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Blade Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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

Challis, ID · On-site

$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 ...

RPM xConstruction

PP OPERATOR - BLADE

Mckinney, TX · On-site

The Blade Operator operates or tends machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets, to excavate and load loose materials * Transport materials and equipment to and from construction sites

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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 Jul 3, 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 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
Finish Blade Operator

Finish Blade Operator

Phillips, Inc.

Silverthorne, CO • On-site

$250/day

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Phillips 66 rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 74 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Wages:

$25 - $35 per Hour

$250 Daily Per Diem

Shift and Schedule:

6-Day Work Week (Dayshift)

12 Hour Shifts

Summary:

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, performing pre and post inspections, and completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently.

This is a safety sensitive position that is responsible for operating heavy construction equipment with knowledge of hazards and safety precautions and awareness of cut/fill and overall operations. Performance of routine inspections and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refer defects or repairs to supervision is required daily.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Under direct supervision, the Heavy Equipment Operator performs earthmoving and support duties in a production environment

Experience in earthmoving and heavy construction with knowledge of cut/fill operations from a variety of projects

Observes and follows all safety rules and procedures, including wearing PPE

Demonstrated ability to achieve results within a team environment with minimal supervision at times

Good oral and written communication skills

High level of attention to detail and excellent follow-up skills

Experience in earthmoving and heavy construction with knowledge of cut/fill operations from a variety of projects

Get off and on equipment using 3 points of contact

Work safely on slopes throughout the jobsite

Work safely in all weather conditions

The ability to work in a team environment

Judge distances and slopes accurately

Work with other project employees to meet the project's safety, environment, and production targets

Education and Experience:

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 effectively communicate to ground personnel and supervision

MSHA Part 48 training preferred

Candidates that accept an offer of employment are required to undergo and successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination. This exam is essential to ensure that all potential employees meet the necessary health and fitness standards for the role. The examination includes a series of tests and evaluations conducted by a certified medical professional to assess overall physical health, identify any potential medical conditions that could interfere with job performance, and verify that the candidate is capable of safely performing the essential duties of the position.

Completion and clearance of this physical are mandatory steps in the hiring process.

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