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Tugboats Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tradesmen International, Inc.

Shipfitter

Houston, TX · On-site

$24/hr

Repairing tugboats, tow boats and river barges * Other tasks as assigned/needed Requirements: * Must pass basic torch & tack test * Must pass drug screen and fitness test * Must be clean shaved ...

360 Industrial Services

Structural Welder

Paducah, KY · On-site

$24/hr

Experience performing structural repairs on tugboats, towboats, barges, or other marine vessels is strongly preferred. * Ability to pass a hands-on welding test using 3/16" E6010 rod in multiple ...

Tradesmen International, Inc.

Shipfitter

Houston, TX · On-site

$24/hr

Repairing tugboats, tow boats and river barges * Other tasks as assigned/needed Requirements: * Must pass basic torch & tack test * Must pass drug screen and fitness test * Must be clean shaved ...

Tradesmen International, LLC

Shipfitter

Houston, TX · On-site

$24/hr

Repairing tugboats, tow boats and river barges * Other tasks as assigned/needed Requirements: * Must pass basic torch & tack test * Must pass drug screen and fitness test * Must be clean shaved ...

Rio Marine

Barge Topside Technician

Channelview, TX · On-site

Experience working on or around tugboats and barges. * Clean Driving Record are required to be eligible for hire. * Must be willing to work odd hours in a non - climate control and onboard barges ...

Tradesmen International, Inc.

Shipfitter

Houston, TX

$24/hr

Repairing tugboats, tow boats and river barges * Other tasks as assigned/needed Requirements: * Must pass basic torch & tack test * Must pass drug screen and fitness test * Must be clean shaved ...

THE JANKOVICH COMPANY, LLC

Port Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Perform preventive and corrective maintenance and repairs on tugboats and barges, including diesel engines, generators, pumps, hydraulic systems, piping, and related vessel equipment. * Troubleshoot ...

New

Socket.dev

Port Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Perform preventive and corrective maintenance and repairs on tugboats and barges, including diesel engines, generators, pumps, hydraulic systems, piping, and related vessel equipment. * Troubleshoot ...

New

Carver Companies Payroll LLC

Welder C

Coeymans, NY · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

The Welder C performs entry to intermediate-level welding, cutting, and fabrication work on steel structures, tugboats, and barges within a shipyard environment. This position is ideal for welders ...

New

Carver Companies Payroll LLC

Welder C

Coeymans, NY · On-site

$21.50 - $27.75/hr

The Welder C performs entry to intermediate-level welding, cutting, and fabrication work on steel structures, tugboats, and barges within a shipyard environment. This position is ideal for welders ...

New

Garney Construction

Tug Boat Operator

Buford, GA · On-site

Operate and maneuver truckable tugboats to maneuver construction barges * Maintain constant communication with barge crew members * Perform regular checks and maintenance on tugboat systems ...

Donovan Marine

Service Helper

Harahan, LA · On-site

Pulling and strapping electrical wire in race ways, Helping Service Tech with steering and throttle system installs and repairs on Tugboats and supply Boats * Helping Service Tech with life saving ...

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Tugboats information

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$10

$19

$26

How much do tugboats jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for tugboats in the United States is $19.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tugboat?

Tugboats are powerful, small vessels designed to maneuver larger ships by pushing or towing them in harbors, along rivers, or through narrow channels. They are essential for docking, undocking, and assisting ships that cannot move themselves in confined spaces. Tugboats are equipped with strong engines and specialized equipment to provide the necessary force and control. Their work ensures the safe and efficient movement of maritime traffic in busy ports.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a tugboat crew member?

Crew members on tugboats handle a variety of daily tasks including assisting with docking and undocking larger vessels, maintaining and operating towing equipment, conducting safety inspections, and performing routine maintenance on the boat. They also monitor communication channels for instructions from harbor authorities and ensure safe navigation. Collaboration with pilots, port staff, and other vessel crews is common to coordinate movements efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tugboat operator?

To thrive as a Tugboat Operator, you need a strong understanding of maritime navigation, vessel handling, and safety regulations, often supported by a Merchant Mariner Credential and relevant endorsements. Proficiency with marine communication systems, navigation equipment, and modern propulsion controls is essential. Excellent situational awareness, teamwork, and decision-making skills distinguish top operators in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe and efficient maneuvering of vessels in challenging environments and preventing accidents in busy ports or waterways.

What is the difference between Tugboats vs Marine Engineers?

AspectTugboatsMarine Engineers
CredentialsSTCW certification, maritime licensesSTCW certification, engineering licenses
Work EnvironmentOn water, near ports and shipsOn ships, in engine rooms or shipyards
Industry UsageMaritime transportation, port operationsShip operation, maintenance, and repair
Primary RoleAssist ships in docking, towingMaintain and operate ship engines

While tugboats focus on maneuvering ships and assisting with docking, marine engineers are responsible for maintaining and repairing the ship's engines and systems. Both roles require maritime certifications and work in the maritime industry, but tugboats are more involved in on-water operations, whereas marine engineers work primarily onboard ships or in shipyards.

How to get hired on a tugboat?

To get hired on a tugboat, candidates typically need a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a towing endorsement, relevant maritime experience, and completion of safety training such as STCW certifications. Prior experience in maritime operations and physical fitness are also important, and many employers require a background check and drug testing before hiring.
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Tugboats jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tugboats job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,659 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Shipfitter

Tradesmen International, Inc.

Houston, TX • On-site

$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Tradesmen International is immediately hiring experienced Shipfitters for projects located in or around the McCracken County, KY area. This is a first shift opportunity, and the pay rate is up to $24/hour based on experience plus $100/day per diem for Travelers 60+ miles from the job site. If you are a Shipfitter and want to work alongside other proven craftsmen who emphasize safety, productivity and superior craftsmanship, this is your chance to advance your career! 

Job Scope:

  • New construction; tugboats, tow boats & river barges
  • Repairing tugboats, tow boats and river barges
  • Other tasks as assigned/needed

Requirements:

  • Must pass basic torch & tack test
  • Must pass drug screen and fitness test
  • Must be clean shaved       

Tradesmen International not only offers consistent work, top pay, and employment opportunities, we also provide a benefits package that is among the best in the industry.

Our comprehensive benefits include:

  • Tradesmen+ Rewards Program – earn points for hours worked
  • Vacation Pay
  • Health insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan

Tradesmen International is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability

“Be Safe” from fraud!  Tradesmen International will never ask you to pay for certifications, equipment, or other “up front”  costs as a condition of hire. Similarly, we do not request pictures of documents or IDs to private phone numbers or email addresses. If in doubt, please call or visit your closest Tradesmen office to verify the request.

Click here to visit Tradesmen’s full website.


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