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Bucket Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Pit Loader Operator

Quincy, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Pit Loader Operator Here at Central Stone Company, we have spent the last 135+ years working to be ... Operate large scale (17 CY bucket) front end loader that feeds crusher mill. Operate and monitor ...

Pit Loader Operator

Quincy, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Pit Loader Operator candidate requirements: * Safety-Focused * Driven to provide excellent customer ... Operate large scale (17 CY bucket) front end loader that feeds crusher mill. Operate and monitor ...

Laborer

Gibson City, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Opportunities include operating Skid steer, backhoe, and excavator and performing general ... Line truck Bucket truck Cable Reel equipment Saws and drills What we offer: * Competitive Hourly ...

Laborer

Gibson City, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Opportunities include operating Skid steer, backhoe, and excavator and performing general ... Line truck Bucket truck Cable Reel equipment Saws and drills What we offer: * Competitive Hourly ...

... heights and operating various tools and equipment. Key Responsibilities: * Assist in the ... Work at heights using ladders, lifts, and possibly a bucket truck (training provided) * Follow ...

... heights and operating various tools and equipment. Key Responsibilities: * Assist in the ... Work at heights using ladders, lifts, and possibly a bucket truck (training provided) * Follow ...

Can independently operate one or more types of heavy equipment (directional drill, mini excavator, hydro truck, bucket truck) with limited guidance from an experienced operator * Consistently meets ...

Tree Climber-Tree Care

Warrenville, IL · On-site

$22 - $30.25/hr

Safely operating chainsaws, equipment, and aerial lifts (bucket trucks) * Working as part of a team to deliver high-quality service to clients * Applying industry safety standards in all aspects of ...

Safely operating chainsaws, equipment, and aerial lifts (bucket trucks) * Working as part of a team to deliver high-quality service to clients * Applying industry safety standards in all aspects of ...

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Bucket Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$19

$28

How much do bucket operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for bucket operator in Illinois is $19.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a bucket operator?

A Bucket Operator operates an aerial lift or bucket truck to access elevated work areas, typically in utility, tree care, or maintenance industries. They perform tasks such as trimming trees, repairing power lines, or installing infrastructure while following safety protocols. The role requires knowledge of equipment operation, worksite safety, and relevant regulations. Bucket Operators often work in various weather conditions and must be physically fit to handle the demands of the job.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for a bucket operator?

As a Bucket Operator, your daily tasks usually involve operating heavy equipment to move earth, sand, gravel, or other materials around a construction or mining site. You'll also be responsible for pre-operation machine inspections, routine equipment maintenance, and following site safety protocols. Cooperation with site supervisors, spotters, and other equipment operators is common to coordinate tasks and maintain smooth workflow. Staying attentive to ground conditions and changing site needs is crucial, as priorities may shift throughout the day. This role is physically demanding and requires good attention to detail to ensure material is moved accurately and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the bucket operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bucket Operator, you need strong equipment operation skills, spatial awareness, and a solid understanding of construction or mining site safety, often supported by prior experience or on-the-job training. Familiarity with operating and maintaining heavy machinery—such as loaders, excavators, or skid steers—and holding relevant safety certifications (like OSHA or MSHA) is typically required. Excellent hand-eye coordination, communication skills, and teamwork are also important to work effectively in fast-paced, sometimes hazardous environments. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality operations while minimizing workplace accidents and delays.

What are the most commonly searched types of Bucket Operator jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Bucket Operator jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Bucket Operator jobs in Illinois?

For Bucket Operator jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Bucket Operator jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Bucket Operator jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Bucket Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,996 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Tree Climber/ Bucket truck operator

Clean Cut Tree Service, Inc.

Grayslake, IL • On-site

$15 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Tree Climber/ bucket truck operator on residential tree care crew. Pay based on experience.

Company Description

Clean Cut is a large tree service serving the tri state area. The company has been engaged in contracting Tree Care, Tree clearing, specialized forestry work, ditch clearing and maintenance, shoreline and environmental restoration work for over 38 years. We are family owned and operated.

We have established ourselves as one of the fastest growing companies in our arena. We have a culture of innovation where our employees can make a difference and we are looking for like minded, dynamic individuals to come and join our rapidly expanding team.