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Blade Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator II - Transportation

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$22.85 - $26.84/hr

Classified Job Classification - 5727 - Equipment Operator II Salary Grade: 7 Pay Range Hiring Range ... Blade-mixes and lays bituminous road mix or asphaltic concrete; * Loads, secures, and transports ...

Equipment Operator I - Transportation

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$20.72 - $24.34/hr

Blade-mixes and lays bituminous road mix or asphaltic concrete; * Performs minor equipment repairs ... Experience with/knowledge operating equipment in roadway maintenance. Selection Procedure: Pima ...

Showing results 21-40

Blade Operator information

See Arizona salary details

$16

$23

$33

How much do blade operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for blade operator in Arizona is $23.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $30.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a blade operator?

Blade Operators are skilled professionals who operate motor graders, commonly known as blades, to spread and level materials such as gravel, dirt, or asphalt on roads and construction sites. They are responsible for ensuring surfaces are smooth, even, and meet project specifications. Blade Operators must understand site plans, perform routine equipment maintenance, and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents. Their work is essential for road construction, maintenance, and other civil engineering projects.

What does a blade operator do?

A blade operator is a type of construction worker that operates specific construction equipment, such as a finish blade or motor graders. Your responsibilities in this career are to operate your equipment to complete tasks on a construction project. Your specific duties depend on the specifics project. You may need to excavate an area or finish the grade of the surface of a road. You must also regularly inspect your equipment and perform any minor repairs that are needed. You can outsource more extensive repairs to specialty mechanics. However, you should maintain your equipment to avoid costly repairs. Another significant aspect of your work as a blade operator is safety management. You must follow all safety practices to minimize risk on the job site.

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

To thrive as a Blade Operator, you need proficiency in operating heavy machinery, a solid understanding of construction or roadwork processes, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as motor graders, GPS or laser-guided systems, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and good hand-eye coordination are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure efficient, safe, and precise grading work, which is critical for successful project completion.

What are some common challenges a blade operator faces during a typical workday?

Blade Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining precise control over grading equipment, and coordinating with other crew members to ensure a smooth workflow. Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting can also be demanding, as ensuring machines are in optimal condition is critical for both safety and productivity. Additionally, adapting to different job site requirements and interpreting grading plans accurately are essential skills that help Blade Operators meet project specifications and deadlines.

What is the difference between Blade Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectBlade OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, OSHA safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, roadwork, landscapingConstruction sites, excavation, demolition
Industry UsageHeavy civil construction, landscapingHeavy civil construction, mining, demolition

Both Blade Operators and Excavator Operators require similar certifications and often work in construction environments. The main difference lies in the equipment used: Blade Operators primarily operate bulldozers with blades for grading and moving earth, while Excavator Operators handle excavators for digging and lifting tasks. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and workers choose the right role based on project needs.

How much do blade operators make?

Blade operators typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and the specific industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in operating heavy machinery may earn higher wages and additional benefits.

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Blade Operator jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Blade Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Blade Operator jobs in AZ?

For Blade Operator jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Blade Operator job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,405 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

CPP Cutting Operator (3rd Shift) - Chandler

isola

Chandler, AZ โ€ข On-site

$20.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Isola, an industry leader in global materials sciences whose mission is to improve life by enabling innovation in electronic products, is hiring 3rd Shift CPP Cutting Operator at our Chandler, AZ Location.

Schedule:ย 10:00PM - 6:30 AM Sunday to Thursday

Compensation: $20.75 per hourย (plus $1.25/ per hour shift differential)

THE ROLE

The CPP Cutting Operator is responsible for operating the Rosenthal or USUN Machine that fabricates prepreg rolls into sheets. This position is also responsible or the timely transfer of fabricated prepreg sheets in preparation for the tooling process. The CPP Cutting Operator is a B level position. B level positions are responsible for cross-training on A-B level positions within the CPP/Collation department.

ย 

WHO WILL LOVE THIS JOB

  • An efficient worker, you enjoy having multiple priorities at one time and multitask without breaking a sweat
  • A great teammate, you are able to contribute and thrive within a fast-paced environment
  • A task-oriented teammate, you find deep satisfaction from independently checking things off your to do list

Top Responsibilities

  • Review and understand work orders.
  • Verify information against customer profiles.
  • Set-up prepreg rolls onto machine following proper procedures.
  • Enter length specifications in machine and adjust slitters to the required width of the panels.
  • Make any necessary adjustments including speed and air pressure as per procedure to ensure accurate cuts.
  • Remove fabricated prepreg sheets from machine, stack accordingly, and move product to tooling area.
  • Inspect prepreg sheets for quality issues and take appropriate corrective action when needed.
  • Relocate unused prepreg rolls back to staging area for restocking.
  • Meet daily productivity requirements.
  • Complete Production and Scrap Report form as needed.
  • Maintain clean work area including vacuuming of dust after each roll and blade change.
  • Assist other operators to ensure timely shipment of product.
  • Use Lean/Six Sigma Methodologies to improve the process.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
  • Be able to Read and Write English
  • Six Months of Manufacturing Experience
  • Previous experience using a PC.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Basic Math.
  • Forklift Experience Plus
  • Ability to Stand for 8 hours
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Required Qualifications:

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  • Proficiency in reading, writing, and verbal communication is essential

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to stand up to 10 hours per shift with frequent bending, reaching, and grasping
  • Ability to lift, pull, or push up to 50 pounds