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Tugboat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Next Gen Logistics

Tugboat Deckhand

New Orleans, LA · Remote

Tugboat Deckhand Your New Company: YOUR COMPASS TO SUCCESS At Next Generation Logistics Companies, we are committed to workplace safety. We are a trusted maritime transportation, construction and ...

Next Gen Logistics

Tugboat Trip Pilot

New Orleans, LA · Remote

Tugboat Trip Pilot YOUR COMPASS TO SUCCESS Your New Company: At NGL Companies we are committed to workplace safety.We are a trusted maritime transportation, construction and logistics company ...

Next Generation Logistics LLC

Tugboat Mate

New Orleans, LA

$34.50 - $38/hr

Tugboat Mate Your New Company: YOUR COMPASS TO SUCCESS! At NGL Companies we are committed to workplace safety. We are a trusted maritime transportation, construction and logistics company providing ...

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$19K

$104.2K

$181.5K

How much do tugboat jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for tugboat in the United States is $104,157.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Tugboat job?

A tugboat job involves operating or assisting in the operation of tugboats, which are small but powerful vessels used to maneuver larger ships in harbors, rivers, and other confined waters. Crew members may work as captains, deckhands, or engineers, ensuring safe navigation, towing, and docking operations. Responsibilities vary but often include maintaining the vessel, securing tow lines, and assisting with navigation. Tugboat jobs require physical fitness, maritime training, and certifications, depending on the role.

What does a typical day look like for a tugboat operator and what kinds of vessels or assignments might they encounter?

A typical day for a tugboat operator involves assisting ships in docking and undocking, towing barges or other vessels, and navigating busy harbors under various weather and sea conditions. You might operate in coastal ports, rivers, or busy shipping lanes, interacting closely with harbor pilots and other maritime professionals to coordinate safe maneuvers. Assignments can vary, from moving massive container ships to transporting materials along inland waterways, each with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. Tugboat operators often work in rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, and the work environment requires constant vigilance and quick decision-making. This dynamic role offers exposure to different types of vessels and situations, contributing to valuable experience and potential advancement into senior marine positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Tugboat position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tugboat Operator, you generally need strong navigational skills, mechanical aptitude, and a valid merchant mariner credential such as a U.S. Coast Guard license. Experience with marine communication equipment, towing winches, and vessel maneuvering systems is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and adaptability are key soft skills, especially when working in changing weather or port conditions. These skills ensure operational safety, efficient vessel handling, and effective coordination with harbor and ship crews.

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Tugboat jobs near you
Tugboat Captain - New Orleans, LA

Tugboat Captain - New Orleans, LA

Bo-Mac Contractors, Ltd

New Orleans, LA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

TUGBOAT CAPTAIN
The Tugboat Captain is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of company tugboats used in support of marine and civil construction projects. This includes towing and positioning barges, transporting equipment and materials, and supporting marine logistics at ports, coastal areas, rivers, and job sites. The Tugboat Captain ensures compliance with all maritime regulations and company safety protocols while managing crew operations and maintaining vessel readiness.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Unlimited Master Tow Western Waterways
  • Experience Required in the Lower Mississippi River
  • Position is mainly a single shift operation allowing the Captain to go home every night the majority of the time.
  • Constant sitting, reaching, and grasping.
  • Occasional lifting, carrying, walking, climbing, and use of hand tools.
  • All aspects of vision are required - acuity, depth perception, and field of vision.
  • Ability to talk and hear is important for communication between co-workers on safety and operational matters affecting equipment operations.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Preference given to candidates with a minimum of 5 years of equipment operating experience at meets or exceeds performance expectations.

What we can offer you:
  • Inclusive Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, and Illness insurance
  • Company paid Disability and Life insurance
  • Health Savings Account contribution of up to $1,000 per year
  • 401(k) retirement savings program with a company match
  • Employee Assistance Program including discounts with major vendors & products
  • Mental and physical wellness programs
  • Competitive time off package including vacation, sick, and holiday pay
  • Career advancement opportunities with a stable well-established organization
  • Tuition reimbursement program and access to LinkedIn Learning courses

*Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.
**CSG/Bo-Mac Contractors, Ltd., does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of CSG/ Bo-Mac Contractors, Ltd. without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of CSG/ Bo-Mac Contractors, Ltd.
BoMac Contractors, Ltd. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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