ingram's high safety standards
  • 8+ years of experience
  • MMC; Advanced education and training (SCI, CEMS, Etc.) TWIC, or state ID required
  • Proven leadership abilities
  • Able to navigate the river in which working on
  • Working knowledge of how to handle a large tow
  • Able to safely operate aboard a vessel and perform necessary tasks within the safety guidelines
  • Able to perform in a fast-paced environment and quickly respond to unexpected circumstances and safety
  • Able to identify and employ appropriate safety practices to manage risks
  • Able to supervise and give direction and effectively communicate and cooperate with a team
  • Able to apply basic critical-thinking and decision-making skills to tow building and locking
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Intermediate skills with MS Outlook and Internet Explorer helpful

Candidates must:

  • Must be able to read and write the English language to comply with USCG regulatory requirements
  • Commitment to work safely and follow all safety policies and procedures
  • Complete a pre-employment physical examination and drug screen
  • Work in extreme weather

Schedule:

7/7 Schedule; ability to work nights or days

Additional Information
  • A competitive compensation package
  • Comprehensive benefits including Medical/Prescription Drug plans, HSA, Vision, Dental and Health Care FSA.
  • Generous paid time off benefits
  • 401K match upon first day of hire
  • Life and AD&D, Employee Assistant programs, Group Legal, & more
  • Associate growth and development encouraged through internal training and tuition reimbursement program

$600 Daily Rate

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

If you are requesting reasonable accommodation or disability assistance in submitting your application, you may email us at [email protected]

Ingram Marine Group and its affiliates ("Company") is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, work related mental or physical disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. 

EEO/AA Employer/Vet/Disabled

We participate in EVerify

http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeosp.pdf