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Union Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Schnabel

Equipment Operator

Rockville, MD · On-site

ROLE: Schnabel is seeking an Equipment Operator to assist with the building of specialty ... COMPENSATIONS AND BENEFITS: $31.09+ per hour Schnabel is a union contractor and as such, your ...

Schnabel

Equipment Operator

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$31.09/hr

ROLE: Schnabel is seeking an Equipment Operator to assist with the building of specialty ... COMPENSATIONS AND BENEFITS: $31.09+ per hour Schnabel is a union contractor and as such, your ...

Schnabel

Equipment Operator

Rockville, MD

$31.09/hr

ROLE: Schnabel is seeking an Equipment Operator to assist with the building of specialty ... COMPENSATIONS AND BENEFITS: $31.09+ per hour Schnabel is a union contractor and as such, your ...

SSP Group

Union Dues and Benefits Specialist

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$30 - $33/hr

As food-travel experts operating across hundreds of airport locations in the US and Canada, we manage a complex, multi-union environment that requires dedicated specialists who take ownership of ...

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All JobsUnion Operator JobsUnion Operator Jobs in Washington

Union Operator information

See Washington salary details

$12

$22

$33

How much do union operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for union operator in Washington is $22.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $25.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Union Operators face on the job site, and how can they prepare for them?

Union Operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing project demands, working in various weather conditions, and coordinating with multiple trades on busy job sites. To prepare, it's important to stay up-to-date with safety protocols, maintain strong communication with supervisors and team members, and continually refresh equipment operation skills through union training programs. Being adaptable and proactive in addressing potential issues can help Union Operators excel and contribute effectively to their team.

What are Union Operators?

Union Operators are skilled workers who operate heavy machinery and equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, or forklifts, typically as members of a labor union. They are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of this equipment on construction sites, in warehouses, or in industrial settings. Being part of a union means that these operators have specific protections, benefits, and negotiated wages. Union Operators often must complete specialized training and certification to ensure they meet safety standards and operational requirements.

What is the difference between Union Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectUnion OperatorMachine Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, union certificationHigh school diploma, technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, manufacturing plants, industrial settingsFactories, manufacturing plants, industrial facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUnionized construction and industrial companiesManufacturing and production industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Union Operator and Machine Operator roles share similarities in industrial settings, requiring safety training and technical skills. However, Union Operators are typically part of unionized construction or industrial teams, focusing on heavy equipment and site operations, while Machine Operators work mainly in manufacturing environments operating specific machinery. Both roles are essential in their industries and often compared by job seekers seeking similar industrial or manufacturing careers.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

Union operators typically do not earn $10,000 a month without specialized skills and experience; however, some high-paying trades like commercial pilots, offshore oil rig workers, or certain sales roles can reach that level without a college degree. These jobs often require certifications, technical training, or extensive on-the-job experience. Earning such income usually involves working long hours, high responsibility, or in hazardous environments.

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

To thrive as a Union Operator, you need a strong background in operating heavy machinery, understanding safety protocols, and relevant union apprenticeship training or certification. Familiarity with equipment such as cranes, bulldozers, and excavators, as well as knowledge of OSHA regulations and computerized control systems, is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating with crew members and maintaining a safe work environment. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure efficient, safe operations and compliance with industry standards on construction or industrial sites.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

Some high-paying union jobs, such as specialized construction or industrial union operators, can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with overtime, experience, and certifications. These roles often require extensive training, skills in operating heavy machinery, and union membership, with pay rates varying by industry and location.

How does operator union work?

A union for operators is an organized group that represents workers in negotiations with employers over wages, benefits, and working conditions. Union members typically pay dues and may participate in collective bargaining, strikes, or other activities to improve their employment terms. Certification and adherence to labor laws are essential for union operations.

What union job pays the most?

Union jobs in the construction, electrical, and transportation sectors tend to offer the highest wages, especially for skilled roles like electricians, crane operators, and heavy equipment operators. These positions often require specialized certifications and experience, and wages can vary based on location and union agreements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Union Operator jobs in Washington? For Union Operator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Union Operator jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Union Operator jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Union Operator jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Union Operator job openings:
Union Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Operator job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,272 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

TRANSMISSION-Heavy Equip Operator Non-union

Utility Lines Construction Services, LLC

Manassas, VA

$40 - $50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Utility Lines Construction Services rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description

 

NUHEO3-Overhead Transmission Heavy Equipment Operator

 

Heavy Equipment Operator will be expected to operate equipment including but not limited to cranes, boom trucks, knuckle booms, and bull dozers and all other equipment required for crane operations, wire tensioning and pulling. A willingness to travel is a must.

 

Job Type:  Full-Time +, Non-Exempt

Pay: Competitive/Hourly

Benefits:

  • Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • Short/Long Term Disability
  • Matching 401(k) Plan
  • Paid Holidays and Vacation
  • FR Clothing Provided
  • Employee Payroll Deduction Program

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

  • Operates small-motorized equipment including but not limited to chain saws, jackhammers, hydraulic tools, and hand tools.
  • Works around hazardous equipment.
  • Works near energized parts or equipment.
  • Exposed to traffic and may be required to have training on traffic flagging.
  • Works around excessive noise from machines (backhoe, trencher, mini excavator, digger derricks, knuckle boom, jackhammers, and other equipment)
  • Establishing OSHA and company/customer safety requirements

 

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be able to operate the various tools for the work (various manual digging devices, wrenches, hammers, come along and handline etc.)
  • Must have endurance to perform duties throughout a standard eight (8) or ten (10) hour day.
  • Must be able to maintain attention during dangerous tasks.

 

Education & Experience

  • NCCCO Certification is preferred but not required.
  • Experienced in backhoe, trencher, excavator, skid steer, bulldozer, and other various types of equipment required.

 

Pre-Screen

  • Upon offer, employees are required to subject and pass both a pre-employment drug screen and background and/or MVR check.

License & Certifications:

  • CDL Preferred.
  • Driver License Required.

Travel Requirements:

  • Must be willing to travel and work away from home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Physical Requirements:

  • OCCASIONAL (up to 33%): Sitting, Kneeling, and Crawling
  • FREQUENT (up to 66 %): Stooping, Squatting, Body Twisting, Manual Dexterity, Reading, Climbing Ladders, Climbing On/Off Truck, Climbing Poles, Gripping, and Climbing Stairs
  • CONTINUOUS (up to 100%): Standing, Walking, Sense of Touch, Speaking Clearly, Seeing Distant, Seeing, Reaching, Range of Motion, Hearing-Speech Range, Depth Perception, Color Vision, Lifting, Carrying, Pushing, Pulling, Lifting Over 10 lbs. to 50 lbs., Balancing, lifting up to 10 lbs., and Lifting Up to 50 lbs.

 

Safety

Due to the inherently dangerous nature of the industry and requirements to work with or around hazardous equipment, employees must have sufficient eyesight to judge distance/coordination of equipment and tools, be able to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods, be able to withstand exposure to all kinds of weather while completing work assignments, be able to wear personal protective equipment as necessary, be able to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times a day, have the endurance necessary to traverse various terrain, be capable of performing job duties throughout a standard 8- or 10-hour day, be able to communicate with others, read, write, and comprehend written/verbal job instructions and information, and communicate and handle conflict professionally.

  • Work nights, weekends, and holidays for extended periods; may be required to perform duties as part of recovery force during emergencies and disasters.
  • Works around hazardous equipment.
  • Works with energized parts or equipment.
  • Works around excessive noise from machines, jackhammers, chain saws and other equipment, with proper hearing protection.

What Utility Lines Construction Services employees say

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