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Towboat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Carlisle and Bray Enterprises

Pilot

Newport, KY · On-site

Conducts inspections of the towboat and equipment to ensure its seaworthiness and compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations and take corrective action where necessary. Requirements ...

Cooper Marine

Logistics Coordinator

Mobile, AL · On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

Strong interest in the maritime industry, with a focus on bulk cargo transfer, towboat operations, and inland waterway logistics. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word ...

VMS LOUISIANA LLC

Be Seen First

Sales Manager Base Salary $80K plus commission and bonus

New Orleans, LA · Remote

$80K/yr

The successful candidate will leverage industry relationships and technical knowledge to grow revenue across towboat operators, barge companies, shipyards, fleet owners, and marine service providers ...

The Cooper Group, Inc.

Logistics Coordinator

Mobile, AL

$19.50 - $26/hr

Strong interest in the maritime industry, with a focus on bulk cargo transfer, towboat operations, and inland waterway logistics. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word ...

Cooper Marine

Logistics Coordinator

Mobile, AL · On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

Strong interest in the maritime industry, with a focus on bulk cargo transfer, towboat operations, and inland waterway logistics. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word ...

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Towboat information

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$14

$37

$89

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.
Mate / Experienced Deckhand

Mate / Experienced Deckhand

Parker Towing Company

Northport, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Parker Towing Company is currently hiring for Mates/ Experienced Deckhands. Candidates for this position must have sufficient recent experience as a Mate/Experienced Deckhand. Candidates who do not meet this qualification will not be considered for the position. References will be requested. Schedule is 21/10 or possibly 28/14.

Don't miss this great career opportunity. Parker Towing offers a steersman program, tankerman program, and senior chief engineering program. At Parker Towing we strive to offer the best benefits for you and your family: medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, life insurance, bi annual bonuses, 401k.

Primary Responsibilities of a Mate/ Experienced Deckhand:

  • Manage day to day activities of the deck crew as well as train new deckhands
  • Build and break tow
  • Line handling
  • Assist with going through locks
  • Tying off vessels at fleets and docks
  • Perform minor towboat and barge maintenance
  • Maintain barge in tow
  • Assist Captain with administrative requirements as needed
  • Keep boat and barges safe and clean
  • Household chores: cleaning, sweeping, mopping, dish washing, etc., keeping exterior of boat clean
  • Cooking and food preparation

Requirements:

  • MUST have recent experience as Mate/Experienced Deckhand
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Must have a valid/current drivers license, NO EXCEPTIONS
  • Must be able to pass United States Coast Guard physical requirements including but not limited to lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying heavy equipment, maintain balance and navigate uneven surfaces, climbing up and down ladders and stairways.
  • Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions (extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, snow, etc.)
  • Must be able to work required schedule
  • Must be able to work various weekends and holidays
  • Must be able to pass United States Coast Guard drug screen
  • Must be able to understand and complete verbal and written orders
  • Must have or be able to obtain a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential)

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