ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Tugboats Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Southland Holdings

Heavy Diesel Mechanic

Austin, TX · On-site

$23.50 - $32.50/hr

Additionally, it is beneficial if the candidate has experience working on marine fleets, such as small skiffs and tugboats (with diesel engines and drive trains), as well as small engines like ...

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 ...

Senesco Marine

General Application

North Kingstown, RI · On-site

You will be one of the lucky personnel to be a team member that makes up the premier Northeast builder of double-hulled barges, tugboats, ferries, aluminum CTVs, and other vessels. Some of the team ...

Southland Holdings

Heavy Diesel Mechanic

Austin, TX · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Additionally, it is beneficial if the candidate has experience working on marine fleets, such as small skiffs and tugboats (with diesel engines and drive trains), as well as small engines like ...

Energy Job Shop

Offshore, Boat Captain

Lockport, LA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Captains will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of tugboats and their crews, ensuring compliance with company policies and maritime regulations. This is an exciting opportunity for ...

Southland Holdings

Diesel Mechanic

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$23.25 - $30.75/hr

Additionally, it is beneficial if the candidate has experience working on marine fleets, such as small skiffs and tugboats (with diesel engines and drive trains), as well as small engines like ...

Southland Holdings

Heavy Diesel Mechanic

Austin, TX · On-site

$23.50 - $32.50/hr

Additionally, it is beneficial if the candidate has experience working on marine fleets, such as small skiffs and tugboats (with diesel engines and drive trains), as well as small engines like ...

Southland Holdings

Diesel Mechanic

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$23.25 - $30.75/hr

Additionally, it is beneficial if the candidate has experience working on marine fleets, such as small skiffs and tugboats (with diesel engines and drive trains), as well as small engines like ...

Blakeley BoatWorks

Marine Diesel Mechanic

Mobile, AL · On-site

The Diesel Mechanic will be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of diesel engines and related systems on our fleet of tugboats. This role requires a thorough understanding of ...

Donovan Marine

Service Helper

Harahan, LA · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

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 ...

Rio Marine

Hydraulics Technician

Channelview, TX · On-site

Must be willing to work odd hours in a non - climate control and onboard towboats, tugboats, offshore supply vessel, 24-7-365 Full Compensation Package Available to include: * Competitive Salary

TAS Concrete

Boat Captain

Houston, TX · On-site

S. Coast Guard, ships,tugboats, etc. * Performs daily safety inspections of the tugboat and recognizes possible problem areas suchas hull leaks, packing-gland leaking, tie-up cables and ropes ...

Rio Marine

Hydraulics Technician

Staten Island, NY · On-site

Must be willing to work odd hours in a non - climate control and onboard towboats, tugboats, offshore supply vessel, 24-7-365 Full Compensation Package Available to include: * Competitive Salary

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 ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsTravel JobsMaritime JobsShip Captain JobsTugboats Jobs

Tugboats information

See salary details

$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.
More about Tugboats jobs

What cities are hiring for Tugboats jobs?

Cities with the most Tugboats job openings:

What job categories do people searching Tugboats jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Tugboats jobs are:

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.

Heavy Diesel Mechanic

Southland Holdings

Austin, TX • On-site

$23.50 - $32.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Southland Holdings is currently accepting resumes for highly motivated construction mechanics to join our team as an experienced construction Heavy Diesel Site Mechanic.
Duties:
experience in troubleshooting and repairing diesel and hydraulic equipment efficiently. Equipment repairs will be needed for items such as vibratory hammers, diesel impact hammers, lattice boom crawler cranes, and RT cranes, as well as earthwork equipment, including excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, skid steers, rollers, and many other pieces of equipment. Experience with all of these pieces of equipment is not required, but preferred. Additionally, it is beneficial if the candidate has experience working on marine fleets, such as small skiffs and tugboats (with diesel engines and drive trains), as well as small engines like generators, air compressors, and light plants.
Benefits
• 401K & 401K Matching
• Dental Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Referral Program
• Weekly payroll
For more than 120 years, hard-working, honest, innovative people have been building what has become SOUTHLAND HOLDINGS. We combine the strengths of five companies who share a dedication to building critical infrastructure projects which improve the environment and lives of those around us.
Southland Holdings is an EEO employer - M/F/D/V

Apply