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Towboat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CRH

Towboat Captain

Randolph, MO · On-site

Towboat Captain AMAT Randolph, Missouri, United States Job ID: 526894 Holliday Sand & Gravel Company, a CRH company, is one of the leading sand and gravel producers throughout Kansas, Missouri, and ...

US Department of the Army

Engineer Towboat

Peoria, IL

$42.12/hr

This is a vacancy for either an Engineer Towboat XH-09 target Chief Engineer Towboat XH-11 in the Maintenance Section located in Peoria, IL.Qualifications: Who May Apply: US Citizens Experience ...

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Engineer Towboat

Peoria, IL · On-site +1

$42.12 - $52.06/hr

This is a vacancy for either an Engineer Towboat XH-09 target Chief Engineer Towboat XH-11 in the Maintenance Section located in Peoria, IL. Learn more about this agency Duties Help * Responsible for ...

CRH

Towboat Captain

Randolph, MO · On-site

Your Role As a Towboat Captain, you will: * Navigate and operate towboats and barges with precision, utilizing your expert knowledge of local winds, water depths, currents, weather, and potential ...

Evansville Marine Service

Towboat Pilot

Louisville, KY · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description RESPONSIBILITIES * Responsible for the overall safety of the towing vessel. * Responsible for aiding in the safety of all coworkers. * Report any and all hazardous or ...

Evansville Marine Service

Towboat Pilot

Louisville, KY · On-site

Description RESPONSIBILITIES * Responsible for the overall safety of the towing vessel. * Responsible for aiding in the safety of all coworkers. * Report any and all hazardous or unsafe conditions ...

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Towboat information

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$14

$37

$89

How much do towboat jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for towboat in the United States is $37.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $41.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical working conditions like for towboat operators?

Towboat operators usually work on rotating shifts that can include long periods on the water, such as several weeks aboard followed by time off. The job requires living in close quarters with fellow crew members and adapting to changing weather, river, or harbor conditions. Workdays often involve extended hours, handling lines, overseeing towing operations, and conducting routine vessel maintenance. Operators collaborate closely with deckhands and other crew to ensure safe and timely navigation and cargo delivery. This dynamic, team-oriented environment appeals to those who enjoy hands-on work and life on the water.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a towboat operator?

To thrive as a Towboat Operator, you need solid navigational knowledge, mechanical aptitude, and a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with appropriate endorsements. Proficiency in operating towboat controls, radar, GPS navigation systems, and understanding maritime regulations is essential. Strong teamwork, communication, and decision-making skills help you adapt to unpredictable river or harbor conditions. These competencies ensure the safety and efficiency of vessel operations and cargo transport in dynamic maritime environments.

How to get hired on a towboat?

To get hired as a towboat deckhand or mate, candidates typically need a valid US Coast Guard license, such as a Merchant Mariner Credential, and relevant maritime experience. Employers often require physical fitness, safety training, and familiarity with navigation and vessel operations. Applying through maritime companies, completing onboard training, and demonstrating reliability are key steps in the hiring process.

What is a towboat?

A towboat job involves operating or working on a towboat, which pushes barges along rivers and waterways. Crew members can hold various positions, such as deckhands, engineers, pilots, and captains, each responsible for navigation, maintenance, and cargo transport. These roles require long shifts, often working weeks on the water followed by time off. Towboat jobs are essential for transporting goods efficiently on inland waterways.

More about Towboat jobs
What cities are hiring for Towboat jobs? Cities with the most Towboat job openings:
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What states have the most Towboat jobs? States with the most job openings for Towboat jobs include:
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Towboat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Towboat job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,621 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Engineer Towboat

Careers Fields -- Headquarters U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Peoria, IL • On-site

$42.12/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: This is a vacancy for either an Engineer Towboat XH-09 target Chief Engineer Towboat XH-11 in the Maintenance Section located in Peoria, IL.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Engineer Towboat~ without more than normal supervision.
XH-09: To meet the screen out element, applicants should document experience and/or show the ability to perform common tasks associated with the engine room associated machinery, refrigeration, plumbing, heating, and hydraulic/electric/electronic systems. I am skilled in tasks associated with checking oil levels, monitoring generators, and fuel levels. I work under close supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
XH-11: To meet the screen out element, applicants should document experience and/or show the ability to perform complex tasks associated with the engine room associated machinery, refrigeration, plumbing, heating, and hydraulic/electric/electronic systems. I am skilled in tasks associated with checking oil levels, monitoring generators, and fuel levels. I work under close supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
  • Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision Screen Out
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprint reading)
  • Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  • Knowledge of Materials
  • Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
  • Use of Measuring Instruments
  • PHYSICAL EFFORT: Incumbent performs work from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms and where the parts, equipment, or systems are in hard to reach places. Work requires the incumbent to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, crawl, climb, and work in a tiring and uncomfortable position. Frequently lifts, carries, and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds.
  • WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed inside and outside subjecting employee to varying climatic conditions, abnormal noises, temperature, danger of burns, irritation from grease and oils, bruises, strains, danger from attending moving machinery, falling overboard, electrical shock, falls on slippery decks or steep stairways, possible drowning, and crankcase explosion. Life jackets are worn at all times while on deck. Employees are required to follow established safe working procedures. Appropriate personal protective equipment is provided to minimize or reduce hazardous conditions, and its use is mandatory.
Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER
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About Army Corps of Engineers

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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