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Tug Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Crowley Maritime Corporation

Dispatcher, Tug

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

Overview Who We Are: As a privately held, U.S.-owned and operated company, Crowley provides services to 36 nations and island territories. Our purpose is to bravely advance what's possible to elevate ...

MILLERS TUG AND BARGE INC.

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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 ASSISTANT ENGINEER

Tampa, FL · On-site

The Assistant Engineer's duties include but are not limited to the following: · Operating the engine room properly during his/her watch as directed by the Chief Engineer. · Comply with the Company ...

G&H Towing

OpCen Watchstander / Dispatcher

Deer Park, TX · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

Coordinates tug availability with all departments and duty personnel when direct access to the tug by departmental personnel is necessary * Identifies any potential tug shortages as rapidly as ...

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Tug information

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$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.

QMED/Engineer-Summer Seasonal

Cook Inlet Tug and Barge LLC

Anchorage, AK • On-site

Temporary

Posted 6 days ago

New

Job description

Engineer
Seasonal Opportunity | Cook Inlet Tug & Barge
Season will start July 2026
Sign-On Bonus Available
Set Sail on an Alaska Maritime Adventure
If you're an experienced Marine Engineer ready to maintain and operate propulsion and vessel systems in some of the most dynamic and challenging waters in the world, this is your opportunity to play a critical role at sea.
Cook Inlet Tug & Barge-Alaska's premier tug and barge operator-is seeking an exceptional Marine Engineer for the upcoming season. This role offers the opportunity to support towing vessels that power essential maritime operations across Southcentral and Western Alaska while working alongside highly skilled crews committed to safety, reliability, and operational excellence.
This role is well-suited for seasoned marine engineering professionals who thrive in hands-on mechanical environments, problem-solving, and system reliability-and who value a defined seasonal schedule paired with meaningful, high-impact work.
Why Join Cook Inlet Tug & Barge?
Work That Matters
Our crews support critical maritime logistics in remote Alaskan waters-this is not routine coastal sailing. Every voyage counts.
Adventure Built In
Experience Alaska from the deck of a working tug-remote ports, challenging conditions, and unforgettable scenery included.
Seasonal Structure
A defined season (four to eight months) allows you to focus fully on the work, then recharge or pursue other opportunities in the off-season.
Crew-First Safety Culture
Health and safety are not slogans here-they're expectations, reinforced daily by leadership and crew alike.
The Roles and Responsibilities of a Vessel Engineer
As a Vessel Engineer, you maintain the heart of the vessel to ensure it is working properly. You are responsible for:
  • Maintaining all machinery, equipment and systems, including main propulsion, auxiliary power generation, ancillary, deck and cargo handling.
  • Ensuring proper operations of control, monitoring, and alarm components and systems all while maintaining a safe work environment on the vessel.
  • Implementing company policies and procedures, and general maritime industry standards wherever applicable.
  • Check and maintains fuel/fluid levels in all tanks within the vessel, taking monthly oil samples for analysis and is responsible for vessel bunkering operations, as well as, following established fueling procedures, maintaining adequate inventory levels of critical spares and general vessel parts.

In Alaska, you are working in remote geography and will need to perform safe and effective repairs with limited resources and outside support while under tight time constraints.
Required Qualifications
  • Valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential required/PIC and HAZWOPER preferred. Minimum of a QMED (Engineer License preferred). 4000 horsepower engineer license preferred.
  • Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Valid United States Passport.
  • Must be able to pass a criminal background check with qualifications to enter Canada.
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Experience and Skills:
  • Minimum of five years of previous experience during the last 15 years as a Marine Engineer preferred.
  • Skilled with various equipment, namely what equipment is best suited to handle the job at hand.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
  • Lodging and meals provided onboard the vessel
  • Company-provided transportation to and from the vessel
  • Must be physically capable of:
    • Boarding tugs and barges
    • Ascending and descending ladders
    • Balancing and working safely in a seaway
    • Kneeling, stooping, reaching overhead, and standing for extended periods
  • Comfortable working at heights and on narrow walkways
  • Ability to work 12-hour days, every day, for the full season
  • Regular exposure to all weather conditions, including rain, wind, snow, ice, and heat

How to Apply
Submit your application today at:
https://www.cookinlettug.com/careers
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Cook Inlet Tug & Barge is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce. We take affirmative action to employ and advance qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. We are a drug-free workplace and participate in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.

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