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Tug Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vulcan Materials

LineHaul Tug Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$650 - $750/day

Must have previous experience operating a tug boat in rivers and/or bays with multiple barges (Preferred). Must also have Experience navigating shallow waters and maneuvering a tug with a tow through ...

D.O.M. magazine

$21.25 - $27.75/hr

... supervisor/tug operator, APU operation, Aileron lockout procedures, trim tab wight & balance, A/C pressurization procedures, cargo/ entry door rigging, troubleshooting hydraulic systems, air ...

Island Tug and Barge CO.

Captain

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Company Description Island Tug and Barge Co. has operated as an independent, family-owned marine transportation company in Puget Sound since 1979. What began with a single vessel has grown into a ...

Vulcan Materials Company

LineHaul Tug Mate

Norfolk, VA

$650 - $750/day

Must have previous experience operating a tug boat in rivers and/or bays with multiple barges (Preferred). Must also have Experience navigating shallow waters and maneuvering a tug with a tow through ...

Vulcan Materials Company

LineHaul Tug Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$650 - $750/day

Must have previous experience operating a tug boat in rivers and/or bays with multiple barges (Preferred). Must also have Experience navigating shallow waters and maneuvering a tug with a tow through ...

US Department of the Army

MATE TUG CLASS I

Detroit, MI

$48.44/hr

Ability to do the work of a(n) MATE TUG CLASS I ~ without more than normal supervision.I have the ... Close hand and eye coordination is required when operating controls to maneuver vessel and tows in ...

Clearance Jobs

MOTOR VESSEL CAPTAIN Jobs

Everett, WA · On-site

Operating radar and radio equipment on a tug; * Performing tug make-up, line handling, towing, docking, undocking, anchoring, and mooring of a tug. Additional qualification information can be found ...

Clearance Jobs

MOTOR VESSEL CAPTAIN Jobs

Everett, WA · On-site

Operating radar and radio equipment on a tug; * Performing tug make-up, line handling, towing, docking, undocking, anchoring, and mooring of a tug. Additional qualification information can be found ...

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Tug Operator information

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$12

$24

$35

How much do tug operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug operator in the United States is $24.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tug operator?

Tug operators are professionals who operate tugboats to assist with the maneuvering of ships and other large vessels in harbors, rivers, and canals. Their main duties involve towing, pushing, or guiding ships safely to their berths or out to open water, often in confined or busy waterways. Tug operators must have strong navigational skills, knowledge of maritime regulations, and the ability to work as part of a team to ensure safe and efficient vessel movements.

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

To thrive as a Tug Operator, you need a solid understanding of vessel handling, navigation, and maritime safety, typically supported by a relevant maritime license such as an MMC (Merchant Mariner Credential) and experience in marine operations. Familiarity with navigation systems, marine radios, and towing equipment is essential for daily operations. Strong communication, situational awareness, and teamwork skills help ensure safe and efficient maneuvering in busy ports. These competencies are vital for preventing accidents, protecting cargo, and supporting the smooth flow of maritime traffic.

What are some common challenges tug operators face during daily operations, and how can these be managed?

Tug Operators often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, tight maneuvering spaces in busy ports, and coordinating with multiple vessels and harbor staff. Managing these challenges involves strong communication skills, a thorough understanding of maritime safety protocols, and the ability to quickly adapt to changing situations. Regular training, adherence to established procedures, and effective teamwork are essential for ensuring safe and efficient operations.
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Tug Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,869 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Air Cargo Warehouse Operations Specialist -ORD

Chicago, IL • On-site

Worldwide Flight Services
Transportation and Warehousing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Worldwide Flight Servicesexternal

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

Worldwide Flight Services rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 68 rated aviation services

Job description

About WFS
Join our Worldwide Flight Services family and contribute to the timely delivery of cargo shipment, business to customer delivery, and on-time flights while operating safely and securely. We perform at the highest level for our customers every day, and strive to be an exceptional leader in our industry with our teams of cargo, passenger, ramp handling, and technical service experts in 227 airport locations in 27 countries on 5 continents. Are you ready to take off on your next career with us?
Job Summary
Performs safe and efficient cargo duties through direction, coordination, observation, and hands-on assistance while handling the operation.
This job is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Responsibilities
  • Ensures all duties performed by assigned personnel are completed in the most efficient and professional manner.
  • Performs export cargo build-up, import/export cargo tracing, forklift operation, monitors the utilization of dock offload/loading, and completes warehouse cargo inventory assessments.
  • Prepares import/export flight documentation, accepts/distributes cargo in accordance with applicable air carrier and Department of Transportation regulations, provides outstanding customer service to resolve customer issues.
  • Ensures the compliance of all ramp safety regulations, performs loading/un-loading of aircraft, performs visual Foreign Object Debris (FOD) checks and checks of aircraft condition before and after loading, operates ramp equipment, and coordinates the transporting of cargo between terminals and aircraft.
  • Comply with all WFS safety and security policies and procedures, and all air carrier TSA Security Programs. Never participate in fraudulent activities with regard to safety and security.
  • Remain aware of WFS staff, contractors, and visitors' activities. Report security breaches, suspicious occurrences, or non-compliances with security processes or procedures, including access controls, badging, and security screening to the Manager or through the WFS reporting system, Pulse, or through the Company "See Something, Say Something" Program.
  • Serves as a technical operational expert coordinating the safe and efficient movement of cargo, addressing both warehouse and ramp needs simultaneously.
  • Is responsible for providing insight on the staffing structure and tasks needed to ensure on-time, safe, and high-quality delivery.
  • Assignments may vary by customer. Employees will be assigned a primary assignment and can expect to support other customers based on their training and experience.

Minimum Requirements
  • HS Diploma, GED or Equivalent.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Must be certified to operate multiple pieces of equipment and able to perform the following: WAREHOUSE : Builder, Dock Master (Import/ Export/ Oversize/ VUN) Cargo Screener and Forklift operator. RAMP : (min. Advanced GSE, tug/ belt loader/ GPU/ASU) Pushback, Loader Operator, Load Master, Marshaling, Forklift and Operator/ Tug Operator.
  • 5+ years of Air Cargo operations experience, performing advanced levels of warehouse and ramp responsibilities.
  • Experience in training and coaching employees.
  • Experience supporting safety improvement projects.
  • Must meet customer station-specific requirements.

**This job is covered by a collective bargaining agreement of the Transport Workers Union (TWU), a labor union which requires joining the TWU and paying union dues.**
Preferred Skills
  • Ability to work rotating shifts including weekends (i.e., Friday, Saturday and Sunday), holidays, and days off.
  • Ability to read, write, fluently speak and understand the English language.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
  • Ability to lift up to 80 pounds.

Perks & Benefits
  • Want your pay in advance? Access your pay when you need it through DailyPay app!
  • Are you a top performer who thrives on recognition? On the spot awards offered through the Awardco Platform including gift cards and more!
  • Need quality medical care? Multiple options for both full and part-time employees!
  • Want WFS Employee Extras? Travel Discounts, Pet insurance, Discount Shopping & More!
  • Looking to stay healthy and improve your life? Wellness Programs offered to all employees!
  • Want to invest in your future? 401k program offered!
  • Looking to grow and have a career with us? Opportunity for Internal Mobility and transfers available!

WFS is an equal opportunity employer committed to employment equity and inclusion. We accept applications from all qualified individuals.

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