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Operating Engineer Jobs in Tacoma, WA (NOW HIRING)

City of Seattle

Sr. Water Quality Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$68.52 - $79.78/hr

Working closely with operators, engineers, planners, and project teams, you'll bring expert insight to daily operations, major capital initiatives, and emergency response. Reporting to the Water ...

City of Seattle, WA

Sr. Water Quality Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$68.52 - $79.78/hr

Working closely with operators, engineers, planners, and project teams, you'll bring expert insight to daily operations, major capital initiatives, and emergency response. Reporting to the Water ...

JLL

Refrigeration Technician

Seattle, WA · On-site

$28.50 - $39/hr

Journey Refrigeration Mechanic License or Refrigeration Operating Engineer License (SDIC) * Universal HVAC EPA 608 Certification (required for refrigerant handling) * HVAC/Refrigeration technical or ...

LEAF Engineers

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$118K - $157K/yr

You would also be responsible for QA/QC construction documents, provide design ideas and solutions, and train or mentor other Designers, Operators or Engineers. Your Impact: Develop and modify Revit ...

LEAF Engineers

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

You would also be responsible for QA/QC construction documents, provide design ideas and solutions, and train or mentor other Designers, Operators or Engineers. Your Impact: Develop and modify Revit ...

Reply

DevOps Engineer

Seattle, WA

$120K - $140K/yr

... Engineer to design, automate, and scale cloud-native infrastructure supporting enterprise-grade ... The ideal candidate brings strong automation discipline and experience operating production-grade ...

Reply

DevOps Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

... Engineer to design, automate, and scale cloud-native infrastructure supporting enterprise-grade ... The ideal candidate brings strong automation discipline and experience operating production-grade ...

Reply

DevOps Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

... Engineer to design, automate, and scale cloud-native infrastructure supporting enterprise-grade ... The ideal candidate brings strong automation discipline and experience operating production-grade ...

Astrion

Chief Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$64 - $65/hr

US Coast Guard license as Chief Engineer of inspected motor vessels operating on oceans, on vessels powered by not less than 2500 HP. USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOperating Engineer JobsOperating Engineer Jobs in Tacoma, WA

Operating Engineer information

See Tacoma, WA salary details

$38.7K

$91.3K

$145K

How much do operating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer in Tacoma, WA is $91,314.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,600.00 and $100,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operating engineer?

Operating Engineers are skilled professionals who operate and maintain heavy machinery and equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, excavators, and loaders, commonly used on construction sites and in other industrial settings. They are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of this equipment, performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting issues, and sometimes assisting with repairs. Operating Engineers play a critical role in the successful completion of construction and infrastructure projects by helping move materials, clear land, and perform tasks that require mechanical power.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operating engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operating Engineer, you need expertise in operating, maintaining, and repairing complex machinery, often backed by a high school diploma, technical training, and relevant licenses or certifications. Familiarity with control systems, heavy equipment, and safety protocols—such as OSHA standards—is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient operation of equipment, minimize downtime, and help maintain a secure work environment.

What are some common challenges operating engineers face when managing multiple pieces of equipment on a job site?

Operating Engineers often juggle the operation and maintenance of several types of heavy machinery, such as cranes, bulldozers, and excavators, which requires strong multitasking and organizational skills. A common challenge is coordinating equipment use efficiently to avoid downtime and bottlenecks, particularly on busy construction sites with tight schedules. Additionally, they must remain vigilant about safety protocols and equipment inspections to prevent accidents or mechanical failures. Effective communication with site supervisors and other team members is crucial to ensure a smooth workflow and address any issues promptly.

What is the difference between Operating Engineer vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectOperating EngineerMaintenance Technician
CredentialsOSHA certifications, state licenses, technical trainingOSHA certifications, technical/vocational training
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, power plants, large facilitiesBuildings, manufacturing plants, facilities maintenance
Employer & IndustryConstruction, utilities, manufacturingFacilities management, manufacturing, commercial buildings

Operating Engineers and Maintenance Technicians often share certifications and work in industrial or large facility environments. Operating Engineers focus on operating and maintaining heavy machinery and equipment, while Maintenance Technicians handle repairs and preventive maintenance of building systems. Both roles are essential for facility operations, but their specific duties and focus areas differ.

How much do operating engineers make in the US?

Operating engineers in the US typically earn a median annual wage of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and specialization. Skilled operators with certifications and experience can earn higher salaries, especially in construction, power plants, or heavy industrial environments.

Is an operating engineer hard to get into?

Becoming an operating engineer typically requires completing technical training, obtaining relevant certifications, and gaining experience with heavy machinery. Entry can be competitive, especially for union positions, but proper training and licensing improve job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Engineer jobs in Tacoma, WA?

The most popular types of Operating Engineer jobs in Tacoma, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Operating Engineer jobs in Tacoma, WA?

For Operating Engineer jobs in Tacoma, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operating Engineer jobs in Tacoma, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating Engineer jobs in Tacoma, WA are:

What cities near Tacoma, WA are hiring for Operating Engineer jobs?

Cities near Tacoma, WA with the most Operating Engineer job openings:

Operating Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Engineer job openings in Tacoma, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,314 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Boiler Plant Operator

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Joint Base Lewis Mcchord, WA

$33.36/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: This position is with:
  • US ARMY IMCOM
  • JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD
  • DIRECTORATE OF PUBLIC WORKS
  • OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE DIVISION
  • BLDG&GROUND BR, BOILER PLANTS
  • JBLM, WA
Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.
Minimum Qualifications (WG-08:):Have the ability to perform some of Boiler Plant operations, maintenance and repairs. I can perform routine maintenance or repairs to auxiliary equipment e.g. lubricate moving parts, replace filters, replace or adjust drive belts; accurately record pertinent data such as, unusual conditions observed, safety shutdowns, repairs, or adjustments required or made. I work under supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who reviews my work for completion.
Minimum Qualifications: (WG-10:) : Have the ability to perform some of Boiler Plant operations, maintenance and repairs. I can perform routine maintenance or repairs to auxiliary equipment e.g. lubricate moving parts, replace filters, replace or adjust drive belts; accurately record pertinent data such as, unusual conditions observed, safety shutdowns, repairs, or adjustments required or made. I work under supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who reviews my work for completion.
The WG-08 Boiler Plant Operator position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain a Operating Engineer Certificate or equivalent. The certified operator shall be limited to operation of boiler plants not exceeding an aggregate of 50MBTU/HR. (Note: You must attach a copy of the certificate with your resume package in order to be considered for this position.)
The WG-10 Boiler Plant Operator position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain a Operating Engineer Certificate or equivalent. The certified operator shall be limited to operation of boiler plants not exceeding an aggregate of 300MBTU/HR. (Note: You must attach a copy of the certificate with your resume package in order to be considered for the position.)**
  • PHYSICAL EFFORT: Frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment; e.g. auxiliary and pollution control equipment. Work requires moderate to strenuous physical effort and long periods of walking, kneeling, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Frequently lifts and carries boiler parts, equipment, and chemical supplies weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted and occasionally items weighing over 50 pounds with assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment.
  • WORKING CONDITIONS: Employee normally works indoors on concrete surfaces. Occasionally works outside for short periods. When working outside is subject to prevailing weather conditions. Works on catwalks and ladders. Employee is subject to high temperature, high noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, dust, grease, chemicals, oil, fuel, and fumes in the work area. Exposed to toxic effects of refrigerants, scalding hot water, and steam temperatures up to 365F. Subject to cuts and abrasions from use of tools and equipment and burns from acids, caustics, and contact with pipes and boilers. Must be able to work using/wearing applicable PPE (hearing, eye, fall, respiratory protection, safety shoes, hard hat, gloves, etc.)
Education:Some Federal positions allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone - no substitution of education for experience is permitted.Employment Type: OTHER

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