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Tug Boat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Curtin Maritime

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand to captain, operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside), welding and building ...

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge

AB-Summer Seasonal

Anchorage, AK

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge, Alaska's premier tug and barge company, is calling for exceptional Able ... boat. * Ensure the deck is free of all lines and gear. * Feed Crew and keep supplies stocked.

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge

AB-Summer Seasonal

Anchorage, AK

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge, Alaska's premier tug and barge company, is calling for exceptional Able ... boat. * Ensure the deck is free of all lines and gear. * Feed Crew and keep supplies stocked.

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge

Mate- Summer Seasonal

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$36.75 - $40.25/hr

Mate of Tow Seasonal Opportunity | Cook Inlet Tug & Barge Season Dates: 2026 Summer Seasonal ... Boat with Life Boatman (preferred). * Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)

MSCCN

Fleet Deckhand - Owensboro, KY

Owensboro, KY · On-site

$245/day

ADM is seeking a laborer to work as a deckhand under the direction of a Captain on a tug boat at our American River Transportation Company (ARTCo) fleeting location in Mt. Vernon, IN Job ...

MSCCN

Fleet Deckhand - St. Louis, MO

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$266/day

ADM is seeking a laborer to work as a deckhand under the direction of a Captain on a tug boat at our American River Transportation Company (ARTCo) fleeting location in St. Louis, MO. Job ...

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Tug Boat information

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$7

$21

$48

How much do tug boat jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug boat in the United States is $21.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges tug boat operators face during daily operations?

Tug boat operators frequently encounter challenges such as navigating in tight or congested harbor spaces, working in adverse weather conditions, and coordinating with large vessels and port authorities. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as operators must collaborate closely with crew members and pilots to ensure safe maneuvers. Additionally, operators must remain vigilant at all times to respond quickly to sudden changes in vessel movements or environmental factors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tug boat operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tug Boat Operator, you need a strong understanding of maritime navigation, vessel handling, and safety procedures, typically supported by a valid captain’s license or Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Familiarity with radar, GPS navigation systems, radio communication equipment, and often STCW certification is essential. Excellent situational awareness, teamwork, and decision-making skills set top operators apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient maneuvering of vessels in challenging marine environments.

What is a tug boat?

Tug boat jobs involve operating and managing tugboats, which are specialized vessels used to maneuver larger ships in harbors, rivers, or through narrow waterways. Common positions include tugboat captain, deckhand, and engineer, each with specific duties such as navigation, line handling, engine maintenance, and ensuring safety protocols. Tug boat crews play a crucial role in assisting with docking, undocking, and towing operations, often working in challenging weather and maritime conditions.

How to get hired on a tug boat?

To get hired as a tug boat crew member, candidates typically need relevant maritime certifications such as a Merchant Mariner Credential and experience in boat handling or marine operations. Employers also look for physical fitness, safety training, and familiarity with navigation and communication equipment. Gaining experience through maritime schools or entry-level maritime jobs can improve chances of employment in this field.

Is working on a tug boat worth it?

Working as a tug boat operator can be rewarding for those interested in maritime work, offering opportunities for hands-on experience and potential career advancement. The job often involves long hours, physical labor, and safety training, with pay varying based on experience and certifications such as STCW or TWIC. Overall, it can be worth it for individuals seeking a challenging, maritime-focused career.

What is the difference between Tug Boat vs Marine Pilot?

AspectTug BoatMarine Pilot
Required CredentialsSTCW certification, towing licensesSTCW certification, pilot license, local navigation training
Work EnvironmentHarbor, port, offshoreVessels, ports, waterways
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, port authoritiesShipping lines, port authorities
Primary RoleAssist ships in docking, towing, maneuveringNavigate ships through ports, waterways

While both Tug Boats and Marine Pilots operate in port and maritime environments, Tug Boats are specialized vessels used to tow or maneuver ships, whereas Marine Pilots are licensed professionals who navigate ships through challenging waters. Both roles require maritime certifications and are essential for safe port operations, but they differ in responsibilities and work settings.

More about Tug Boat jobs
What cities are hiring for Tug Boat jobs? Cities with the most Tug Boat job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Tug Boat jobs? The most popular types of Tug Boat jobs are:
What states have the most Tug Boat jobs? States with the most job openings for Tug Boat jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tug Boat jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tug Boat jobs are:
Tug Boat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug Boat job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $44,153 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Deckhand Trainee

Curtin Maritime

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$16.90/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Curtin Maritime is looking for the next generation of seafaring innovators!
Paid training for your career development!
Work 6 months a year while earning $80,000k+ once you reach Deckhand/Mate/Captain Level! As your experience grows, so does your pay. Many of our crew members make well over $100k each year (while working only part of the year).
Who we are:
Curtin Maritime is an industry disruptor creating great changes by our core values of; efficiency, innovation and integrity. We are a young company experiencing a rapid growth that is looking to expand while still maintaining our small company values. We are known as a industry leader with high quality and well maintained tugs, barges, and cranes. Our team provides customers with a complete suite of maritime solutions, allowing us the great opportunity to work on unique projects in some of the most amazing locations on earth.
What we're looking for:
Curtin Maritime is committed to creating a high paying career path for our entry level employees. Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand to captain, operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside), welding and building equipment, or as an engineer on tug, barge, or crane. Curtin Maritime pays for all professional development and training for its employees, and encourages growth and upward movement for all crew. We're looking to hire the best and the brightest talent, folks that are looking for long term career, not a job.
Where we work:
Our headquarters are in the Port of Long Beach, and most entry level employees are based there. Entry level employees work Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m. -4:00 p.m. Our crews have the great privilege of serving our customers from some of the greatest locations, primarily: the Pacific Northwest, the Gulf of Mexico, the Hawaiian Islands, the coast of California, and the remote islands of the Pacific Rim. Some of our crew work a set schedule of 30 days on, 30 days off, others work Monday-Friday, MUST be ready to travel as needed.
A Disclosure:
The work is hard, the hours are long. The travel (while exciting at first) can be draining. A career at Curtin Maritime will be the most demanding thing you've ever done. It will also be the most rewarding and fulfilling.
What we offer:
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Generous benefits package including:
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Short-term Disability
    • AD&D/Life Insurance
    • 401k (with company match)
    • Additional option to elect incremental Life Insurance for employee and dependents, and choice to elect Health and/or Dependent Flexible Spending Account.

Curtin Maritime is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Next Steps:
If you're up to the challenge, apply below. The application has some questions, applicants that do not answer, or provide single word answers will not be considered. Our team tries to read every application within 24 hours and reply. (If we decide not to move forward with your application, don't feel discouraged. Our hiring needs are constantly evolving, apply again later) If we like what we see, we will set up a phone screen or interview (if we really are interested, we may just cold call you). We try and perform panel-style interviews with folks from different departments involved. We generally make an employment decision within 24 hours of the interview and get a written job offer over within a week. From there, our People Services department will handle the pre-employment process.
Good Luck!

Apply