Rigger
$38K - $56K/yr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger
$38K - $56K/yr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger
$38K - $56K/yr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger
$38K - $56K/yr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger
Norfolk, VA · On-site
$23.25 - $30/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger
Norfolk, VA · On-site
$23.25 - $30/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger
$38K - $56K/yr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger
$38K - $56K/yr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger
$23.25 - $30/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger
$23.25 - $30/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$23.25 - $30/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$23.25 - $30/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$23.25 - $30/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$23.25 - $30/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$22 - $28.25/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$22 - $28.25/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$23.25 - $30/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$23.25 - $30/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$25 - $32.50/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$25 - $32.50/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$22.75 - $29.50/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$22.75 - $29.50/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$23.25 - $30/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$23.25 - $30/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$21.50 - $27.75/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$21.50 - $27.75/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
Norfolk, VA · On-site
$23.25 - $30/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
Norfolk, VA · On-site
$23.25 - $30/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$20.75 - $26.75/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$20.75 - $26.75/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$21 - $27.25/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$21 - $27.25/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$22.25 - $28.50/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$22.25 - $28.50/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$23.25 - $30/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$23.25 - $30/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$21.75 - $28.25/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$21.75 - $28.25/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$21.50 - $27.75/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Rigger J1 - J4
$21.50 - $27.75/hr
Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...
Tug Boats information
See salary details
$9.38 - $12.98
15% of jobs
$13.88 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$12.98 - $16.59
40% of jobs
$16.59 - $20.19
16% of jobs
$22.12 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$20.19 - $23.80
8% of jobs
$23.80 - $27.40
4% of jobs
$27.40 - $31.01
4% of jobs
$31.01 - $34.62
8% of jobs
$34.62 - $38.22
4% of jobs
$38.22 - $41.83
0% of jobs
$41.83 - $45.43
0% of jobs
$45.43 - $49.04
1% of jobs
$9
$22
$49
How much do tug boats jobs pay per hour?
As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug boats in the United States is $22.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are some common challenges faced by tug boat operators during daily operations?
Tug boat operators often encounter challenges such as navigating in adverse weather conditions, coordinating with large vessels in crowded ports, and responding quickly to emergencies like mechanical failures or unexpected changes in schedules. Effective communication with harbor pilots and crew members is crucial to ensure safe maneuvering. Adapting to changing tides and currents, as well as maintaining high safety standards, are also essential parts of the role.
What is the difference between Tug Boats vs Marine Pilots?
| Aspect | Tug Boats | Marine Pilots |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | STCW certification, towing licenses | STCW certification, pilot license |
| Work Environment | Harbors, ports, offshore | Vessels, port areas, ships |
| Employer & Industry | Shipping companies, port authorities | Shipping companies, port authorities |
Both Tug Boats operators and Marine Pilots work in maritime environments and require similar certifications. Tug Boats operators focus on maneuvering vessels using tugboats, primarily in harbors and offshore areas. Marine Pilots, on the other hand, guide ships through ports and narrow waterways. While their roles differ in scope, they often collaborate to ensure safe vessel navigation in busy maritime zones.
How much does it pay to work on a tugboat?
Tugboat captains and crew members typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start around $40,000, while experienced operators with certifications can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by overtime and hazard pay in maritime environments.
What jobs pay 2000 a day?
In the maritime industry, tug boat captains and senior crew members can earn around $2,000 or more per day, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and in high-demand environments. These roles often require specialized skills, licenses, and working long or irregular hours on vessels. Compensation varies based on location, employer, and level of responsibility.
What qualifications do you need to work on a tugboat?
To work on a tugboat, individuals typically need a valid Coast Guard license or certification such as a Merchant Mariner Credential, along with relevant experience in maritime operations. Basic safety training, including first aid and firefighting, is also required, and applicants often need to pass physical exams and background checks.
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 operations, navigation, and vessel handling, usually backed by a relevant maritime license such as a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential. Familiarity with navigation systems, marine radios, and engine control systems is essential. Excellent situational awareness, teamwork, and communication skills help ensure safe and efficient maneuvering in challenging environments. These skills are crucial to guarantee the safety of crew, vessels, and cargo while operating in busy or confined waterways.
Is working on a tugboat a good job?
Working as a tugboat operator involves operating and maintaining vessels that assist in maneuvering ships in harbors and ports. It requires physical stamina, technical skills, and often involves working in challenging maritime environments, with certifications such as a Merchant Mariner Credential. The job can offer good pay and opportunities for advancement but also involves long hours and safety risks.
What are tug boats and what do they do?
Tug boats are specialized vessels designed to maneuver other ships by towing or pushing them, especially in harbors, narrow waterways, or busy ports. They are essential for guiding large ships that cannot easily navigate tight spaces on their own, such as container ships, oil tankers, and barges. Tug boats are equipped with powerful engines and are highly maneuverable, making them crucial for the safe docking, undocking, and movement of vessels in confined areas. In addition to towing ships, tug boats may also assist in salvage operations and firefighting on the water.
More about Tug Boats jobs
What cities are hiring for Tug Boats jobs? Cities with the most Tug Boats job openings:
What states have the most Tug Boats jobs? States with the most job openings for Tug Boats jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tug Boats jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tug Boats jobs are:
Job description
Tidewater Staffing is currently seeking Riggers for work in Norfolk, VA, Chesapeake, VA, Portsmouth, VA, and Hampton, VA shipyards.
Job Duties
- Fabricates, installs and repairs rigging and weight handling gear on ships.
- Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and order heavy loads aboard ships.
- Selects and attaches chainfalls, jacks, rollers, levers and/or pulleys according to types of loads being moved.
- Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads.
- Controls movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
- Lays out and handles lines on cleats or bollards and hauls in ships with capstans when assisting dock master in ship dry docking operations.
- Installs or repairs ships’ rigging such as mast on antenna wires, small boat handling gear, shipboard cranes, winches, windless, replenishment and weight handling equipment.
- Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats.
- Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
- Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, steamboat jacks, hydraulic jacks, turnbuckles, rollers, chainfalls, clamps, swivels, crane signals, shipboard nomenclature, forklifts and aerial lifts.
- Splice natural and synthetic ropes, tying knots, use of electric, pneumatic and hand powered tools.
- Knowledge of OSHA standards.
JOURNEYPERSON 3 (Rigging):
- Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and other heavy loads aboard ship.
- Selects and attaches chainfalls, jacks, rollers, lever and/or pulleys according to types of loads being moved.
- Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads, controls movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
- Handles lines on cleats or bollards when assisting the dock master in ship dry docking operations.
- Moves barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats.
- Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
- Knowledge of OSHA standards.
JOURNEYPERSON 2 (Rigging):
- Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and other heavy loads aboard ships.
- Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads.
- Controls movement of equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces, handles lines on cleats or bollards when assisting the dock master in the ship dry docking operations.
- Moves barges and derricks with tug boats.
- Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
- Knowledge of shackles, chainfalls, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, turnbuckles, rollers, clamps and crane signals.
- Splice natural and synthetic ropes tying knots.
- Use if electric, pneumatic and hand tools.
- Operate forklifts and aerial lifts.
JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging):
- Assist in attaching hoist and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or other loads abroad ship.
- Assist in the movement of equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
- Assist in line handling operations, assist in the erection of staging in tanks, above decks, on mast, yardarms and ship’s sides.
- Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
- Knowledge of shackles, chainfalls, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, turnbuckles, rollers, clamps and crane signals.
- Splicing natural ropes.
- Tying knots operate forklifts and aerial lifts.
- Use of hand tools.
About Tidewater Staffing
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Since 1992, Tidewater Staffing, Inc. (TSI) has been providing unrivaled workforce solutions for our clients in the ship repair, warehousing, and light industrial/manufacturing industries. Through the years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to solving staffing challenges efficiently, economically, and with integrity by embodying our mission statement: “Put people to work. Do the right thing every day.” Our deep industry experience and established local presence allow us to maintain a consistent, updated, and expansive network of skilled candidates, and our proprietary digital onboarding process. When you partner with Tidewater Staffing, you get employees who are trained, screened, supplied, and access to our proprietary digital onboarding process.
Industry
Recruiting and staffing services
Company size
51 - 200 Employees
Headquarters location
Virginia Beach, VA, US
Year founded
1992