10 of the Most Popular Types of Vessel Operator Jobs in 2026
See what kind of roles similar to Vessel Operator jobs are hiring now
You either need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or a recognized maritime qualification to become a vessel operator or ship operator. When applying for the job, you must demonstrate your knowledge of maritime regulations and procedures to your prospective employer, including your familiarity with manifests, bills of lading, letters of indemnity, and insurance documentation. You need excellent organizational skills and strong communication skills. You must be fluent in English, and foreign language abilities are a plus, as your job requires interaction with people of various nationalities.
If you are interested in a job related to Vessel Operator, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.
Top Types Of Vessel Operator Jobs
Boat Operator
Salary range: $38,000 - $49,500
The responsibilities of a boat operator include using knowledge of winds, weather, water depths, and currents to pilot a motorboat, private watercraft (PWC), or other watercraft safely. In this career, you load and transport various pieces of equipment, supplies, or passengers and maintain communication with boat crew, other ships, and harbor patrol. Other duties may be to navigate the vessel in and out of harbors and docks and fender, moor, and anchor the vessel at the destination. You consult maps, charts, weather reports, and navigation equipment, give directions to crew members, and update logs required by the USCG and management. You are also expected to maintain safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, boat fenders, and pumps, as well as service motors and direct boat maintenance and cleaning.
Launch Operator
Salary range: $35,500 - $43,500
Launch Operator is a typical job search query Most salaries for Launch Operator jobs pay between $35,500 (25th percentile) and $43,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Launch Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Logging Operator
Salary range: $35,500 - $47,500
Logging Operator is a typical job search query Most salaries for Logging Operator jobs pay between $35,500 (25th percentile) and $47,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Logging Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Edgebander Operator
Salary range: $35,500 - $42,500
Edgebander Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Edgebander Operator jobs pay between $35,500 (25th percentile) and $42,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Edgebander Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Marine Radio Operator
Salary range: $36,000 - $56,000
Marine Radio Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Marine Radio Operator jobs pay between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $56,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Marine Radio Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Inspector Msha
Salary range: $38,500 - $63,500
Inspector Msha is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Inspector Msha jobs pay between $38,500 (25th percentile) and $63,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Inspector Msha job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Fuel Terminal Operator
Salary range: $38,500 - $52,000
Fuel Terminal Operator is a typical job search query Most salaries for Fuel Terminal Operator jobs pay between $38,500 (25th percentile) and $52,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Fuel Terminal Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Emulsion Operator
Salary range: $35,500 - $47,500
Emulsion Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Emulsion Operator jobs pay between $35,500 (25th percentile) and $47,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Emulsion Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
311 Operator
Salary range: $35,000 - $46,000
311 Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for 311 Operator jobs pay between $35,000 (25th percentile) and $46,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for 311 Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Dc Operator
Salary range: $35,500 - $47,500
Dc Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Dc Operator jobs pay between $35,500 (25th percentile) and $47,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Dc Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.