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Tug Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

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 Seamen (AB) to join our growing team. Why Cook Inlet Tug & Barge? At Cook Inlet Tug & Barge, we don't ...

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge

Mate- Summer Seasonal

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$36.75 - $40.25/hr

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge--Alaska's premier tug and barge operator--is seeking a skilled Mate of Tow for the upcoming season. This role offers the opportunity to work aboard towing vessels supporting ...

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge

AB-Summer Seasonal

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Join the Cook Inlet Tug & Barge Team! ️ Are you ready for a maritime adventure that goes beyond the ordinary? Cook Inlet Tug & Barge, Alaska's premier tug and barge company, is calling for ...

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge

Mate- Summer Seasonal

Anchorage, AK

$36.75 - $40.25/hr

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge-Alaska's premier tug and barge operator-is seeking a skilled Mate of Tow for the upcoming season. This role offers the opportunity to work aboard towing vessels supporting ...

Cook Inlet Tug and Barge LLC

AB-Summer Seasonal

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Join the Cook Inlet Tug & Barge Team! ️ Are you ready for a maritime adventure that goes beyond the ordinary? Cook Inlet Tug & Barge, Alaska's premier tug and barge company, is calling for ...

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All JobsTug JobsTug Jobs in Alaska

Tug information

See Alaska salary details

$8

$22

$52

How much do tug jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug in Alaska is $22.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $27.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tug?

Tugs, also known as tugboats, are specialized vessels designed to maneuver other vessels by pushing or towing them. They are commonly used in harbors, ports, and canals to assist ships in docking, undocking, and navigating through tight or crowded areas. Tugs are equipped with powerful engines and are highly maneuverable, making them essential for moving large ships that can't easily navigate these spaces on their own.

How to get hired on a tug?

To get hired as a tugboat operator, candidates typically need a valid maritime license such as a Merchant Mariner Credential and relevant experience operating vessels. Employers also look for strong navigation skills, safety training, and the ability to work in challenging environments, often requiring physical fitness and adherence to safety regulations.

What is the difference between Tug vs Crane Operator?

AspectTugCrane Operator
CredentialsMaritime licenses, certifications in vessel operationCrane operation certifications, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentMaritime, dockyards, portsConstruction sites, industrial facilities, ports
Industry UsageShipping, logistics, port operationsConstruction, manufacturing, shipping

While both Tug and Crane Operator roles involve heavy machinery, Tug operators primarily work on water, maneuvering vessels in ports and harbors, requiring maritime certifications. Crane Operators work on land, operating cranes in construction or industrial settings, with certifications focused on crane safety. Both roles are essential in port and shipping industries but differ mainly in environment and specific skills.

What jobs are there on a tug?

Jobs on a tugboat include deckhand, mate, engineer, and captain. These roles involve operating and maintaining the vessel, navigating waterways, and ensuring safety during towing operations. Certifications such as STCW and experience in maritime environments are often required.

What does a tug do?

Tugboat operators are primarily responsible for maneuvering large vessels, such as ships and barges, safely in and out of harbors, docks, and through narrow waterways. A typical day involves monitoring weather and water conditions, maintaining communication with port authorities, pilots, and ship captains, and ensuring the tug and its equipment are in good working order. Tugboat operators work closely with deckhands and engineers on board, as well as with external crews, to coordinate towing, docking, and undocking procedures. This role requires strong teamwork, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to respond quickly to changing situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tug?

To thrive as a Tugboat Operator, you need a strong understanding of maritime navigation, vessel handling, and safety procedures, usually supported by a relevant license such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Familiarity with marine communication systems, towing equipment, and GPS navigation technology is essential. Excellent teamwork, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe and efficient maneuvering of vessels, protecting crew, cargo, and the environment in busy port and harbor operations.
What are popular job titles related to Tug jobs in Alaska? For Tug jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tug jobs in Alaska look for? The top searched job categories for Tug jobs in Alaska are:
Tug jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 10% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,550 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Able Seaman- Anchorage Harbor

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge

Anchorage, AK

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

AB - Harbor Division

We are Alaska's tug andbarge company- and are growing.

Cook Inlet Tug & Bargehasprovidedmarine services since 1924. We specialize in harbor services throughout Alaska. Visit www.cookinlettug.com to learn more about us.

Why Cook Inlet Tug & Barge?

Simply put, Cook Inlet Tug &Bargeisa team ofexceptionalmerchant mariners. If you are looking forsteady year-round work andenjoy what you do,this isan opportunity of a lifetime! We are committed to employee safety and take pride in our professional operations.

We offer competitive pay and a full package of benefits to include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and more to our full-time employees.

Get your application in today at: https://www.cookinlettug.com/careers!

Roles and Responsibilities

As an Able Seaman(AB)youwill be responsible to keep our vessels in a state of readinessand keep things running smoothly.

Working at the direction of the Captainto performvarious taskssuch as:

  • Maintain the vessel in a constant and proper state of repair and operational readinessby completingrequiredvessel inspections,cleaningtasks, and general maintenance of the boat.
  • Engine room duties as assigned.
  • Maintain a watch system.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Equipmentused willincludewinches, capstan, pike pole, and pumps.

You are an integral part of the team, maintaining a safe work environment on the vessel by implementing company policies, procedures, and general maritime industry-standards.

Qualifications:

  • Able Bodied(AB)Seaman endorsement.
  • Valid USCG Merchant MarinerCredential(MMC).
  • Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
  • QMED rating preferred.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • High School Diploma or equivalent, equivalent experience will be considered.
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States.
Experience and Skills:
  • Two years previous experience as an AB
  • Two years of sea-going experience on towing vessels(preferred).

Working conditions:

  • Lodging and provisions on the vessel.
  • Must bephysicallyfittoclimb aboard tugs and barges, ascend and descend ladders and balance while aboard vessels in aseaway; kneel,stoop, use stairs, reach overhead, and stand forlong periods.
  • Comfortable with heights or narrow walkways.
  • Must be able to work 12 hours a day every day.
  • Exposure toallweather conditions(rain, ice, snow, heat,wind, etc.).
  • Year-round work, typical shift is two weeks on/off.

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce and taking affirmative action to employ and advance qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. We are a drug-free employer and a participant of the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.

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