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Tug Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

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

$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

$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 ...

TUG

HR Manager/Generalist

San Diego, CA · On-site

Required Technology Unlimited Group (TUG) is seeking a Human Resources Manager/Generalist to assist in the development and implementation of Human Resource strategy and programs; including corporate ...

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 ...

MILLERS TUG AND BARGE INC.

Be Seen First

Port Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Job Summary Miller's Tug and Barge is seeking an experienced Port Engineer to oversee the maintenance, repair, and operational readiness of our fleet. This position ensures compliance with regulatory ...

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Tug information

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$7

$21

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How much do tug jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 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 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.
More about Tug jobs
What cities are hiring for Tug jobs? Cities with the most Tug job openings:
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 13% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,153 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Tug Boat Captain

Broussard Brothers Inc

Abbeville, LA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Description:


Tug Boat Captain Job Description:


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. SIGN ON BONUS AND HOLIDAY PAY AVAILABLE!!!


* Master of Towing


* Mate of Towing


Job Summary:

The Captain is the onboard person ultimately responsible and accountable for the safety of the crew and passengers, the care of the cargo, equipment and supplies being transferred, as well as for the proper care of the Tugboat and its equipment. As such, he/she is responsible for the conduct of the passengers and vessel's crew as well as for the safe and efficient navigation, handling and maneuvering of the Tugboat in and around other vessels and structures, navigable and open waterways, etc. during the course of its operations. The Captain is further responsible for the safe transportation of the contract companies' personnel, cargo, supplies and equipment. The Captain assumes ultimate responsibility for training and the direct and indirect supervision of the Deckhand and where appropriate, a Wheelman. He/she must ensure compliance with Company, Coast Guard and environmental regulations as they pertain to open water vessels. In addition to this, the Captain is the Company's on-site representative on the vessel. As such, he/she must ensure that his/her conduct and that of the crew is in line with the positive image the Company projects.


Essential Functions:


Ensuring a seaworthy vessel at all times. This shall include the fuel, water, spare parts, safety apparatus, provisions and stores necessary for successfully completing the job are on board and operational..

Ensuring that all engines and other machinery are regularly checked and maintained, and that vessel cleaning, maintenance, and other housekeeping duties are performed in a timely manner.

Maintaining current knowledge regarding the U.S. and local laws and regulations, local requirements of all ports of call, familiarity with handling characteristics of the vessel, operation of the navigational equipment, ect.

Safe operation of and navigation of the vessel. This will also include the safe loading and back loading of the vessel, the safe and secure storage of supplies and equipment transported, as well as for the conduct of the crew and passengers on the vessel.

Ensuring proper training and qualifications of the employee's working under his/her supervision. This shall include ensuring that no employee works in an area they have not demonstrated competence in or, where appropriate, are licensed to perform.

Performing as well as supervising the navigational work and the watch stood by the subordinates so as to ensure the accurate and safe maneuvering of the vessel.

Staying advised of the weather conditions at all times and responding in an appropriate manner in all areas concerned with personnel safety, security of the vessel, and successful completion of the contracting company's objective.


Job Type:

Full-time


Benefits:

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Employee assistance program

Health insurance

Health savings account

Life insurance

Referral program

Vision insurance


License/Certification:

USCG Master of Towing License for operating towing vessels in inland waters (near coastal endorsements is a plus)

CPR

First Aid

Firefighting

FCC Radio/Telephone Operating Permit


Schedules:

7/7, 14/7, 14/14, 28/14, 28/28


Work Location:

Intracoastal City, Abbeville, Louisiana

In person


If your disability requires a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at 3378935303 or jobs@broussardbrothers.com. We are committed to ensuring all applicants have equal access to opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disabled/Veterans

Requirements: