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Tug Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tug Captain

Waterford, NY · On-site

$27.73 - $38.29/hr

Please include the position title, "Tug Captain - Waterford #03648", in the subject line of your email to ensure receipt of your application. Applications can be found at The New York Power Authority ...

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 ...

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 ...

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.

Job Type Full-time Description Role and Responsibilities Role Specific Responsibilities • Navigates vessel as directed by Master in a safe and efficient manner • Performs in a professional manner ...

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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

$48

How much do tug jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 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.

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.
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:
Infographic showing various Tug job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,153 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Tug Logistics Coordinator (Night Shift)

Tug Logistics Coordinator (Night Shift)

McAllister Towing

Staten Island, NY

$80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Tug Logistics Coordinator - Night Shift

McAllister Towing of New York is seeking a Full-Time Tug Logistics Coordinator (Night Shift) to join our operations team. This position requires a local candidate with exceptional customer service skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced maritime environment.

Candidates must be available to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and occasional mid-shifts as operational needs require. Hours will vary based on vessel movements and customer demands. Flexibility, reliability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential for success in this role.

About McAllister:

McAllister Towing has provided superior tugboat service to New York Harbor since 1864, when Captain James McAllister, great-grandfather to current president Brian Buckley McAllister, bought his first sail lighter to carry cargo from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Today, McAllister's tugs provide a wide variety of services to the busy ports of New York and New Jersey, serving the most concentrated and affluent consumer market in the world and handling a significant part of the 16 million tons of cargo that passes through the port every year. In addition to ship docking services and general harbor assist work, New York based tugs are regularly employed in offshore towing along the entire East Coast. 

McAllister is proud of its long history in New York Harbor and continues to provide its clients and customers with the highest quality service.

McAllister Towing proudly supports veterans and transitioning service members. Military experience in navigation, engineering, logistics, vessel operations, maintenance, leadership, and safety management is highly valued. Veterans and military spouses are encouraged to apply.

Location: 3165 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10303

Salary: Base salary $80,000/yr plus overtime

Hours: 1800 - 0600

Description of Duties:

  • Operates electronic communication systems and equipment including two-way radios, telephone systems, fax machines, various computers and software programs, and cellular telephones. 

  • Communicates and interfaces with management, shipping agents, and reporting agencies to gather information and schedules for shipping activity. Works with Personnel Department to coordinate crew activities.

  • Maintaining communications with agents, ships, pilots, terminals and all boat crews necessary to complete ship movements, barge loading and discharging. Ensures pilots are informed about their ships and schedules.

  • Organize and dispatch proper tugs and pilots needed for each job. Evaluate available equipment and crews in light of job requirements and assign tugs and crews accordingly. 

  • Acts as company representative and receives and processes communications and orders from the U.S. Coast Guard relating to holds, boarding activity, vessel searches, oil spills and accidents.

  • Oversee services performed by tug/barge crews and take appropriate measures to ensure that the work was performed in an efficient and professional manner.

  • Update and monitor database system with shipping and pilot activity.

  • Organizes and documents activities by completing forms, reports, logs, and records; will also complete all materials used for billing purposes and sales information.

  • Keeps systems and equipment functioning properly by following operations instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and calling for repairs.

  • Project a positive image to peers and subordinates; to the customers we serve; to the industry in which we participate; and the community in which we live by producing a cost-efficient, quality service in a safe environment.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements: 

  • Radio operator's license preferred.

  • Ability to obtain an MMC and TWIC card.

  • Must have organization, problem solving and scheduling skills.

  • Superior customer service and communication skills

  • Excellent analytical skills and have the ability to formulate and communicate directions.

  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook with the ability to learn new software programs quickly.

  • Must have the ability to operate radios on correct frequencies.

  • Must have a good, clear voice and be fluent and articulate in English. 

Physical Requirements: 

  • Must be able to work 12-hour shifts.

  • The ability to operate a computer terminal.

  • The ability to operate telephones and standard office equipment

Preferred Experience:

  • Have thorough working knowledge of the local waterways, channels, and associated terminals, piers, tides and currents.

  • Maritime Industry Experience

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 

*This position description does not promise or imply that the functions listed are the only duties to be performed or that the position may not change or be eliminated. Employees are always expected to follow their supervisor's instructions and to perform the tasks requested by their supervisors.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of McAllister Towing not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.