ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Tug Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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.

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named ...

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 ...

T. Parker Host

Push Boat Captain

Braithwaite, LA

Tug Deckhands and any other on-board crew Location: United Bulk Terminals, Davant In 2019, T ... Captains will coordinate and execute a rigorous daily schedule to support the facility, and ...

T. Parker Host

Tug Deckhands and any other on-board crew Location: United Bulk Terminals, Davant In 2019, T ... Captains will coordinate and execute a rigorous daily schedule to support the facility, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTug Captain Jobs

Tug Captain information

See salary details

$19K

$104.2K

$181.5K

How much do tug captain jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 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 states have the most Tug Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Tug Captain jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tug Captain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tug Captain jobs are:
Tug Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug Captain job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $104,157 per year, or $50.1 per hour.
Tug Boat & Crew Boat Captains

Tug Boat & Crew Boat Captains

Hunter Marine Group

Baytown, TX • Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Salary:

We are looking for experienced, licensed Tug and Crew boat Captains in Southeast Texas and Louisiana. We are growing and have multiple opportunities available!


As a Captain, you will be responsible for operating and navigating the vessel to and from the shoreline when transporting crew, company personnel, VIP guests, outside vendors and contractors, supplies and materials. You will execute appropriate judgment when traveling on moderate to heavy seas, and be aware of weather reports that may affect your safe transport. You may lift, pull or push miscellaneous equipment, supplies and parts weighing up to 50 lbs.


Requirements for Captains:
* Commitment to safety and following all safety policies and procedures.
* US Coast Guard OUPV license and up, TWIC, Valid DL and reliable transportation.
* Experience with operating and maintaining vessel navigation equipment and machinery. Radar endorsement preferred.
* Ability to employ lifesaving procedures on a vessel such as firefighting, first aid, and use of life saving equipment.

*Towing Master required for Tug Captains

All employees must complete a pre-employment physical examination and drug screen.


We offer competitive pay, well maintained vessels equipped with modern navigation and top tier electronics, opportunity for growth, and flexible schedules. Comfortable lodging accommodations provided between shifts.