They do not work in the winter when the lakes are frozen over. Workers on rivers and in harbors are more likely to work year-round. Some work for a week or a month and then have an extended period off. They are on duty for six or 12 hours and then off for the same period of time. Others work for eight or 12 hours every day and are able to go home.
Wages Pay varies by position, geographic location, and type of boat.
Captains and pilots have the highest earnings. There were 80 people employed as water transportation workers in Indiana in 1990. It is estimated that between 1990 and 2005, about 1 job per year will need to be filled in this occupation. The opening may be either a new job or a job resulting from the replacement of a current workers. This occupation should grow as fast as the average for other occupations in Indiana.