1

Blade Operator Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Monitor and control blade angles, blade height, and machine speed to achieve precise grading and ... Proven experience operating finish blades or similar grading equipment in a construction or ...

Grader Operator

Magna, UT ยท On-site

$28 - $40/hr

Grader Operator Job Summary: Whitaker Construction is seeking an experienced Grader Operator to ... Monitor and control blade angles, blade height, and machine speed to achieve precise grading and ...

Be Seen First

Trackhoe, Dozer, Scraper, Grader - Blade, Backhoe, Loader operators should all apply. Commercial Drivers License (CDL) holders a plus. Excellent equipment and very competitive wages and benefits.

Operator I-Salt Lake City

Eagle Mountain, UT

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts * Ability to operate ...

Machine Operator, 2nd Shift

Ogden, UT

$16.75 - $20/hr

... blade angle, and machine speed. * Locates and marks bending or cutting lines and reference points ... operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. * Good verbal and written ...

Machine Operator, Day Shift

Ogden, UT ยท On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

... blade angle, and machine speed. * Locates and marks bending or cutting lines and reference points ... operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. * Good verbal and written ...

Machine Operator, Day Shift

Ogden, UT

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

... blade angle, and machine speed. * Locates and marks bending or cutting lines and reference points ... operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. * Good verbal and written ...

Machine Operator, 2nd Shift

Ogden, UT

$16.75 - $20/hr

... blade angle, and machine speed. * Locates and marks bending or cutting lines and reference points ... operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. * Good verbal and written ...

Machine Operator, Day Shift

Ogden, UT

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

... blade angle, and machine speed. * Locates and marks bending or cutting lines and reference points ... operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. * Good verbal and written ...

Machine Operator, Day Shift

Ogden, UT

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

... blade angle, and machine speed. * Locates and marks bending or cutting lines and reference points ... operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. * Good verbal and written ...

Machine Operator, Day Shift

Ogden, UT ยท On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

... blade angle, and machine speed. * Locates and marks bending or cutting lines and reference points ... operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. * Good verbal and written ...

Machine Operator, Day Shift

Ogden, UT

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

... blade angle, and machine speed. * Locates and marks bending or cutting lines and reference points ... operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. * Good verbal and written ...

Machine Operator, Day Shift

Ogden, UT ยท On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

... blade angle, and machine speed. * Locates and marks bending or cutting lines and reference points ... operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. * Good verbal and written ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Blade Operator information

See Utah salary details

$15

$23

$33

How much do blade operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for blade operator in Utah is $23.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $29.52 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 2000 a day?

Blade operators typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily wages are more common in specialized or high-risk roles like certain construction managers, oil and gas drillers, or experienced contractors. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and working in demanding environments, with pay rates varying based on experience and location.

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 jobs make $1000 per hour?

Jobs that can pay $1000 per hour are typically highly specialized roles such as experienced surgeons, anesthesiologists, or certain high-level legal or financial consultants. These positions often require advanced education, certifications, and significant expertise, and they usually involve high-stakes environments or private practice settings.

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 need to understand equipment controls, safety procedures, and often require certification or training to operate these machines effectively.

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 jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

A blade operator can earn around $10,000 per month with experience, especially in industries like manufacturing or construction where specialized skills and certifications are valued. High-paying roles often require technical training, physical stamina, and safety knowledge but may not require a college degree.

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.
What are popular job titles related to Blade Operator jobs in UT? For Blade Operator jobs in UT, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Blade Operator job openings in Utah as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,264 per year, or $23.2 per hour.
Grader Operator

Grader Operator

Whitaker Construction

Magna, UT โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Whitaker Construction rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Salary: $28-$40

Grader Operator


Job Summary: Whitaker Construction is seeking an experienced Grader Operator to join our team for heavy highway and commercial site development projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in fine grading, and subgrade preparation.


Whitaker Construction, founded in 1953, has over 70 years of experience in the heavy civil and underground utility construction industry. Whitaker, an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company, has become one of the largest contractors in the intermountain area with more than 600 employees and nearly 70 crews. We perform sanitary sewer, storm drain, culinary water, irrigation, earthwork, roadway construction, dams, landfills, natural gas pipelines, industrial piping, and telecommunication projects primarily in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, and Oregon.


Responsibilities and Duties:

Including but not limited to the list below.

  • Operate and maintain motorized grading equipment, including finish blades, to accurately grade and level surfaces according to project plans and specifications.
  • Collaborate with project managers, supervisors, and other construction team members to understand grading requirements and ensure timely completion of tasks.
  • Conduct pre-operation equipment inspections to identify any potential safety hazards or maintenance issues, and perform routine maintenance as needed.
  • Interpret grading plans and blueprints to determine the appropriate grade and slope for surfaces and adjust equipment settings accordingly.
  • Utilize Trimble GPS and other precision grading technologies to achieve accurate grading results.
  • Monitor and control blade angles, blade height, and machine speed to achieve precise grading and finishing of surfaces.
  • Always ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safe operating procedures.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area, including the proper storage of equipment and materials.
  • Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors to report progress, challenges, and any issues encountered during operations.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to quality workmanship, attention to detail, and teamwork to contribute to the overall success of construction projects.


Qualificationsand Skills:

  • Proven experience operating finish blades or similar grading equipment in a construction or earthwork setting.
  • Proficiency in reading and interpreting construction plans, blueprints, and grading specifications.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to perform routine equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
  • Familiarity with GPS and laser-guided grading systems preferred.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Demonstrated commitment to safety, with knowledge of OSHA regulations and safe operating practices.
  • Flexibility to work outdoors in various weather conditions and willingness to work overtime and weekends as needed to meet project deadlines.
  • Valid driver's license and clean driving record.


Physical Requirements:

  • Able and willing to work long hours including day, night, weekend shifts as needed, and work outside of normal hours.
  • Able to sit, walk, lift, reach, stoop, stand, grasp, feel, balance, climb, kneel, crouch, and lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
  • Able to work in outside environments being subjected to weather changes, noise, vibrations, moving mechanical parts, and job hazards.
  • Ability to do physical labor and other strenuous physical tasks.


WhitakerConstruction offersanexceptionalbenefit package including:

  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Employees earn shares in the company All employees have ownership in the company and its success.
  • Competitive wages
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Short Term Disability, Supplemental Insurance
  • 401 K and Match
  • Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Quarterly Incentive Program (profit sharing)
  • Referral Bonuses
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)


Reasonable Accommodation Statement


The ADA defines reasonable accommodation as a change or adjustment to a job or work environment that allows a qualified individual with a disability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of a particular job, and does not cause an undue hardship for the employer.


Whitaker Construction is an equal opportunity employer. Whitaker will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, creed, color, national origin, or sex.


Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.