Home > Salary > New Zealand > Tug Boat Captain
A tugboat captain is responsible for operating and navigating tugboats, which are small but powerful vessels used for towing or pushing larger ships or barges. Their main duty is to safely maneuver these vessels in ports, harbors, and waterways, assisting with docking and undocking operations, as well as towing and salvage operations. Tugboat captains must possess excellent navigational skills, including knowledge of local waterways, currents, and weather conditions. They need to have a strong understanding of maritime regulations and safety protocols to ensure the safe transportation of cargo and passengers. Additionally, they may be required to oversee maintenance and repairs on the tugboat and manage a crew of deckhands. This occupation requires physical stamina, good communication skills, and the ability to make quick decisions in emergency situations.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 195,205 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 16,267 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,754 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 94 NZD per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 15,670 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,616 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 90 NZD per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-07
Estimated Yearly Salary: 96,940 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 8,078 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,864 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 47 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
4 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
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Estimated Yearly Salary: 195,205 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 16,267 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,754 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 94 NZD per hour
By working as Tug Boat Captain a person can save up to 6,140 USD per month or 73,679 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in New Zealand, see costs of living in New Zealand.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Tug Boat Captain
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Tug Boat Captain salary in New Zealand
Average Yearly Salary of Tug Boat Captain in New Zealand is approximately 195,205 NZD (96,940 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Tug Boat Captain do?

Skills: Tugboat captain, Maritime industry, Ship handling, Navigation, Port operations, Towing operations
Job industry: Maritime
Job industry: Maritime
How much does Tug Boat Captain make?
Salary details
How much does Tug Boat Captain make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 195,205 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 16,267 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,754 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 94 NZD per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 188,044 NZDEstimated Monthly Salary: 15,670 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,616 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 90 NZD per hour
Tug Boat Captain estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 96,940 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 8,078 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,864 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 47 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
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Country:
Salary comparison to National average
New Zealand, a beautiful island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant Maori culture. With a population of around 5 million people, it is sparsely populated compared to its size. The country covers an area of approximately 268,000 square kilometers and consists of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, along with numerous smaller islands.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 80,807 NZD (48,460 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Tug Boat Captain job salary compared to average salary in New Zealand.
Comparison shows that a person working as Tug Boat Captain in New Zealand earns on average:
2.42 times the average salary (or 242% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 80,807 NZD (48,460 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Tug Boat Captain job salary compared to average salary in New Zealand.
Comparison shows that a person working as Tug Boat Captain in New Zealand earns on average:
2.42 times the average salary (or 242% of average salary).
Is Tug Boat Captain a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Tug Boat Captain is a very well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Tug Boat Captain?
High salary for Tug Boat Captain would be somewhere between 214,726 NZD and 283,047 NZD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Tug Boat Captain in New Zealand?
Living in New Zealand the approximate monthly expenses are: 1,938 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 195,205 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 16,267 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,754 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 94 NZD per hour
By working as Tug Boat Captain a person can save up to 6,140 USD per month or 73,679 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in New Zealand, see costs of living in New Zealand.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Tonga, Samoa. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Tug Boat Captain
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
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Random salary:
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