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Blade Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Colas

Equipment Operator

Irwindale, CA · On-site

$39.58/hr

Equipment includes: 834 Compactor/Motor Grader, Loader, Dozer, Blade, Excavator, Rubber Tire Dozer ... Ensure fill is placed in accordance with Fill Operating Plan (FOP) and regulatory guidelines

New

Lincoln Group

Small Level

Oxnard, CA

$17/hr

Small Level Operator Location: Oxnard, CA Work Schedule: 1st Shift, Monday- Friday Compensation ... Undertake regular maintenance tasks on sawing equipment, including blade replacements, lubrication ...

Aerotek

Machine Operators Needed - DIRECT HIRE

Irvine, CA

$18 - $21.50/hr

Machine Operator The Machine Operator plays a key role in a manufacturing environment producing ... Experience working with metal spools and razor blade manufacturing processes is a strong advantage.

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$17

$25

$35

How much do blade operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 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.
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Blade Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Blade Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,322 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Production Operator 3rd Shift

Baldwin Richardson Foods

Corona, CA • On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Baldwin Richardson Foods rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 442 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Production Operator 3rd Shift
Posting Start Date: 8/17/26
Division: Plant
Location Type: On-Site
Pay Min: 22.00 USD
Pay Max: 22.00 USD
Job Location: Corona, CA, USA, 92880
Req Id: 678
WHAT WE NEED
The Production Operator I (POI) role is the first level of training and development in our production function. A successful individual will have basic mechanical aptitude, desire to learn how to operate food packaging equipment, ability to follow clearly written instructions, and willingness to grow and develop in the manufacturing field. Strong communication skills and team player attitude is a must.
This opening is for our 3rd shift - 10:00PM - 6:30AM - Monday - Friday
3rd Shift Differential= $1.50 per hour
WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Operate food packaging equipment and ensure that each component of the assigned line is functioning correctly.
  • Monitor the production process, make periodic checks, and adjust equipment or work practices to maximize production efficiency, yields, quality, and safety, using appropriate foundational elements (Centerlines, CIL's, Start-up/Shutdown Checklists, troubleshooting guides) while learning and growing within assigned production lines.
  • Ensure Quality Standards are met (Weights, codes, packaging, placards, fill cards, filter checks, magnet checks, metal detector checks).
  • Troubleshoot basic mechanical features, perform basic mechanical tasks such as slitter/chopper blade replacements, registration repair, greasing/lubricating equipment, line changeovers, Timing functions.
  • Ensures that line conditions are acceptable to change from one product to another by evaluating that materials, paperwork, and equipment have been staged for changeover and notify Maintenance if repairs are needed.
  • Communication: Across shifts in handovers, shift huddles, problems with Maintenances and leadership, share continuous improvement ideas.
  • Meet and follow all safety, quality, and GMP standards.
  • Correct usage of production systems such as Ignition with correct coding and self-audit.
  • Clean, organize, perform rework, dumps bottles and other tasks associated with driving performance efficiency in the operation of the manufacturing environment.
  • Helps drive 5S standards.
  • Report all incidents/accidents to plant leaders.
  • Performing other duties as assigned to meet business needs qualification.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
  • Minimum of 6 months previous work experience or equivalent education - required.
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) - preferred.
  • Forklift License - preferred.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk and hear.
  • Must be able to stand for full shift, which is minimum of 8 hours and up to 12 hours.
  • The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, at times without aid.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to see color, and ability to adjust focus.

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