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Tow Pilot Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Tow Pilot information

See Indiana salary details

$11

$21

$38

How much do tow pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for tow pilot in Indiana is $21.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Tow Pilot job?

A Tow Pilot is responsible for flying an aircraft that tows gliders, banners, or other aerial objects. Their primary duty is to ensure a smooth and safe tow until the glider or object is safely released. Tow Pilots must have strong flying skills, situational awareness, and knowledge of proper towing procedures. They typically operate from glider clubs, flight schools, or aerial advertising companies. Proper certification and experience in towing operations are usually required.

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

To excel as a Tow Pilot, you need a commercial pilot's license with relevant flight hours, a strong understanding of aerodynamics, and excellent situational awareness. Proficiency in operating tow planes, using radio communication equipment, and adhering to FAA regulations and safety procedures is essential. Reliability, strong decision-making, and clear communication skills set successful tow pilots apart. These competencies ensure safe, efficient glider launches and effective teamwork with ground crew and glider pilots.

What does a typical day look like for a Tow Pilot, and who do they work with during gliding operations?

A typical day for a Tow Pilot often begins with pre-flight inspections, thorough weather checks, and coordination with glider pilots and ground crew. Throughout the day, you'll complete a series of takeoffs and landings, towing gliders into safe release altitudes while maintaining constant radio communication. The role involves close collaboration with the ground crew, glider instructors, and students to ensure smooth operations and flight safety. This teamwork fosters a supportive environment where quick thinking and adaptability are valued, and it's an excellent way to gain varied flying experience.

What are popular job titles related to Tow Pilot jobs in Indiana? For Tow Pilot jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Tow Pilot job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,772 per year, or $21 per hour.
Trip Pilot

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


American Commercial Barge Line rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Title: Trip Pilot
Company: American Commercial Barge Line
Location: Memphis, TN; St. Louis, MO; Cairo, IL; Convent, LA; Harahan, LA; Channelview, TX; Jeffersonville, IN
Job Type: Full-Time
Are you an experienced and dedicated Trip Pilot looking for an exciting opportunity in the maritime industry? American Commercial Barge Line is seeking skilled individuals to join our team and play a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient navigation of vessels through challenging waterways.

When you join ACBL…
American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) is one of the largest and most diversified marine transportation companies in the U.S. Our legacy of providing the nation with the most economical, safest, and greenest mode of transportation dates all the way back to 1915, when we began moving coal on the Kentucky River.  We offer a wide range of career paths in both operations and support services. Whether you are interested in working on the river or in an office, we are always searching for the best of the best to join our ACBL team. 

What you will be doing... Your IMPACT 

  • Ensure that work completed during his/her watch is done in accordance with ACBL safety policies and practices.
  • Always navigate the vessel safely.
  • Ensure all crew members on vessel receive instruction on how to do jobs properly and monitor performance.
  • Carry out all duties assigned under the Vessel Security Plan as the designated vessel security officer.
  • Ensure that each crew member knows the cargo of each barge in tow and has an understanding of any hazards associated with said cargoes. CFR 35.05-15b.
  • Enforce all Company policies and vessel specific guidelines in support of the SMS (Safety Management System) and within that the Crew Endurance Management System onboard all vessels.
  • Participate in crew management, general supervisory duties and management of the vessel’s budget.
  • Complete required log entries.
  • Maintain radio watch as required.
  • Report Certain Dangerous Cargoes (CDC) barges at pick-up, drop-off, and designated mile points to the Inland River Vessel Movement Center.
  • Enforce all rules.
  • Give assignments and direction to the mate and/or lead deckhand.
  • Comply with all established vessel management policies and procedures.
  • Maintain the vessel budget and help maximize cost efficiency as directed.
  • Provide instructions and information to crew members, ACBL land-based personnel, USCG or lock personnel.

What we are looking for...

You will need to have:

  • Master of Towing Vessels upon Western Rivers license required.
  • Must have experience running on the Lower Mississippi River 30+ loaded barges.
  • Must meet USCG physical examination requirements.
  • Must be able to travel to and from vessel / training locations via air or car travel.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Must be able to work 6 hours on 6 hours off watch.
  • Must have experience pushing barges (tows of 20 or more preferred).
  • Must be able to ride in or pilot a crew boat or zodiac to get to/from towing vessel.
  • Must be able to work in all weather conditions.
  • Must maintain valid USCG licensing.
  • Be able to maintain an active TWIC.

Even better if you have:

  • Experience pushing 20+ barges.

Reasons you will love working at ACBL …

  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • A collaborative and supportive team environment.
  • Comprehensive training and career development opportunities.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Commitment to safety and employee well-being

What American Commercial Barge Line employees say

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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