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Towboat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WATERFRONT SERVICES

DECKHAND

Cairo, IL · On-site

DECKHAND Performs tasks associated with building and breaking tow, as well as towboat maintenance. This position is for a Fleet Deckhand, we do require employees to live within 60 miles of the ...

PBSGC Marine Group

Watch Engineer

Alexandria, LA · On-site

Experience with working as a Watch Engineer or in the engine room on a dredge or towboat is required. The Watch Engineer is responsible for the performance of any activity associated with the ...

Malibu Boats, LLC

PRODUCT ENGINEER

Loudon, TN · On-site

Summary Malibu is the world's leading towboat manufacturer and now looking for an experienced Product Engineer to join their Product Development Engineering team. This position will perform ...

Upper River Services

Deckhand

Saint Paul, MN

$21/hr

Maintain the safety of the towboat and all barges in tow * Remove excess water in cargo and tank compartments of vessels * Place running lights about the tow as required for safe navigation * Examine ...

Malibu Boats Inc.

PRODUCT ENGINEER

Loudon, TN · On-site

Summary Malibu is the world's leading towboat manufacturer and now looking for an experienced Product Engineer to join their Product Development Engineering team. This position will perform ...

PBSGC

Watch Engineer

Alexandria, LA · On-site

Experience with working as a Watch Engineer or in the engine room on a dredge or towboat is required. The Watch Engineer is responsible for the performance of any activity associated with the ...

WATERFRONT SERVICES

DECKHAND

Cairo, IL · On-site

DECKHAND Performs tasks associated with building and breaking tow, as well as towboat maintenance. This position is for a Fleet Deckhand, we do require employees to live within 60 miles of the ...

Upper River Services LLC

Deckhand

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$21/hr

Maintain the safety of the towboat and all barges in tow * Remove excess water in cargo and tank compartments of vessels * Place running lights about the tow as required for safe navigation * Examine ...

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Towboat information

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$14

$37

$89

How much do towboat jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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.

Is it hard to get a job as a deckhand?

Getting a job as a deckhand can be competitive, but entry-level positions are often available for those willing to learn and work in physically demanding environments. Prior experience or certifications such as STCW or CPR can improve chances, but many companies hire inexperienced workers and provide on-the-job training.

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 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.

More about Towboat jobs
What cities are hiring for Towboat jobs? Cities with the most Towboat job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Towboat jobs? The most popular types of Towboat jobs are:
What states have the most Towboat jobs? States with the most job openings for Towboat jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Towboat jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Towboat jobs are:
Towboat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Towboat job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $78,621 per year, or $37.8 per hour.
Pilot

Pilot

Campbell Transportation Company INC

Pittsburgh, PA • Remote

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

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.


Essential Responsibilities:

  • 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.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Valid USCG Merchant Mariner’s Credential with Towing Endorsement
  • Valid TWIC
  • Valid Radar Endorsement
  • 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).