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Towboat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Evansville Marine Service

Towboat Pilot

Henderson, 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 ...

Evansville Marine Service

Towboat Pilot

Henderson, 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 ...

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$37

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How much do towboat jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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.

How much do towboat workers make?

Towboat workers, also known as deckhands or mates, typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications such as STCW or TWIC. Experienced captains can earn over $100,000 per year. The job often requires working long hours on the water and maintaining safety standards.

How much do you make on a tow boat?

Towboat operators typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the vessel. Salaries can increase with seniority, certifications, and working overtime or on specialized equipment.

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

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.

What does a towboat worker do?

A towboat worker operates and navigates towboats to move barges and vessels along waterways, ensuring safe and efficient transportation. They handle boat operations, perform maintenance, and may assist with docking and cargo handling, often requiring safety certifications and knowledge of maritime regulations.

What is a Towboat job?

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.

What boat job pays the most?

The highest-paying boat jobs are typically captain or master mariner positions, especially on large commercial vessels like tankers or cargo ships, where salaries can exceed $100,000 annually. These roles require extensive experience, certifications such as STCW, and often involve long periods at sea. Specialized roles like offshore drilling captains or superintendents also tend to offer higher compensation due to the demanding environment and expertise required.
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Towboat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Towboat job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,621 per year, or $37.8 per hour.
Towboat Captain - Safety, Operations & Crew Leader

Towboat Captain - Safety, Operations & Crew Leader

CAMPBELL TRANSPORTATION COMPANY INC

Point Pleasant, WV • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Captains and Pilots are primarily responsible for the safety of vessel employees, the vessel, cargo and the environment. The primary responsibility is to navigate the vessel safely at all times, in all weather conditions, while navigating the inland waterways.

  • Ensure compliance with Company safety protocols during watch duty.
  • Safely operate and manage crew, vessel, and tow efficiency.
  • Complete, submit, and maintain required records, logs, and reports.
  • Execute duties as per the Vessel Security Plan as the designated security officer.
  • Familiarize crew with cargo and associated hazards among towed barges.
  • Verify serviceability of lifesaving equipment, fire detection, and firefighting systems.
  • Always maintain safe and clean accommodations and require crew to do the same.
  • Organize and conduct necessary training, drills, and exercises.
  • Adhere to established vessel management policies and procedures, including budget management.
  • Provide clear direction to subordinates and conduct periodic performance evaluations.
  • Conduct and report results of periodic vessel audits and inspections.
  • Maintain continual communication with crew, land-based personnel, USCG, or lock personnel for information sharing.
  • Prepare vessel and crew for emergency responses.
  • Operate and maintain the assigned vessel in alignment with quality, safety, security, and environmental policies and procedures.
  • Uphold a positive company image and maintain professional relationships with customers, pilots, terminal personnel, and the public.
  • Ensure adequate vessel manning and watch schedules.
  • Perform other assigned duties as required.
  • Valid USCG Merchant Mariner’s Credential with Towing Endorsement
  • Valid TWIC
  • Must pass pre‑employment drug test and submit to random DOT testing requirements.
  • Must meet USCG physical examination requirements and pass pre‑employment physical.
  • Ability to collaborate, effectively manage and work well with others.
  • Strong time management skills, able to handle multiple tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Possess strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to clearly follow instructions, both written and verbal.
Preferred Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Prior experience in a similar position within the marine transportation industry
  • Prior experience in a safety sensitive position
Physical Requirements

The unpredictable, ever-changing, and inherently dangerous nature of towboat operations requires the crew members to be physically qualified to ensure his/her own safety, as well as that of the vessel and entire crew. Specific physical requirements include:

  • Traverse boats, barges, and tows a minimum of two (2) miles per day, including on wet or slick surfaces.
  • Transport equipment of 60 to 100 pounds up to 1000 feet.
  • Ascend/Descend a 90 degree ladder up to 40 feet.
  • Move, transport, and position equipment up to 100 pounds.
  • Position self to move through 18-inch diameter hatch.
  • Move two (2) feet horizontally and vertically.
  • Maintain constant communication with crew members.
  • Ability to recognize and identify distant objects and recognize distances between objects.
  • Constantly work in outdoor weather conditions.
  • Work shifts a min. of 12 hrs. (could be up to 15).
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