Also called: Barge Repair Worker, Tank Barge Cleaner
Cleans out barges between loads so the next cargo is not contaminated.
Barge cleaners climb into empty grain or tank barges, sweep or wash them out, pump out water, and help welders patch damage.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. No degree; safety training on the job.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 53-7061: Average (3% to 4%).
Low risk for 10 years. Cleaning robots exist for big tanks, but climbing into barges to sweep and pump stays manual for now.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to barge cleaning companies on the river; they arrange safety training First: TWIC card plus confined space and HAZWOPER training
Classes: Physical education, Health, Shop class.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-7061.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.