Discover a career made for you.
How much does a Ferry Operator make in Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia?
Ferry Operator in Port Hawkesbury – $40,456 to $75,878 annually.
Average base salary
$27.42
/hour
Pays below
Port Hawkesbury
Average
Weekly : $1,097
Monthly : $4,753
Yearly : $57,034
National Average $27.64 /hour Salary & tax breakdown
Average cost of living
$3,908 /month
What does a Ferry Operator do?
As a Ferry Operator, you'll play a vital role in connecting communities and ensuring smooth journeys across waterways. You'll be at the helm of operating ferries, lock gates, and bridges, making sure passengers and freight reach their destinations safely and efficiently. Whether you're working with the federal government, a marine company, or as a self-employed boat owner, your expertise will keep the flow of travel seamless and reliable. Embrace the opportunity to navigate the waters and make a tangible impact every day.
Related Skills:
Communication Skills Boat Operation Ticket Collection Marine Emergency Duties Training Problem-Solving Skills Show all skills (12)Core Skills
Communication Skills
Customer Service
Environmental Awareness
Safety Awareness
Technical Skills
Boat Operation
Bridge Control Operation
Lock Gate Operation
Maintenance Skills
Additional
Ticket Collection
Foundational Skills
Marine Emergency Duties Training
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Teamwork
Job Alerts?
Type your email below to get alerted to new
Ferry Operator's jobs in Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia.
You’re set! We’ll email you new jobs for Ferry Operator in Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia.
Ferry Operator jobs in Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia
See more jobs
Harvest Vessel Deckhand
Harvest Vessel Deckhand
Harvest Vessel Deckhand
Harvest Vessel Deckhand
Cooke Aquaculture Inc.
Blacks Harbour, NB
Full-time
Experienced
Today
Harvest Vessel Deckhand
Harvest Vessel Deckhand
Harvest Vessel Deckhand
Harvest Vessel Deckhand
Cooke Aquaculture Inc.
Blacks Harbour, NB
Full-time
Experienced
Today
Operations Worker I (Inventory)
Operations Worker I (Inventory)
Operations Worker I (Inventory)
Operations Worker I (Inventory)
Department of Transportation / Ministère des Transports
New Brunswick
Hybrid remote
Full-time
Experienced
3 days ago
Highest paying cities for Ferry Operator
How much do similar professions as Ferry Operator get paid in Nova Scotia?
Frequently Asked Questions
Boat and cable ferry operators are responsible for operating lock gates, bridges, and similar equipment along canal systems. They also operate cable ferries and ferry terminals, and may transport passengers or freight using small motorboats or watercraft.
The salary for boat and cable ferry operators typically ranges from $19.45 to $36.48, depending on experience, location, and specific job responsibilities.
Essential skills for this career include boat operation, bridge control operation, communication skills, customer service, environmental awareness, lock gate operation, maintenance skills, marine emergency duties training, problem-solving skills, safety awareness, teamwork, and ticket collection.
Some secondary school education is usually required. Additionally, a Master, Master Limited, or Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) Certificate issued by Transport Canada is required for boat operators, along with Marine Emergency Duties (MED) training.
Boat and cable ferry operators are employed by the federal government, cable ferry companies, ferry terminals, marine companies, and canal, port, or harbour authorities. Owner-operators of small boats are self-employed.
The job outlook for boat and cable ferry operators is stable, with opportunities for mobility within the unit group. Progression to deck officer positions is possible with additional training, experience, and certification.
Yes, there is potential for salary growth in this career, particularly with additional training, experience, and progression to higher positions such as deck officers.
Boat and cable ferry operators typically cannot work remotely, as their job requires physical presence to operate equipment and vessels, and to ensure the safety and efficiency of ferry operations.
Port Hawkesbury has a population of 3,210 as of 2021, which represents a 0% increase since 2016.
[
Explore demographics in
Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia ]
The average employment income in 2020 was $36,760, while the median for full-time, full-year workers was $57,200.
[
Explore demographics in
Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia ]
The median monthly shelter cost for owned dwellings is $820, compared to $810 for rented dwellings.
[
Explore demographics in
Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia ]
The unemployment rate in 2021 was 18.4%.
[
Explore demographics in
Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia ]
60.8% of households in Port Hawkesbury are owner-occupied, while 38.9% are renters.
[
Explore demographics in
Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia ]
20,000 Canadian salary reported, updated November 19, 2025 (data source: open.canada.ca).
