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Towboat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 master for the regular performance of their job duties. * Leadership skills and effective verbal and ...

Magnolia Marine Transport

Shore Tankerman

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

$23.50 - $27.25/hr

Good working knowledge of MMT barges and oil transfer procedures Shore tankerman Responsibilities: Assist towboat crews in conducting cargo transfers. Conduct cargo transfer operations when towboats ...

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How much do towboat jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 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.
Marine Mechanic (Traveling Position - St Louis, MO; Cairo, IL; Paducah, KY)

Marine Mechanic (Traveling Position - St Louis, MO; Cairo, IL; Paducah, KY)

American Commercial Barge Line LLC

Paducah, KY

$26.75 - $31.75/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Marine Mechanic
Company: American Commercial Barge Line
Location: Traveling Position - St Louis, MO; Cairo, IL; Paducah, KY
Job Type: Full-Time; Hourly

Summary:

Are you a skilled Marine Mechanic ready to dive into a challenging and rewarding career working on vessels along the iconic Mississippi River and its tributaries? The Marine Mechanic maintains the towboat fleet in proper working condition by making necessary adjustments and repairs to the machinery and equipment on fleet vessels. Responsibilities include the inspection, routine maintenance, maintenance and repair planning, and troubleshooting of main propulsion machinery, auxiliary machinery, and various vessel systems. Join our team to ensure the operational efficiency and safety of our fleet as we navigate the 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 

  • Perform all work in accordance with ACBL safety & environmental policies

  • Abide by all ACBL policies, USCG and environmental regulations

  • Abide by ACBL’s Safety Management System for Vessel Engineering, Maintenance and Repair Manual for Engineered and Non-Engineered Vessels.  

  • Maintain all equipment on fleet vessels in proper working order

  • Make repairs to engines, generators, auxiliary machinery, and other systems on the fleet vessels as needed

  • Be able to use an electric multi-meter safely to troubleshoot and make repairs

  • Track, document, and perform necessary routine maintenance on the fleet vessels

  • Maintain all necessary documentation and other required paperwork (both written & computer) associated with the repairs and maintenance of the fleet vessels

  • Maintain an inventory of spare parts and materials that are critical for the repairs of fleet vessels and re-order parts as needed

  • Assist outside vendors as needed to make repairs on the fleet vessels

  • Assist when needed to make repairs to mainline vessels

  • Help maintain a pool of support vessels and deliver them to and from mainline vessels as needed

  • Keep PIC/MMC credentials current and assist as needed with fuel and oil transfers

  • Develop a working knowledge of the SMS and use for all repairs and daily activities

  • Be a leader in safety and environmental stewardship in the ACBL fleet

  • Must be able to be on-call weekends and nights during assigned weeks of call

  • Perform all other job duties as assigned

What we are looking for...   

You will need to have: 

  • Must meet ACBL physical examination requirements

  • Minimum of a high school diploma or GED

  • Must possess and maintain an active TWIC

  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license

  • 5 + years mechanical maintenance experience and repairs of associated equipment. 

  • Must live within reasonable driving distance of assigned location (Employee is responsible for getting themselves to and from work each day)

Even better if you have:

  • Prior towboat troubleshooting and repair experience preferred.

Reasons you will love working at ACBL ... 

  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Opportunity to work on a variety of vessels and equipment.
  • Collaborative and supportive team environment.
  • Access to cutting-edge tools and technology
  • Commitment to safety and professional development
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Company travel vehicle assignment.

FLSA Status:   

Non-Exempt 

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