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Tug Captain Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$725/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Competitive salary * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Vision insurance * 401(k) matching About ... a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and headquartered in Norfolk, VA. We ...

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$725/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and ... salary and benefits package. · Health, Vision, Dental Insurance · Voluntary Life Insurance · ...

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$725/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and ... salary and benefits package. · Health, Vision, Dental Insurance · Voluntary Life Insurance · ...

Foss Maritime

Tugboat Captain- Seattle/Tacoma Based

Seattle, WA · On-site

$57 - $66/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... Life insurance equal to two times annual base salary. * Accidental death and dismemberment ...

Foss Maritime

Captain Zdrive/Conventional Oceans

Seattle, WA · On-site

$1.0K/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... Life insurance equal to two times annual base salary. * Accidental death and dismemberment ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$708/day

Mate - Meet the Captains and Mates at McAllister Towing Description/Job Summary: The Mate is ... Tractor tug experience * Must pass pre-employment drug test * Must pass pre-employment physical ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Staten Island, NY

$708/day

Mate - Meet the Captains and Mates at McAllister Towing Description/Job Summary: The Mate is ... Tractor tug experience * Must pass pre-employment drug test * Must pass pre-employment physical ...

Foss Maritime

Captain Zdrive/Conventional Oceans

Seattle, WA · On-site

$1.0K/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... Life insurance equal to two times annual base salary. * Accidental death and dismemberment ...

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Tug Captain Salary information

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How much do tug captain salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug captain salary 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 is the average salary of a tug captain?

The average salary of a tug captain in the United States typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the company. Captains working in major ports or with specialized skills may earn higher wages. In addition to base pay, tug captains might receive overtime, bonuses, and benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. Salary can also vary based on union membership and the type of tug operations (harbor, offshore, or river).

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

To thrive as a Tug Captain, you need a valid captain’s license (such as USCG Master of Towing Vessels), extensive maritime navigation experience, and thorough knowledge of towing operations and safety regulations. Familiarity with marine communication systems, navigation software, and safety management systems is essential. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills help coordinate crew and ensure safe vessel operations. These qualifications and abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant tugboat maneuvers in challenging marine environments.

What are some common challenges faced by tug captains in their daily operations?

Tug Captains often encounter challenges such as navigating in adverse weather conditions, coordinating complex maneuvers in busy ports, and ensuring the safety of their crew and vessel. They must also communicate effectively with harbor pilots, port authorities, and other maritime professionals to execute docking and undocking procedures smoothly. Additionally, managing fatigue during long shifts and adapting to changing schedules are key aspects of the role that require strong leadership and attention to detail.

What is the difference between Tug Captain Salary vs Marine Pilot Salary?

AspectTug CaptainMarine Pilot
Required CredentialsSTCW certification, maritime licensesSTCW certification, pilot license
Work EnvironmentHarbor, offshore tugboatsPort, harbor, offshore vessels
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, portsPort authorities, shipping lines

Both Tug Captains and Marine Pilots require maritime certifications and work in port and offshore environments. Tug Captains typically operate tugboats assisting ships within harbors, while Marine Pilots guide ships through port waters. Salary differences depend on experience, location, and employer, but both roles are vital in maritime operations.

Do tug captain salary make good money?

Tug captains typically earn a competitive salary that reflects their experience, certifications, and the demanding nature of maritime work. According to industry data, the average salary ranges from $70,000 to over $120,000 annually, with higher earnings possible for those with specialized skills or working in high-cost regions. The role often includes benefits such as overtime pay and job stability due to the essential nature of maritime transportation.
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Tug Captain Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug Captain Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,153 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Tugboat Captain

Robbins Maritime Inc

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$725/day

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k) matching

About us
Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and headquartered in Norfolk, VA. We specialize in providing reliable and efficient maritime support services along the East Coast and Gulf Coast of the United States.
 
Key Responsibilities:
Looking for Captain of Towing with experience working with dredging operations.
  • Work schedule is 28 days on and 14 days off
  • Paid travel to and from the vessel from closest major airport to residence
  • Crew safety, vessel safety and Environmental protection (Vessel Master has ultimate responsibility).
  • Pre-voyage inspections and voyage planning.
  • The safe operation and navigation of the vessel on it’s planned voyage including all dockings and un-dockings/departures and making and breaking tows
  • Ensuring the ability for up-to-date and corrected charts.
  • Maintaining a radio communications log reflecting all vessel-to-vessel communications, waypoints, and job start, stop and standby times.
  • Conducting fire drills once each month, New Crew Member Safety Orientations, and Vessel Security Plan Exercises and drills at the appropriate times.
  • Ensuring other crew members are completing their required duties and responsibilities.
  • Crew safety, vessel safety and Environmental protection.
  • Loading of vessel food stores
  • Maintaining the safe operation and navigation of the vessel, on her planned voyage, so that neither operator is in operation of the vessel for more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period and that adequate rest is received by both.
Requirements:
·         Merchant Mariners Credentials (Master of Towing-Near Coastal 200 GRT)
·         Valid Driver License
·         Valid TWIC Card
·         Must be able to pass Merchant Mariner Physical/CG-719K and Drug Screening 
·         Must have a Satisfactory Background Check
·         Excellent communication skills and ability to work well in a team
·         Physical fitness and the ability to handle the demands of working on a vessel
·         Subject to Random Drug Screening
Benefits:
·         Competitive salary and benefits package.
·         Health, Vision, Dental Insurance
·         Voluntary Life Insurance
·         401(k)
·         Safe Harbor 401(k) match
·         Opportunities for professional growth and development.
 
How to Apply:
If you are a dedicated and an experienced Tugboat Captain looking to join a dynamic team, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application on our website using the following link. https://www.robbinsmaritime.com/employment-application/. All application and resumes should be sent to hr@robbinsmaritime.com
Robbins Maritime, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.