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Blade Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Phillips, Inc.

Finish Blade Operator

Silverthorne, CO

$250/day

Phillips is seeking experienced Finish Blade Operators to support our mining team on our project site near Denver, Colorado. This position requires finish work in all types of soils and conditions ...

Phillips, Inc.

Finish Blade Operator

Morenci, AZ

$25 - $35/hr

Phillips is seeking experienced Finish Blade Operators to support our mining team on our project site near Denver, Colorado. This position requires finish work in all types of soils and conditions ...

Phillips, Inc.

Finish Blade Operator

Silverthorne, CO · On-site

$250/day

Phillips is seeking experienced Finish Blade Operators to support our mining team on our project site near Denver, Colorado. This position requires finish work in all types of soils and conditions ...

Phillips, Inc.

Finish Blade Operator

Morenci, AZ · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Phillips is seeking experienced Finish Blade Operators to support our mining team on our project site near Denver, Colorado. This position requires finish work in all types of soils and conditions ...

Phillips, Inc.

Finish Blade Operator

Challis, ID

$28 - $34/hr

High School Diploma or equivalent 5 years' experience in the construction industry operating finish blade Experience with Trimble GPS Ability to read and understand stake grades and plans Ability to ...

Phillips, Inc.

Finish Blade Operator

Challis, ID · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

... operating finish blade • Experience with Trimble GPS • Ability to read and understand stake grades and plans • Ability to effectively communicate to ground personnel and supervision • MSHA ...

Colas

DELTA | Finish Blade Operator

Paragould, AR · On-site

DELTA | Finish Blade Operator Company: REEVES CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Job Location: PARAGOULD, ARKANSAS, USA Type of Contract: Regular Posting Start Date: 7/30/26 Delta Companies Inc. is a division of ...

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Blade Operator information

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$17

$25

$36

How much do blade operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for blade operator in the United States is $25.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $32.45 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 the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,016 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Finish Blade Operator

KE&G Construction, Inc.

Sierra Vista, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

KE&G Construction Inc. is one of southern Arizona’s leading heavy-civil contractors. We are currently seeking a highly motivated individual who desires to learn and Build Your Future as an employee-owner.  This opportunity is located in our Tucson and Sierra Vista locations for full-time, Experienced Finish Blade Operator.  KE&G is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we encourage minorities and women to apply for all positions. The ideal candidate for this job should have the following credentials:

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Positive attitude and desire to excel while working with fellow employee-owners.
  • Finish Blade Operator with 5 years of experience in mass earthwork operations, GPS experience a plus!
  •  Should also have experience in grading and preparing areas for pavement.
  •  Maintain a safe and clean work environment
  •  Must pass pre-employment and subsequent random drug screenings.

PERSONAL SKILLS:

  •  Must be able to effectively communicate.
  •  Will be required to work in a team environment with fellow employee-owners.
  •  Able to lift and carry a minimum of 50 lbs.


All other duties assigned. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • This position operates at professional construction sites, requiring the ability to communicate with verbally others on site, in person and over the telephone, ability to read printed materials, signs and directions, stamina to maintain attention despite interruptions, ability to lift, push, pull, carry, handle or feel objects, supplies, tools, machinery and/or controls weighing up to 50 pounds and reach with hands and arms; climb stairs and/or ladders; balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, lift overhead, traverse around or otherwise position one's self around the required work and safety requirements to navigating and perform activities on various construction sites in a safe manner.
  • Will be required to work on project sites and operate vehicles, trailers, machinery, equipment and other tools within local, state and federal safety guidelines.
  • This position operates in a professional field environment. The position requires working outside, frequently for long periods of time in all weather, including extreme hot and cold temperatures.
  • While working, the employee might be exposed to various chemicals, vapors, pollutants, virus or other air-borne pathogens, gases, uneven surfaces, loud noises, moving vehicles or machines and dust/debris.
BENEFITS:
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – Become a KE&G Employee-Owner!
  • Employee activities include the Excelling Employee Owner Program, Employee Choice Awards, Family Picnic, Boot Bucks, Annual Shareholders Meeting, plus other exciting events and activities for the whole family!
  • Competitive Salaries
  • 401(k) plan
  • Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)
  • Paid time off
  • Employee-Specific Development/Training Plans – Designed for you, with you!
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Insurance – choice of HSA & PPO Plans
  • HSA – weekly company contribution
  • PPO Plans – Low premium for employees
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Company paid Life Insurance with AD&D
  • Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness & Accident Insurance


Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
 

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