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Pilot Escort Driver Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Pilot Escort Driver information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$56.3K

$149K

$228.7K

How much do pilot escort driver jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot escort driver in Seattle, WA is $148,986.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,800.00 and $176,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pilot escort driver?

Pilot escort drivers, also known as escort vehicle drivers or flag car drivers, are responsible for accompanying oversized or wide-load vehicles on public roads to ensure their safe and compliant transport. They help warn other motorists, navigate the load through challenging routes, and communicate with the truck driver about road hazards or obstacles. Their role is essential for preventing accidents, protecting infrastructure, and ensuring that oversized loads reach their destination safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pilot escort driver?

To thrive as a Pilot Escort Driver, you need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and knowledge of state and federal transportation regulations. Familiarity with CB radios, GPS navigation systems, and flagging certifications are typically required to communicate with truck drivers and authorities. Attention to detail, strong situational awareness, and effective communication skills help manage safety and coordinate movements on the road. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring the safe and efficient transport of oversized loads while adhering to legal requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by pilot escort drivers during oversize load transportation?

Pilot Escort Drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating unfamiliar routes, managing communication with truck drivers and law enforcement, and adapting to changing road and weather conditions. Maintaining constant vigilance is essential to ensure the safety of the load and the general public. Coordination and quick problem-solving skills are crucial, as unexpected obstacles like traffic congestion or construction zones may require immediate adjustments to the planned route.

What is the difference between Pilot Escort Driver vs Pilot Escort Driver?

AspectPilot Escort Driver

Since the comparison is with itself, the main differences often relate to specific job roles or industries. Typically, Pilot Escort Drivers are responsible for guiding oversize or heavy loads, ensuring safety and compliance on roads. They often hold specialized certifications like CDL licenses and have experience with escorting permits. The work environment involves traveling on highways, working outdoors, and coordinating with law enforcement. Employers include transportation companies, logistics firms, and construction projects. Overall, Pilot Escort Drivers are essential for safe transportation of oversized loads, and their skills are highly specialized within the transportation industry.

How much money can you make as a pilot escort driver?

Pilot escort drivers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the escort jobs. Some drivers may earn more with specialized certifications or by working for larger companies handling oversize or hazardous loads.

How to become a pilot escort driver?

To become a pilot escort driver, you typically need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), experience driving large or oversize vehicles, and knowledge of safety regulations. Some employers may require specialized training or certifications related to escorting oversized loads and route planning. Maintaining a clean driving record and understanding local laws are also important for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Pilot Escort Driver jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Pilot Escort Driver jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pilot Escort Driver jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Pilot Escort Driver jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Pilot Escort Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Escort Driver job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $148,986 per year, or $71.6 per hour.

Chief Mate - OTB

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Seattle, WA • On-site

$770/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Centerline Logistics rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Overview
Acts as second in command of the tug and barge. Must be able to understand and carry out the orders and directions of the captain. Must be prepared to assume command in the event of incapacity of the captain. Responsible for safely making and breaking tow with barges, handling lines and wires. Responsible for maintenance and cleanliness of the vessel.
Responsibilities
The job responsibilities include, but are not limited, to the following:
  • Stand wheelhouse watch alternating with captain.
  • Oversee safety of vessel including all installed equipment and inspections thereof.
  • Maintain chart corrections and light lists for Area of Operations.
  • Instruct deckhands in seamanship skills.
  • Assist captain in barge landings and must be able to communicate distances and directions
    to captain accurately and concisely.
  • Determine the need for and assign lookouts as necessary.
  • Inspection for cleanliness of vessel.
  • Inventory supplies and order as appropriate.
  • Monitor onboard usage to ensure supplies are utilized in an efficient manner.
  • Work aboard boats and barges using pike poles, heavy lines, winches, mechanical tools for repairs, paint, thinner, paint brushes/rollers, paint chipping tools, cleaning solvents, kitchen utensils/cookware, power cords.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Previous experience as a Mate or Master of a tug hauling oil barges.
  • Near Coastal Wire Towing Tug or ATB experience preferred.
  • Valid Coast Guard license with towing and radar observer endorsement.
  • Chief Mate Inland
  • Min: 500 Ton Mate, Mate Pilot of Towing inland or near coastal
  • Tank Barge PIC W/experience as qualified PIC onboard tank barges.
  • Chief Mate Offshore
  • Min: 1600 Ton Near Coastal or Oceans Mate, Mate, Pilot of towing N/C or Oceans with equivalent STCW endorsements
  • GMDSS, ECDIS
  • STCW endorsements as VPDSD (STCW A-VI/6.6-8) or Vessel Security Officer (VSO) endorsement required.
  • Tank Barge PIC W/experience as qualified PIC onboard tank barges.
  • Must have Coast Guard approved firefighting training.
  • Valid First Aid/CPR training certificate.
  • Complete 24 hour HAZWOPER training within 90 days of hire.
  • Valid state driver's license.
  • Must be able to instruct deckhand on use of all tools and machinery onboard vessel.
  • Able to communicate in English and effectively direct workers in assigning jobs and seeing them through to completion. Must be able to train assigned workers.
  • Must be able to fairly evaluate subordinates.
  • Must be able to understand and use information in cargo information cards and material safety data sheets.
  • Must be able to read, speak, and understand English over telephone and/or radio.

Job Condition and Environment
  • Ability to get along with crew members in confined quarters for prolonged periods of time.
  • Must be able to perform the functions set forth in the attached job analysis and physically fit enough to pull heavy lines/hoses, lift, carry heavy items, climb onto barges and up and down ladders, and bending and twisting during boat/barge tie up.
  • Exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, heat, wind, heavy seas, etc.)
  • Must not be afraid of heights.

Expected Hours of Work
  • Able to work weekends, holidays, and at night. Willing to take call outs.
  • Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules and hours.

Company Overview
Centerline Logistics is a leading provider of marine transportation services in the United States. Centerline Logistics operates on the United States West Coast (including Alaska and Hawaii), United States East Coast (including Puerto Rico), the United States Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River System. Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship assist, the transportation of general cargo and rescue towing. Centerline Logistics is the parent company of eight businesses specializing in marine services and a bulk liquids terminal business. Centerline Logistics provides accounting, administrative, human resources, safety and environmental services, and other support to the subsidiary companies.
The Company offers Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D options to our employees and their eligible dependents after meeting Company requirements. 401(k) options, Disability Insurance, sick pay, vacation pay, 10 paid holidays per calendar year (subject to work schedule) and Healthcare and/or Dependent Care FSAs are also available to our employees after meeting Company requirements. All benefits information may be subject to change based on any current or updated benefit plan year changes and/or Collective Bargaining Agreements.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity and Drug Free Work place. Pre-employment drug testing is required.

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