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Blade Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Colas

DELTA | Finish Blade Operator

Paragould, AR · On-site

Five or more years of experience operating a finish blade preferred; operator certifications are a plus * Experience operating other types of heavy equipment preferred; operator certifications are a ...

CRH

Finish Blade Operator- Navasota

Navasota, TX · On-site

$15.75 - $21.75/hr

Finish Blade Operator- Navasota AMAT Navasota, Texas, United States Job ID: 527850 Texas Materials, A CRH company, is a leading supplier of aggregates, asphalt, ready mixed concrete, and paving and ...

CRH

Finish Blade Operator- Houston

Houston, TX · On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

Finish Blade Operator- Houston AMAT Houston, Texas, United States Job ID: 527852 Texas Materials, A CRH company, is a leading supplier of aggregates, asphalt, ready mixed concrete, and paving and ...

Farmer Holding Company

Finish Grader

Little Rock, AR

Experienced Finish Blade Operator Capital Paving & Construction is a heavy highway and civil construction company in Arkansas. We are actively seeking a skilled Finish Blade Operator (Motor Grader ...

Constructors Inc

Finish Blade Operator

Carlsbad, NM · On-site

Constructors, Inc. is a third generation progressive construction company founded in 1958. Specializing in General, Asphalt, Concrete, Dirt, and Utility Construction. We are proud to offer you:

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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 - GRADING (SEASONAL)

Knife River

Williston, ND • On-site

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Knife River rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

296th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

Knife River Grader Operator

Good Pay! Good Benefits! Good People! Knife River is a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and go home safely each day. Please consider joining our growing team today!

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it's our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.

Role Overview:

This position is responsible to safely operate grader to spread and level dirt, gravel and stone to grade specification.

Duties and/or Responsibilities: (summary of components that make up the job)

  • Perform daily equipment, walk around and site inspections to identify and correct any unsafe conditions and keep equipment properly maintained
  • Safely and properly perform maintenance (lubricating, fueling and cleaning) on blade.
  • Safely and properly operate blade including: regulating height and angle of grader blade, lowering scarifier and loosening packed soil to permit grading. Drives blade in successive passes over working area, observing reference stakes or hand signals of assisting worker, to level surface to specified grade. Feels level and listens to sound of engine to determine depth of cut. May perform fine or rough grading.
  • Assist laborer or roller operator with dumping trucks and keeping load counts
  • Communicate effectively (verbal, listening, written) and work with people under high stress situations. Self-motivated, team-player with good interpersonal skills; ability to maintain positive customer relations and act courteous/respectful of others.
  • Troubleshoot and problem solve situations/problems (material quality, equipment operation/repair, etc.).
  • Monitor and discuss production problems with co-workers and managers/supervisors.
  • Ensure MSHA, OSHA, EPA, DNR, safety and environmental regulation compliance.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements: (minimum educational, experience, or other relevant job requirements)

  • General education, grammar and arithmetic, GED or high school diploma or equivalent
  • Minimum 5 years' heavy civil operation experience and equipment maintenance.
  • Minimum 5 years' experience with Trimble Grade Controls
  • Ability to provide and maintain proper licensure, medical card and acceptable driving record.

Additional Information:

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal laws.

Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.

All applications are completed online. If you're having issues completing the application, you can stop at our office for assistance.

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