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Tug Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Curtin Maritime

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand to captain, operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside), welding and building ...

Curtin Maritime, Corp

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand to captain, operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside), welding and building ...

Curtin Maritime

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand to captain, operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside), welding and building ...

Foster Farms

Fueler Washer (Swings)

Livingston, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

Fuel reefer trailers inside complex with Fuel Tug. * Steam clean inside trailers (minimum 5 daily) * Fuel & inspect Foster Farms Eq at fuel island. * External wash of Foster Farms Eq (covers the 5 ...

Foster Farms

Fueler Washer (Swings)

Livingston, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

Fuel reefer trailers inside complex with Fuel Tug. * Steam clean inside trailers (minimum 5 daily) * Fuel & inspect Foster Farms Eq at fuel island. * External wash of Foster Farms Eq (covers the 5 ...

Foster Farms

Fueler Washer (Swings)

Livingston, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

Fuel reefer trailers inside complex with Fuel Tug. Steam clean inside trailers (minimum 5 daily) Fuel & inspect Foster Farms Eq at fuel island. External wash of Foster Farms Eq (covers the 5 min ...

ECMD

Distribution Unit Crewmember

Riverside, CA · On-site

$20/hr

The Crewmember is responsible for various jobs in the warehouse area such as driving a forklift/order picker, tug or other appropriate material handling equipment, receiving and shipping products and ...

ECMD

Distribution Unit Crewmember

Riverside, CA · On-site

$22.25/hr

The Crewmember is responsible for various jobs in the warehouse area such as driving a forklift/order picker, tug or other appropriate material handling equipment, receiving and shipping products and ...

ECMD

Distribution Unit Crewmember

Riverside, CA · On-site

$22.25/hr

Job Duties And Responsibilities The Crewmember is responsible for various jobs in the warehouse area such as driving a forklift/order picker, tug or other appropriate material handling equipment ...

ABO Plasma

Donor Screener

San Diego, CA · On-site

Ability to lift, tug, and pull up to 50 pounds. Ability to read while standing or sitting in front of a computer for short periods of time. WORK ENVIRONMENT This job routinely uses standard office ...

Foss Maritime

Deckhand - El Segundo

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$33.88/hr

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug and barge transportation, and offshore energy solutions, including traditional energy and offshore ...

ABO Plasma

Phlebotomist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

Ability to lift, tug, and pull up to 50 pounds. Ability to read while standing or sitting in front of a computer for short periods of time. WORK ENVIRONMENT This job routinely uses standard office ...

Foss Maritime

Deckhand - El Segundo

Long Beach, CA

$33.88/hr

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug and barge transportation, and offshore energy solutions, including traditional energy and offshore ...

ABO Plasma

Plasma Process Lab Tech

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Ability to lift, tug, and pull up to 50 pounds. WORK ENVIRONMENT This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. May be ...

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All JobsTug JobsTug Jobs in California

Tug information

See California salary details

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$48

How much do tug jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug in California is $20.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $25.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tug?

Tugs, also known as tugboats, are specialized vessels designed to maneuver other vessels by pushing or towing them. They are commonly used in harbors, ports, and canals to assist ships in docking, undocking, and navigating through tight or crowded areas. Tugs are equipped with powerful engines and are highly maneuverable, making them essential for moving large ships that can't easily navigate these spaces on their own.

What does a tug do?

Tugboat operators are primarily responsible for maneuvering large vessels, such as ships and barges, safely in and out of harbors, docks, and through narrow waterways. A typical day involves monitoring weather and water conditions, maintaining communication with port authorities, pilots, and ship captains, and ensuring the tug and its equipment are in good working order. Tugboat operators work closely with deckhands and engineers on board, as well as with external crews, to coordinate towing, docking, and undocking procedures. This role requires strong teamwork, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to respond quickly to changing situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tug?

To thrive as a Tugboat Operator, you need a strong understanding of maritime navigation, vessel handling, and safety procedures, usually supported by a relevant license such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Familiarity with marine communication systems, towing equipment, and GPS navigation technology is essential. Excellent teamwork, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe and efficient maneuvering of vessels, protecting crew, cargo, and the environment in busy port and harbor operations.

What is the difference between Tug vs Crane Operator?

AspectTugCrane Operator
CredentialsMaritime licenses, certifications in vessel operationCrane operation certifications, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentMaritime, dockyards, portsConstruction sites, industrial facilities, ports
Industry UsageShipping, logistics, port operationsConstruction, manufacturing, shipping

While both Tug and Crane Operator roles involve heavy machinery, Tug operators primarily work on water, maneuvering vessels in ports and harbors, requiring maritime certifications. Crane Operators work on land, operating cranes in construction or industrial settings, with certifications focused on crane safety. Both roles are essential in port and shipping industries but differ mainly in environment and specific skills.

How to get hired on a tugboat?

To get hired as a tugboat crew member, candidates typically need relevant maritime experience, a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), and certifications such as Basic Safety Training and Marine Radio Operator Permit. Employers often require physical fitness, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a team environment, with job opportunities available through maritime unions, shipping companies, or specialized job boards.

What jobs are there on a tugboat?

Jobs on a tugboat include deckhand, engineer, captain, and mate, each requiring specific skills and certifications. Deckhands assist with towing operations and vessel maintenance, while engineers handle engine and mechanical systems. These roles demand safety training, maritime certifications, and familiarity with navigation and communication tools.

What are popular job titles related to Tug jobs in California?

For Tug jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tug jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Tug jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Tug jobs?

Cities in California with the most Tug job openings:

Tug jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 10% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,574 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

You're totally what we need!

Yacht Club Games, LLC

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 hours ago

Job description

Company Description
Founded in 2013, our goal is to create gameplay-first titles that will both tug at your heartstrings and delight you with levity and charm. Importantly, the team wants to create games that all people can play and enjoy.

After launching the company with a wildly successful Kickstarter, the team at Yacht Club Games released their first game, Shovel Knight, to worldwide critical and commercial success. With multiple Game of the Year Awards and releases across all major platforms, Shovel Knight has become a major sensation. But we're just getting started!

Yacht Club Game is a small collection of tenacious game development enthusiasts. In addition to enjoying all types of games, the team has over 40 years of collective experience in developing games on innumerable platforms. Yacht Club Games currently works from a humble office located in Marina Del Rey, California.

Job Description
Unfortunately we aren't hiring full time employees at the moment, but if you still want to give it a shot, feel like you have something to offer we don't know we need, or are interested in us keeping you in mind when positions become available

Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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