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Tug Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

New York State

Tug Captain

Waterford, NY · On-site

$27.73 - $38.29/hr

Duties Description - Directs the movement and placement of derrick boats, dredges, scows, and other water-based equipment in connection with canal maintenance operations. Maintains records related to ...

Zachry

Tug Boat Captain

Mead, OK

Position Summary The Construction Tug Boat Captain is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of tug boats and marine vessels supporting heavy civil, bridge, dredging, marine construction ...

Zachry

Tug Boat Captain

Mead, OK · On-site

Position Summary The Construction Tug Boat Captain is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of tug boats and marine vessels supporting heavy civil, bridge, dredging, marine construction ...

Zachry

Tug Boat Captain

Mead, OK · On-site

Position Summary The Construction Tug Boat Captain is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of tug boats and marine vessels supporting heavy civil, bridge, dredging, marine construction ...

Zachry

Tug Boat Captain

Mead, OK

Position Summary The Construction Tug Boat Captain is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of tug boats and marine vessels supporting heavy civil, bridge, dredging, marine construction ...

Broussard Brothers Inc

Tug Boat Captain

Abbeville, LA · On-site

Tug Boat Captain Broussard Brothers, Inc. offers competitive pay, health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(K) match, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and other incentives.

Vitus Energy, LLC

Tankerman

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$24.75 - $28.50/hr

... tug Captain, Assistant Tankerman, and Vitus Office Communicate with onshore personnel, and ensure that each person participating in the transfer of the product, understands what the product is and ...

Vitus Energy LLC

Tankerman

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$64K/yr

... tug Captain, Assistant Tankerman, and Vitus Office • Communicate with onshore personnel, and ensure that each person participating in the transfer of the product, understands what the product is ...

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Tug Captain information

See salary details

$19K

$104.2K

$181.5K

How much do tug captain jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for tug captain in the United States is $104,157.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Tug Captain position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tug Captain, you need advanced maritime navigation skills, strong situational awareness, and a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with appropriate endorsements. Proficiency with marine radios, navigation systems (like GPS and RADAR), and tugboat-specific equipment is crucial. Leadership, effective communication, and quick decision-making are soft skills that distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are essential for ensuring safety, efficient vessel operations, and clear coordination with crews and port personnel.

What are the typical work hours and conditions for a Tug Captain?

Tug Captains often work irregular and extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on harbor schedules and ship movements. The job commonly involves shift-work or rotations, and conditions can include working in all weather situations on the water, making adaptability and endurance important. Tug Captains frequently collaborate with deck crews, pilots, and port authorities to ensure safe navigation and docking. Understanding these demands helps job seekers prepare for both the dynamic pace and the teamwork central to this career.

What does a Tug Captain do?

A Tug Captain is responsible for commanding and operating a tugboat to maneuver vessels in harbors, rivers, or open waters. They ensure the safe towing, docking, and escorting of ships while managing the crew and maintaining compliance with maritime regulations. Tug Captains must have strong navigation skills, knowledge of tides and currents, and the ability to handle emergency situations.

More about Tug Captain jobs
What cities are hiring for Tug Captain jobs? Cities with the most Tug Captain job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Tug Captain jobs? The most popular types of Tug Captain jobs are:
What states have the most Tug Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Tug Captain jobs include:
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Tug Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug Captain job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Summer. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,157 per year, or $50.1 per hour.
Tug Captain

Tug Captain

New York State

Waterford, NY • On-site

$27.73 - $38.29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 178 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 50 rated states

Job description

Duties Description - Directs the movement and placement of derrick boats, dredges, scows, and other water-based equipment in connection with canal maintenance operations. Maintains records related to vessel and crew work activities and supplies used and orders necessary supplies as needed. - Performs daily maintenance and checklist functions and keeps vessel clean and orderly.

- Ensures that all tugboat operations are conducted in conformance with US Coast Guard regulations, including navigation rules, safety compliance, reporting of marine incidents and casualties, and related regulatory requirements. - Provides and oversees training and safety for crew and is responsible for maintaining records of training onboard vessel. - May be assigned ice breaking duties.

Minimum Qualifications Candidates must possess a valid Coast Guard Masters License with a valid US Coast Guard Master of Towing for inland waters on the NYS Canal waterway system with a minimum of 100 tons. Employees must possess a valid Class D driver's license to operate a motor vehicle in NYS at the time of appointment & continuously maintain it thereafter or face possible disciplinary action up to & including termination. Additional Comments The New York State Canal Corporation (Canals), a subsidiary of the New York Power Authority, is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the 524-mile waterway for boating, recreation, tourism and agriculture.

The New York State Canal System includes the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca canals, linking the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes and Lake Champlain. The 200-year-old NYS Canal System extends over 524 miles and plays important roles in New York's economic development, tourism industry and environmental stewardship. For more information on The New York State Canal Corporation's mission, values and opportunities, please visit https://www.canals.ny.gov/ Parking is provided The New York State Canal Corporation offers its employees a generous and comprehensive benefits plan, which includes: Holiday & Paid Time Off Nine (9) paid holidays annually Four (4) paid floating holidays annually Earn up to thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave annually Earn five (5) days of paid personal leave annually Earn up to thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave annually Health Benefits Participation in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) and access to their variety of affordable health insurance options Pre-Tax contribution program Dental and Vision benefits at no additional cost Opt-Out incentive program Flex Spending Account (FSA) Additional Benefits CSEA representation and access to their benefits Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Professional development and promotional opportunities Qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) New York State Employees' Retirement System (ERS) Membership NYS Deferred Compensation And many more..

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