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Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

Operating Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

We are searching for an Operating Engineer -- someone who works well in a fast-paced setting. In ... Apprenticeship by the Department of Labor o SMA - Systems Maint Administrator by the Building ...

Operating Engineer

Houston, TX

$60K - $81K/yr

We are searching for an Operating Engineer -- someone who works well in a fast-paced setting. In ... Apprenticeship by the Department of Labor o SMA - Systems Maint Administrator by the Building ...

Operating Engineer

Houston, TX

$66K - $89K/yr

Job Title Operating Engineer Summary Maintenance & Repairs Perform preventive maintenance and ... High School Diploma or GED (trade school/apprentice program preferred) * 4+ years of technical ...

Operating Engineer

Houston, TX

$67K - $91K/yr

Job Title Operating Engineer Summary Responsible to ensure the efficient operation and maintenance ... apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE • 5+ years of related work ...

Operating Engineer

Houston, TX

$67K - $91K/yr

Job Title Operating Engineer Summary Responsible to ensure the efficient operation and maintenance ... apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE • 5+ years of related work ...

Operating Engineer

Houston, TX

$67K - $91K/yr

Job Title Operating Engineer Summary Responsible to ensure the efficient operation and maintenance ... Graduate of apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE * 3+ years of related ...

Lead Operating Engineer

Houston, TX

$97K - $128K/yr

Job Title Lead Operating Engineer Summary Responsible to ensure the proper efficient operations and ... apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE 5+ years of related trade ...

Lead Operating Engineer

Houston, TX

$97K - $128K/yr

Job Title Lead Operating Engineer Summary Responsible to ensure the proper efficient operations and ... apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE 5+ years of related trade ...

Lead Operating Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

Job Title Lead Operating Engineer Summary Responsible to ensure the proper efficient operations and ... apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE § 5+ years of related trade ...

Lead Operating Engineer

Houston, TX

$97K - $128K/yr

Job Title Lead Operating Engineer Summary Responsible to ensure the proper efficient operations and ... apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE 5+ years of related trade ...

Lead Operating Engineer

Houston, TX

$97K - $128K/yr

Job Title Lead Operating Engineer Summary Responsible to ensure the proper efficient operations and ... apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE 5+ years of related trade ...

Lead Operating Engineer

Houston, TX

$86K - $113K/yr

Job Title Lead Operating Engineer Summary Responsible to ensure the proper efficient operations and ... Graduate of apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE * 5+ years of related ...

The Apprentice Engineer is responsible for completing work orders, grounds maintenance, painting ... operating costs at a minimum. * Maintain the building lighting system, including element and ...

The Apprentice Engineer is responsible for completing work orders, grounds maintenance, painting ... operating costs at a minimum. * Maintain the building lighting system, including element and ...

... our Engineering team. Under general supervision, the Maintenance Mechanic Apprentice performs work as needed to maintain and repair facility mechanical, electrical, and plumbing operating systems.

... our Engineering team. Under general supervision, the Maintenance Mechanic Apprentice performs work as needed to maintain and repair facility mechanical, electrical, and plumbing operating systems.

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Showing results 1-20

Apprentice Operating Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$11

$21

$35

How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in Houston, TX is $21.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $22.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by Apprentice Operating Engineers during their training period?

As an Apprentice Operating Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding tasks, learning to safely operate a wide range of heavy machinery, and understanding complex site safety protocols. Balancing on-the-job training with classroom instruction can also be demanding, requiring strong time management and a willingness to continuously learn. Additionally, working in varying weather conditions and collaborating closely with seasoned engineers and construction crews are common aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Operating Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Operating Engineer, you need a basic understanding of mechanical systems, strong math skills, and typically a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with heavy equipment operation, safety protocols, and basic maintenance tools is important, and OSHA safety certifications are often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operation of complex machinery and support the successful completion of construction or industrial projects.

What are Apprentice Operating Engineers?

Apprentice Operating Engineers are individuals who are learning to operate and maintain heavy equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, and excavators, typically on construction sites. They work under the supervision of experienced engineers as part of a formal apprenticeship program, gaining hands-on experience and classroom instruction. The apprenticeship usually lasts several years and prepares individuals for a career as a fully qualified Operating Engineer, offering skills in equipment operation, safety practices, and routine maintenance.

What is the difference between Apprentice Operating Engineer vs Operating Engineer?

AspectApprentice Operating EngineerOperating Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and apprenticeship program completionRequires relevant certifications and experience, often including a license
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, assisting with operations in industrial or building settingsFull responsibility for operating and maintaining equipment in similar settings
Job RoleLearning and assisting under supervisionIndependent operation and decision-making

The main difference is that an Apprentice Operating Engineer is in training, focusing on learning the skills needed to become an Operating Engineer, who is fully qualified to operate and maintain equipment independently. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for the responsibilities of an Operating Engineer.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Engineer jobs in Houston, TX? The most popular types of Operating Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,723 per year, or $21 per hour.

$60K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Texas Children's Hospital rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 174 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 1,054 rated hospitals


Job description


We are searching for an Operating Engineer -- someone who works well in a fast-paced setting. In this position, perform operations and maintenance activities including, but not limited to: engineering rounds, preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, general maintenance and repairs of hospital equipment and buildings including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems in accordance with departmental, hospital, and regulatory agency codes.
Think you've got what it takes?
Job Duties & Responsibilities
• Monitors equipment, responds to alarms, and emergencies and performs maintenance duties in assigned areas to ensure facility equipment and systems are functioning properly.
• Monitors all operating equipment and systems (boilers, chillers, AHU's, pumps, air compressors, water heaters, cooling towers, etc.) to ensure they are operating properly and safely at maximum efficiency.
• Performs engineering rounds and checks equipment for proper operating functionality and performs minor repairs and adjustments as needed.
• Maintains documentation to accurately record readings on rounds sheets and equipment failures and events in appropriate engineering logs
• Performs installation and repairs of failed equipment and parts on utility systems according to established standards and within acceptable timeframes. Follows up to ensure equipment is repaired and functioning properly. Provides notification of equipment shutdowns to appropriate leadership and department personnel.
• Performs corrective maintenance duties including, but no limited to: replacement of ceiling tiles, floor tile, cove base, light fixtures, bulbs, lamps, and door hardware.
• Responds to all emergencies as required throughout the hospital property.
• Performs corrective maintenance duties on buildings, building systems, and equipment as assigned according to standards established by management team.
• Performs preventive maintenance duties on buildings, building systems, and equipment as assigned according to standards established by management team.
• Demonstrates ownership for responsibilities in assigned zone and other designated areas.
• Demonstrates accountability for customer service and professional behavior through personal work ethic, teamwork and effective communication skills.
As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace, all successful candidates will be required to undergo respiratory fit testing in compliance with occupational health and safety standards.
Skills & Requirements
• Required High School Diploma or GED
• Required Licenses/Certifications (one of below):
o STATENG1 - Stationary Engineer, 1st Grade by the City of Houston
o STATENG2 - Stationary Engineer, 2nd Grade by the City of Houston
o STATENG3 - Stationary Engineer, 3rd Grade by the City of Houston
o JRNYPLUM - Journeyman's License Plumbing by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
o JRNYELEC - Journeyman's License Electricl by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
o DLA - Dept of Labor Apprenticeship by the Department of Labor
o SMA - Systems Maint Administrator by the Building Owners and Manager Institute International
o SMT - Systems Maintenance Technician by the Building Owners and Manager Institute International
o MASTELEC - Master Electrician by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
o HVACB WC - HVAC State B with C endorse by the Texas Department of Licensing and regulation
o ACTECHR - Lic - A/C Tech Registered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
• Required 3 years' Experience as a service technician.
• Preferred Experience working in a hospital environment
About Us
Texas Children's Hospital West Campus is Houston's first community hospital designed, built and equipped exclusively for children in one of the city's most rapidly growing communities in the area from Sugar Land to Bryan-College Station, Texas. Located at I-10 and Barker Cypress, our 515,007-square-foot hospital houses the only 24/7 pediatric emergency room in the Greater West Houston area, four operating rooms, 16-bed pediatric intensive care unit, 46 acute care beds, advanced imaging services including MRI and CT scans, a neurophysiology sleep lab, a pathology lab and a full-scale pharmacy.
To join our community of 15,000+ dedicated team members, visit texaschildrenspeople.org for career opportunities.
Texas Children's is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants and employees are considered and evaluated for positions at Texas Children's without regard to mental or physical disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or any other protected Federal, State/Province or Local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.

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