ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Tug Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vulcan Materials Company

LineHaul Tug Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$650 - $750/day

Must have previous experience operating a tug boat in rivers and/or bays with multiple barges (Preferred). Must also have Experience navigating shallow waters and maneuvering a tug with a tow through ...

Vulcan Materials Company

LineHaul Tug Mate

Norfolk, VA

$650 - $750/day

Must have previous experience operating a tug boat in rivers and/or bays with multiple barges (Preferred). Must also have Experience navigating shallow waters and maneuvering a tug with a tow through ...

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.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTug Jobs

Tug information

See salary details

$7

$21

$48

How much do tug jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug 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 are tugs?

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.

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.

How do you get a job on a tugboat?

To work as a tugboat crew member, you typically need relevant maritime certifications such as a Merchant Mariner Credential and a TWIC card, along with experience in boat handling and safety procedures. Entry-level positions often require a maritime training program or apprenticeship, and physical fitness is essential due to the demanding environment. Gaining experience on smaller vessels can improve chances of employment on larger tugboats.

How much do you get paid working on a tug boat?

Tugboat captains and crew members typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, certification, and the region. Entry-level positions may start around $40,000, while experienced captains can earn higher salaries, especially with overtime and specialized skills.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a tugboat operator and how do they interact with other maritime professionals?

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 Tugboat Operator, and why are they important?

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.

How to become a tug operator?

To become a tug operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with maritime or marine certification such as a Marine Deck Officer license or a Towboat Certification. Experience operating boats or heavy machinery is often required, and training is provided on the specific vessels and safety procedures used in the industry.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Jobs that can pay around $4,000 a week without requiring a degree include commercial fishing, certain skilled trades like plumbing or electrical work, and some sales positions such as real estate or high-ticket sales. These roles often require specialized skills, experience, or licensing, and may involve physically demanding or high-pressure environments.
More about Tug jobs
What cities are hiring for Tug jobs? Cities with the most Tug job openings:
What states have the most Tug jobs? States with the most job openings for Tug jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tug jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tug jobs are:
Tug jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $44,153 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Able Seaman- Anchorage Harbor

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge

Anchorage, AK

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 20 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.

Apply