ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Towboat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Southern Devall Towing Co

Captain / Pilot

Memphis, TN · On-site

... a towboat. They are required to communicate in English with other vessels, Coast Guard stations ... The Captain/Relief Captain is responsible for making certain that vessel navigation equipment ...

Parker Towing Company

Engineer

Northport, AL · On-site

This position will be report directly to the Port Engineer and will be responsible to the towboat ... compliance. * Assist the Captain in conducting fire emergency procedures and fire drills.

Hines Furlong Line

Wheelhouse

Point Pleasant, WV · On-site

Captains and Pilots are primarily responsible for the safety of vessel employees, the vessel, cargo ... The unpredictable, ever-changing, and inherently dangerous nature of towboat operations requires ...

Campbell Transportation Company INC

Pilot

Houston, PA · On-site

Captains and Pilots are primarily responsible for the safety of vessel employees, the vessel, cargo ... The unpredictable, ever-changing, and inherently dangerous nature of towboat operations requires ...

Hines Furlong Line

Wheelhouse

Paducah, KY · Remote

Captains and Pilots are primarily responsible for the safety of vessel employees, the vessel, cargo ... The unpredictable, ever-changing, and inherently dangerous nature of towboat operations requires ...

All JobsTowboat Captain Jobs

Towboat Captain information

See salary details

$9

$37

$76

How much do towboat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for towboat captain in the United States is $37.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $41.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are towboat captains?

Towboat captains are licensed professionals responsible for navigating and operating towboats, which are vessels used to push barges along rivers, canals, and other inland waterways. Their duties include steering the towboat, managing crew operations, ensuring safety protocols are followed, maintaining logs, and coordinating with port authorities. Towboat captains play a critical role in the transportation of goods such as coal, grain, and other bulk materials. They must possess strong navigational skills, leadership abilities, and a thorough understanding of maritime regulations. To become a towboat captain, individuals typically need extensive maritime experience and must hold a relevant U.S. Coast Guard license.

What are some common challenges Towboat Captains face while navigating busy waterways, and how can they be managed?

Towboat Captains often encounter challenges such as heavy traffic from other vessels, rapidly changing weather conditions, and navigating narrow or shallow channels. To manage these challenges, captains rely on strong situational awareness, maintain constant communication with crew and other vessels, and use advanced navigation equipment. Proactive planning, ongoing training, and staying updated on local waterway regulations also help ensure safe and efficient operations.

What is the difference between Towboat Captain vs Marine Pilot?

AspectTowboat CaptainMarine Pilot
CredentialsValid USCG license, STCW certificationUSCG license, often with additional pilot endorsements
Work EnvironmentOperate towboats on inland waterways, rivers, and lakesNavigate ships through ports, harbors, and restricted waterways
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, inland waterway operatorsPort authorities, shipping lines, maritime agencies

While both Towboat Captains and Marine Pilots hold USCG licenses and work in maritime environments, Towboat Captains operate vessels on inland waterways, whereas Marine Pilots assist ships in navigating port and harbor areas. Their roles are complementary but distinct, with Towboat Captains managing vessel operation and Marine Pilots providing expert navigation assistance in confined or congested waters.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Towboat Captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Towboat Captain, you need extensive maritime knowledge, navigational skills, and typically a U.S. Coast Guard-issued Master of Towing Vessels license. Proficiency with radar, GPS navigation systems, and communication equipment is crucial for safe and efficient operations. Strong leadership, decision-making, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing crew and responding to emergencies. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure vessel safety, regulatory compliance, and the smooth transport of cargo on inland and coastal waterways.
More about Towboat Captain jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Towboat Captain jobs? The most popular types of Towboat Captain jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Towboat Captain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Towboat Captain jobs are:
Towboat Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Towboat Captain job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 15% As Needed, 1% Full Time, 73% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,625 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

WHEELHOUSE CAPTAIN / HARBOR PILOT

Waterfront Services Co

Cairo, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART OF AN EMPLOYEE-OWNED COMPANY!


WHEELHOUSE CAPTAIN / HARBOR PILOT

4 DAYS 4 NIGHTS 4 OFF

Physical and Mental Job Description:

Performs Captain/Pilot tasks associated with building and breaking tow, as well as towboat maintenance.

Qualifications:

Retain a USCG Master of Towing Vessels License endorsed for Service.

Maintain an active TWIC Card.

Must be available to work a revolving schedule with 12-hour shifts. 4 days, 4 nights, 4 off. Enjoy the flexibility of working close to home. This is not a live on vessel position. This position will be home every day!

The position requires being able to walk safely on surfaces that can be wet or snow covered on occasions. Additionally, employees are frequently required to climb ladders and steps a distance of up to 25 feet.

Walkways are often narrow (approximately 2 feet in width) requiring good balance and coordination. All

employees must be able to wear personal protective equipment including a life vest, safety shoes, clothing, and hearing protection.

Working conditions will vary with heat and cold extremes according to season. Additionally, the position

requires working a combination of days and nights throughout the schedule. Work surfaces may be

slippery and hazardous from time to time. Persons must be able to hear safety signals (such as horns,

whistles, and the human voice), and be able to read and understand safety manuals and other written

material such as labels, warnings, gauges and machinery instrumentation.

Position requires good vision for the purpose of safe navigation including the following:

1. Ability to clearly perceive objects up close as well as at distances;

2. Ability to properly perceive the depth of objects;

3. Ability to clearly see during the day as well as at night; and

4. Ability to distinguish between colors.

The position requires effective written communication in order to complete required daily reports.

Effective verbal communication is also necessary in order to allow the individual to give/receive

instructions over a radio, loudspeaker or person to person. Knowledge of hand signals will also be

required. Position requires the ability to remember and follow established procedures for maintaining and

operating various diesel and gas engines, generators, compressors and winches used in the operation.

In emergency situations, the position may require the following:

1. Ability to swim or tread water for a period of time

2. Ability to lift a person from the river.

JOIN THE WFS FAMILY FULL-TIME AND YOU COULD ENJOY...

  • E.S.O.P. EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PROGRAM!!!!!
  • Outstanding health Insurance including plan options!
  • Full Prescription Coverage
  • Disability insurance and additional Aflac coverage options
  • Dental and vision insurance with additional discounts for health and wellness services
  • Company paid life insurance and additional coverage options
  • 401k and match with simple investment options
  • 7 Company paid holidays. PTO with competitive wage
  • Family Medical Leave
  • Continued education and professional development such as CPR
  • Career Advancement opportunities - Steersman Programs, Welder development, dispatch, and management opportunities.
  • Employee Recognition program with monthly and yearly prizes!
  • Family atmosphere with company sponsored events such as lunches and year end party.