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Tug Driver Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Captain

Seattle, WA

$780 - $1.0K/day

Responsible for maintenance and cleanliness of tug and barge. The job responsibilities include but ... Must have valid states driver's license. * Valid radio operator's license. * Must be able to ...

Mate, OTB

Seattle, WA

$600 - $686/hr

Acts as second in command of the tug and barge. Must be able to understand and carry out the orders ... Valid state driver's license. * GMDSS and ECDIS preferred. * Ability to live in confined spaces and ...

Captain

Seattle, WA · On-site

$1.0K/day

Responsible for maintenance and cleanliness of tug and barge. Responsibilities The job ... Must have valid states driver's license. * Valid radio operator's license. * Must be able to ...

Mate, OTB

Seattle, WA · On-site

$686/wk

Overview Acts as second in command of the tug and barge. Must be able to understand and carry out ... Valid state driver's license. * GMDSS and ECDIS preferred. Job Condition and Environment * Ability ...

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Tug Driver information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$6

$17

$22

How much do tug driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug driver in Seattle, WA is $17.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $20.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tug driver?

Tug drivers, also known as ground support equipment (GSE) operators, are responsible for operating tugs or tractors that move aircraft, baggage carts, cargo, and other equipment around airports. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of aircraft and materials on the ground. Tug drivers must be skilled in maneuvering large vehicles in busy airport environments and adhere to strict safety protocols. Their work helps maintain timely flight schedules and supports overall airport operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tug driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tug Driver, you need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and experience or certification in operating heavy vehicles or airport ground support equipment. Familiarity with airport communications systems, ground handling procedures, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills help ensure safe and efficient operations on busy airfields. These skills and qualifications are crucial to prevent accidents, maintain flight schedules, and uphold safety standards in airport environments.

What are some common challenges faced by tug drivers, and how can they be managed on the job?

Tug drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating busy or congested airport ramps, adhering to tight schedules, and working in varying weather conditions. To manage these challenges, it's important to maintain clear communication with ground crews and follow all safety protocols diligently. Staying alert, keeping up with ongoing training, and being adaptable to sudden operational changes can help tug drivers perform efficiently and safely. Collaboration with dispatchers and other team members is also essential to ensure smooth ground handling operations.

What is the difference between Tug Driver vs Forklift Operator?

AspectTug DriverForklift Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) often requiredForklift certification/license required
Work EnvironmentPorts, docks, shipping yardsWarehouses, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageMaritime, shipping, logisticsWarehousing, manufacturing, retail
Job FocusMoving large ships, tugging cargo shipsMoving pallets, containers within facilities

While both roles involve vehicle operation in logistics settings, Tug Drivers primarily operate specialized vehicles to move ships and large cargo in ports, requiring a CDL. Forklift Operators focus on internal material handling within warehouses, needing forklift certification. Both roles are essential in logistics but differ in environment, equipment, and specific skills.

What are the duties of a tug driver?

A tug driver operates tugboats to move ships, barges, or other large vessels within ports, harbors, or docks. Their duties include maneuvering vessels safely, following safety protocols, and maintaining the vessel and equipment. Certification in marine operations and good navigation skills are often required.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Tug Driver job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,887 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

MOTOR VESSEL CAPTAIN with Security Clearance

Department of the Navy

Everett, WA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 9 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Duties * You will direct and accomplish the daily activities during normal operations as well as during routine maintenance, cleaning, and painting, which may be necessary to keep the vessel in shipshape condition. * You will pilot and efficiently handle the tug during normal operations. * You will instruct the deck crew in the operation of deck or safety equipment on board including pumps, winches, life rafts, fire extinguishers or systems, life buoys and lights, fire pumps, etc. * You will handle and tow all floating craft and ships throughout connecting channels or open waters. Requirements Conditions of employment * Must be a US Citizen. * Must be determined suitable for federal employment. * Must participate in the direct deposit pay program. * New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov * Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326. * Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. * This is a bargaining unit position. * You will be required to obtain and maintain a current valid United States driver's license. * You will be required to successfully complete a pre-appointment physical examination. * You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal. * You will be required to wear personal protective equipment such as helmets, gloves, coveralls, glasses, goggles, respirators and safety shoes continuously for the duration of the work shift. * This position may require travel from normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS and may include remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time. * Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (including marijuana) is required. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if you fail to report to the drug test appointment or fail the test. You will be subject to random testing. * You will be required to complete training, obtain, and maintain a government credit card for travel and travel-related purchases. * Work is performed in areas where potentially harmful physical and chemical agents are present (e.g. fumes, dust, heat, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation and chemicals). You will be required to participate in medical surveillance programs. * You must be able to complete Towing officers Assessment Record (TOAR) and attain a minimum inland Master of Towing Vessels endorsement within 12 months of hire. Qualifications This job has a screen-out element which will be used to determine minimum eligibility for this job. Applicants who do not receive a minimum of two points on the screen-out element(s) will be found ineligible. The Screen-out Element for this position is: THE ABILITY TO DO THE WORK OF THE POSITION WITHOUT MORE THAN NORMAL SUPERVISION. Your resume must show that you have the ability to perform common tasks including: 1) Navigating and maneuvering a large yard tugboat alongside vessels to assist in berthing; 2) Supervising the deck crew in the operation and general upkeep of the tug; 3) Operating radar and radio equipment on a tug; 4) Performing tug make-up, line handling, towing, docking, undocking, anchoring, and mooring of a tug Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/#url=WG-5700 Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will be required to possess and maintain a minimum of U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as Mate of Towing Vessels-Inland with Unlimited Radar Observer or a minimum Merchant Mariner Credential endorsed as Mate of Self-Propelled vessels of less than 500 Gross Register Tons (GRT) upon Inland waters with Unlimited Radar Observer. Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional information This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program. Several vacancies may be filled. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments. Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: . Veteran's preference does not apply when selecting individuals under this specific hiring authority. However, if you claim veteran's preference, you will be required to submit supporting documentation with your application as described in the Required Documents section below. This position is subject to work an uncommon tour, including nights, weekends, and holidays to meet mission requirements. Overtime or night differential pay and/or unusual duty hours may be required.

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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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