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Tow Boat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ingram Barge Company

Fleet Boat Captain

Sauget, IL

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 Barge Company

Fleet Boat Captain

Saint Louis, MO

$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 Barge Company

Fleet Boat Captain

Saint Louis, MO

$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 Barge Company

Fleet Boat Captain

Saint Louis, MO · 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 Barge Company

Fleet Boat Captain

Saint Louis, MO · 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 Barge Company

Fleet Boat Captain

Collinsville, 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 Barge Company

Fleet Boat Captain

Saint Louis, MO · 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 Barge Company

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 Barge Company

Fleet Boat Captain

Alton, IL

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 Barge Company

Fleet Boat Captain

Saint Louis, MO · 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 ...

Malibu Boats Inc.

Production Team Member

Loudon, TN · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Malibu Boats LLC, the leading tow boat manufacturer, continuously accepts applications to join one of our production teams (i.e. Lamination, Assembly, Upholstery, etc.). Essential duties and ...

US Department of the Army

MO · On-site

$28.79/hr

Works on floating plant and directs movement of tow boat and barges to tie tow together, dock, and position for work. Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Malibu Boats, LLC

Production Team Member

Loudon, TN · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Malibu Boats LLC, the leading tow boat manufacturer, continuously accepts applications to join one of our production teams (i.e. Lamination, Assembly, Upholstery, etc.). Essential duties and ...

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Tow Boat information

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$11

$22

$40

How much do tow boat jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for tow boat in the United States is $22.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do tug boat people make?

Tug boat operators and crew members typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Experienced captains and engineers tend to earn higher salaries, especially in busy port regions or with specialized skills.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In the tow boat industry, highly experienced captains or operators working on large commercial vessels can earn around $2,000 per day, especially when working long shifts or in specialized environments such as offshore or heavy-duty towing. These roles typically require extensive certifications, maritime licenses, and significant experience. Compensation varies based on the vessel size, location, and employer, but top-tier positions can reach this daily rate.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Tow Boat position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tow Boat operator, you need strong navigational abilities, proficiency in vessel handling, and typically a valid captain's license such as a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential. Familiarity with marine communication systems, towing equipment, and safety protocols is essential. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and stress management skills make you stand out in dynamic and sometimes challenging conditions. These competencies are critical to ensure safe, efficient towing operations and collaboration with crew and clients along busy waterways.

How much do you make starting out on a Tow Boat?

Starting wages for a tow boat operator typically range from $12 to $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and company. Entry-level positions may also include benefits such as overtime pay and on-the-job training, with higher pay possible as skills and certifications like a towing license are gained.

What are the typical working conditions and schedules like for Tow Boat operators?

Tow Boat operators often work long hours in varying weather conditions, including nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on client needs and river or harbor activity. You may spend extended periods on the water, staying on-board during multi-day assignments and collaborating closely with a small crew. The work environment is hands-on, requiring constant attention to safety and readiness for potential emergencies. This role can be physically demanding but offers a unique, engaging setting for those who enjoy working outdoors and operating marine vessels.

How much do towboaters make?

Towboaters typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the vessel. Many towboat operators work long shifts and require certifications such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).

What is a Tow Boat job?

A tow boat job involves operating or working on a vessel designed to push or pull barges and other watercraft on rivers, lakes, or coastal waters. Crew members may include captains, deckhands, engineers, and mates, each responsible for navigation, maintenance, and cargo transport. These roles require physical labor, long shifts, and extended time away from home. Tow boat jobs are essential for moving goods efficiently across waterways, supporting industries like shipping, construction, and oil transport.

More about Tow Boat jobs
What cities are hiring for Tow Boat jobs? Cities with the most Tow Boat job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Tow Boat jobs? The most popular types of Tow Boat jobs are:
What states have the most Tow Boat jobs? States with the most job openings for Tow Boat jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tow Boat jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tow Boat jobs are:
Tow Boat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tow Boat job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Temporary. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,000 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
Fleet Boat Captain

Fleet Boat Captain

Ingram Barge Company

Sauget, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 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 Recruiting@ingrambarge.com

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