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Blade Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Archer

Senior Blade Structures Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $185K/yr

We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four ... Provide blade properties to the loads & dynamics team * Support blade material selection and ...

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... RT 2' blade * Vacs (for potholes and RT micro cut trench) * Skid steer (core Drill) * Hand cores

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... RT 2' blade * Vacs (for potholes and RT micro cut trench) * Skid steer (core Drill) * Hand cores

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... RT 2' blade * Vacs (for potholes and RT micro cut trench) * Skid steer (core Drill) * Hand cores

FLAG Solutions LLC

Saw Operator

North Hollywood, CA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Perform blade changes and monitor blade condition to maintain cut quality. * Conduct routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting to reduce downtime and keep equipment operating safely. * Inspect ...

Laser Tech LLC

CNC Saw Operator

Riverside, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

The CNC Saw Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of Amada CNC band saws and ... Monitor cutting operations for blade wear, deflection, or quality deviations and make real-time ...

Laser Tech LLC

CNC Saw Operator

Riverside, CA

$25 - $28/hr

The operator ensures cut pieces meet dimensional tolerances, maintains equipment, and upholds a ... Monitor cutting operations for blade wear, deflection, or quality deviations and make real-time ...

Stangenes Industries Inc

Cutter

Helendale, CA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Determines saw blade type and cutting procedures, according to process sheet or senior Cutting Operator's instructions. * Installs and replaces cutting blades using hand tools. * Checks level of ...

Superior Lithographics Inc

Cutter Operator

Vernon, CA · On-site

$21.50/hr

Cutter Operator Company Information: Superior Lithographics is an award-winning, large-format ... Prepare the machine or each job by loading materials, aligning cutting lines, and adjusting blade ...

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Blade Operator information

See California salary details

$17

$25

$35

How much do blade operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for blade operator in California is $25.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $32.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Blade operators can earn around $4,000 per week with experience, especially in industries like construction, manufacturing, or forestry where specialized skills and certifications such as OSHA training are valued. High-paying roles often require physical stamina, safety knowledge, and the ability to operate heavy machinery, but they typically do not require a college degree.

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 is a blade operator?

A blade operator is a construction or landscaping worker who operates heavy machinery with large blades, such as bulldozers, to move earth, gravel, or debris. They typically need training, safety certifications, and knowledge of equipment operation to perform tasks efficiently and safely.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Blade operators typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive, specialized medical, or high-level corporate roles. Some highly experienced professionals in niche industries or business owners may reach this income level, but it is uncommon for standard blade operator positions. Advanced skills, certifications, and leadership roles can increase earning potential but rarely reach half a million dollars per year in this field.

What jobs pay 700 a day?

Blade operators in specialized industries such as construction, demolition, or forestry can sometimes earn around $700 per day, especially with experience, certifications, and overtime. High-demand roles involving heavy machinery operation often offer higher daily rates, particularly in remote or high-risk environments.

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.

What are Blade Operators?

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 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.
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Blade Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Blade Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,322 per year, or $25.2 per hour.
Senior Blade Structures Engineer

Senior Blade Structures Engineer

Archer

San Jose, CA • On-site

$150K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 hours ago

Job description

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.
Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.
What you'll do:
  • Collaborate with the aerodynamics and loads & dynamics teams to design high performance propeller blades for eVTOL aircraft
  • Be responsible for the blade structural design and supporting analysis
  • Provide blade properties to the loads & dynamics team
  • Support blade material selection and corresponding manufacturing process development
  • Release blade drawings
  • Author stress analysis reports
  • Support development and certification testing to validate static load capability and fatigue life of blade designs
  • Support certification discussions with the FAA
  • Collaborate with internal and external customers to ensure on time delivery of data

What you need:
  • Bachelors in Aerospace or related fields
  • 5+ years industry experience
  • Proven expertise in helicopter rotor or propeller blade design
  • CAD design and lofting experience (NX preferred)
  • Experience with Nastran (MSC or NX) and Patran/FEMAP
  • Composite damage tolerance and fatigue experience
  • Demonstrated organizational skills to bring together small multidisciplinary teams on high impact, but time limited projects.
  • Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills
  • Experience in a fast-paced design environment

Bonus Qualifications:
  • MS /PhD in Aerospace or related fields
  • Familiar with FAA aircraft and/or rotorcraft loads and dynamics regulations (FAR Part 23, 27, 33, 35) and associated advisory materials.
  • Experience with static and dynamic loads derivation for fixed-wing vehicles and/or rotorcraft, with focus on rotor loads
  • Experience with comprehensive rotor analysis software (RCAS / CAMRAD II / FlightLab / DYMORE or similar codes)

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company's business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $150,000 - $185,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.
Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.
Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.

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