ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Tugboat Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA

$600 - $675/day

... operator is in operation of the vessel for more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period and that ... If you are a dedicated and experienced Tugboat Mate looking to join a dynamic team, we would love ...

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA

$600 - $675/day

... operator is in operation of the vessel for more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period and that ... If you are a dedicated and experienced Tugboat Mate looking to join a dynamic team, we would love ...

Carver Companies Payroll LLC

Tugboat Mate

Coeymans, NY · On-site

$674/day

Position Summary: The Tugboat Mate plays a critical role in supporting vessel operations by ... Experience operating in New York Harbor or other high-traffic ports. * Familiarity with barge ...

Tugboat Inn

Sous Chef

Boothbay Harbor, ME

$1.40K - $1.60K/wk

Lafayette Hotels, a renowned family-owned and operated company with over 30 hotels and restaurants ... Tugboat Inn is an historic Boothbay Harbor hotel with a full service restaurant, pub, roof top deck ...

Tugboat Inn

Sous Chef

Boothbay Harbor, ME

$1.40K - $1.60K/wk

Lafayette Hotels, a renowned family-owned and operated company with over 30 hotels and restaurants ... Tugboat Inn is an historic Boothbay Harbor hotel with a full service restaurant, pub, roof top deck ...

41 North Offshore, LLC

Be Seen First

Tugboat Engineer (Licensed and Unlicensed)

Boston, MA · On-site

MMC, TWIC, STCW Company Description Established in 2011 with a single tugboat, 41° North Offshore ... operated along the entire East Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. 41° North maintains a fleet of ...

Orion Group Holdings, Inc.

Boat Captain

Charleston, SC · On-site

Practices the "Rules of the Road" for operating vessels on inland waterways. * Utilizes radio equipment on the tugboat to communicate with the U.S. Coast Guard, ships, tugboats, etc. * Performs daily ...

41 North Offshore, LLC

Be Seen First

Tugboat Engineer (Licensed and Unlicensed)

New Bedford, MA · On-site

MMC, TWIC, STCW Company Description Established in 2011 with a single tugboat, 41° North Offshore ... operated along the entire East Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. 41° North maintains a fleet of ...

41 North Offshore, LLC

Be Seen First

Tugboat Engineer (Licensed and Unlicensed)

New York, NY · On-site

MMC, TWIC, STCW Company Description Established in 2011 with a single tugboat, 41° North Offshore ... operated along the entire East Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. 41° North maintains a fleet of ...

Orion Group Holdings, Inc.

Boat Captain

Tampa, FL · On-site

Practices the "Rules of the Road" for operating vessels on inland waterways. * Utilizes radio equipment on the tugboat to communicate with the U.S. Coast Guard, ships, tugboats, etc. * Performs daily ...

JSW Steel USA

Barge Supervisor

Baytown, TX · On-site

Coordinate daily activities with rail crews and tugboat operators to ensure timely movement of materials. * Address operational issues such as equipment malfunctions, delays, or safety concerns ...

Orion Marine Group

Boat Captain

Tampa, FL · On-site

Practices the "Rules of the Road" for operating vessels on inland waterways. * Utilizes radio equipment on the tugboat to communicate with the U.S. Coast Guard, ships, tugboats, etc. * Performs daily ...

Orion Marine Group

Boat Captain

Tampa, FL · On-site

Practices the "Rules of the Road" for operating vessels on inland waterways. * Utilizes radio equipment on the tugboat to communicate with the U.S. Coast Guard, ships, tugboats, etc. * Performs daily ...

TAS Concrete

Boat Captain

Tampa, FL · On-site

Practices the "Rules of the Road" for operating vessels on inland waterways. * Utilizes radio equipment on the tugboat to communicate with the U.S. Coast Guard, ships, tugboats, etc. * Performs daily ...

JSW Steel USA

Barge Supervisor

Baytown, TX

Coordinate daily activities with rail crews and tugboat operators to ensure timely movement of materials. * Address operational issues such as equipment malfunctions, delays, or safety concerns ...

TAS Concrete

Boat Captain

Tampa, FL · On-site

Practices the "Rules of the Road" for operating vessels on inland waterways. * Utilizes radio equipment on the tugboat to communicate with the U.S. Coast Guard, ships, tugboats, etc. * Performs daily ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsTugboat Operator Jobs

Tugboat Operator information

See salary details

$12

$24

$35

How much do tugboat operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for tugboat operator in the United States is $24.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 protocols, typically supported by a valid captain’s license such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with appropriate endorsements. Familiarity with navigation systems, marine radios, radar, and towing equipment is essential for daily operations. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and teamwork skills set top operators apart in challenging environments. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe and efficient vessel movements, protect crew and cargo, and comply with maritime regulations.

What are some common challenges Tugboat Operators face when working in busy ports?

Tugboat Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating crowded waterways, coordinating movements with large vessels, and adapting quickly to changing weather or tidal conditions. Communication with port authorities, other tug crews, and ship captains is crucial to ensure safe and efficient operations. Additionally, operators must remain vigilant for potential hazards and be prepared to respond to emergencies or mechanical issues on short notice.

What are tugboat operators?

Tugboat operators are skilled maritime professionals responsible for maneuvering tugboats to assist larger vessels in docking, undocking, and navigating through harbors, rivers, and canals. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safe movement of ships, especially in confined or busy waters where large vessels have limited maneuverability. Tugboat operators must have extensive knowledge of navigation, maritime safety regulations, and vessel handling. Their work often involves teamwork, communication with harbor authorities, and working in various weather conditions.

What is the difference between Tugboat Operator vs Marine Pilot?

AspectTugboat OperatorMarine Pilot
CredentialsSTCW certification, maritime licensesSTCW certification, pilot license
Work EnvironmentOn tugboats, near ports and harborsOn ships, navigating through ports and waterways
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, port authoritiesShipping lines, port authorities
Primary RoleOperate tugboats to assist shipsNavigate ships into port or through difficult waters

While both roles require maritime certifications and involve working in port environments, Tugboat Operators focus on maneuvering tugboats to assist larger vessels, whereas Marine Pilots are responsible for navigating ships through challenging waters into ports. Both careers are essential in maritime operations but serve different functions within the industry.

More about Tugboat Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Tugboat Operator jobs? The most popular types of Tugboat Operator jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Tugboat Operator jobs? The top employers for Tugboat Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Tugboat Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Tugboat Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tugboat Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tugboat Operator jobs are:
Tugboat Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tugboat Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $50,869 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Tugboat Mate

Tugboat Mate

Robbins Maritime Inc

Norfolk, VA

$600 - $675/day

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance

About us
Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and headquartered in Norfolk, VA. We specialize in providing reliable and efficient maritime support services along the East Coast and Gulf Coast of the United States.

Key Responsibilities:
Looking for Mate of Towing with experience working with dredging operations.
  • Work schedule is 28 days on and 14 days off
  • Paid travel to and from the vessel from closest major airport to residence
  • Crew safety, vessel safety and Environmental protection (Vessel Master has ultimate responsibility).
  • Pre-voyage inspections and voyage planning.
  • The safe operation and navigation of the vessel on its planned voyage including all dockings and un-dockings/departures and making and breaking tows
  • Ensuring the ability for up-to-date and corrected charts.
  • Maintaining a radio communications log reflecting all vessel-to-vessel communications, waypoints, and job start, stop and standby times.
  • Ensuring other crew members are completing their required duties and responsibilities.
  • Crew safety, vessel safety and Environmental protection.
  • Relieving the Captain in maintaining the safe operation and navigation of the vessel, on her planned voyage, so that neither operator is in operation of the vessel for more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period and that adequate rest is received by both.
  • Assisting the Captain in any of his/her other responsibilities as needed or requested.
Requirements:
Merchant Mariners Credentials (Mate of Towing-Near Coastal)
Valid Driver License
Valid TWIC Card
Must be able to pass Merchant Mariner Physical/CG-719K and Drug Screening
Must have a Satisfactory Background Check
Excellent communication skills and ability to work well in a team
Physical fitness and the ability to handle the demands of working on a vessel
Subject to Random Drug Screening
Benefits:
Competitive salary and benefits package.
Health, Vision, Dental Insurance
Voluntary Life Insurance
401(k)
Safe Harbor 401(k) match
Opportunities for professional growth and development.
How to Apply:
If you are a dedicated and experienced Tugboat Mate looking to join a dynamic team, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application on our website using the following link. https://www.robbinsmaritime.com/employment-application/. All application and resumes should be sent to hr@robbinsmaritime.com
Robbins Maritime, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.