ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Bulldozer Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Aguinaga Green Inc

Be Seen First

Heavy Machine Operator

Silverado, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Front Loader Motor-Grader Bulldozer Excavator Skid Steer Experienced operators are encouraged to apply! General Accountabilities Operate and maintain yard equipment safely and efficiently. Handle ...

Aguinaga Green Inc

Be Seen First

Heavy Machine Operator

Silverado, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Front Loader Motor-Grader Bulldozer Excavator Skid Steer Experienced operators are encouraged to apply! General Accountabilities Operate and maintain yard equipment safely and efficiently. Handle ...

Pamarco

Machine Operator

La Palma, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $21/hr

... as backhoe, bulldozer, and telehandler Education: High School Diploma or equivalent Work ... operating machinery for extended periods Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Company Paid Life ...

Pamarco Global Graphics, Inc.

Machine Operator

La Palma, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $21/hr

... backhoe, bulldozer, and telehandler Education: • High School Diploma or equivalent Work ... operating machinery for extended periods Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Company Paid Life ...

CERES

Logging Operator

Cameron Park, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Operate an excavator, bulldozer, wheel loader, wheel loader with grapple or log fork, track skid ... Essential Qualifications: * 2-3 years or more of experience in operating logging or heavy equipment.

City of Vallejo

Heavy Equipment Operator

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$68K - $82K/yr

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating the most difficult and complex heavy ... trencher, bulldozer, and forklift for a variety of maintenance and construction operations ...

City of Vallejo

Heavy Equipment Operator

Vallejo, CA · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating the most difficult and complex heavy ... trencher, bulldozer, and forklift for a variety of maintenance and construction operations ...

All JobsBulldozer Operator JobsBulldozer Operator Jobs in California

Bulldozer Operator information

See California salary details

$14

$22

$31

How much do bulldozer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for bulldozer operator in California is $22.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $26.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Bulldozer Operator Do?

A bulldozer operator works on a construction site or other job site. In this career, your duties revolve around using a bulldozer to excavate, clear, or demolish. Your responsibilities could also include operating other heavy equipment such as a crane or tractor in support of a job or project. Regardless of the type of project, you need to know safety regulations and procedures for safe operation of heavy equipment. You also need to know how to be efficient with bulldoze clearing and digging tasks.

What are Bulldozer Operators?

Bulldozer Operators are skilled professionals who operate heavy machinery known as bulldozers to move earth, debris, and other materials on construction sites, mines, and other large projects. They are responsible for clearing and grading land, building roads, and preparing sites for construction. Bulldozer Operators must be knowledgeable about safety regulations, equipment maintenance, and reading site plans or blueprints. Their work is essential for ensuring that construction and infrastructure projects are completed efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Bulldozer Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectBulldozer OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) often preferred, certification in heavy equipment operationSimilar certifications, often requiring OSHA training and equipment-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, road building, land clearingConstruction sites, demolition, excavation projects
Industry UsageHeavy civil construction, mining, land developmentConstruction, demolition, utility work

Both Bulldozer Operators and Excavator Operators work in construction and heavy industry environments, often requiring similar certifications. Bulldozer Operators primarily handle land clearing and grading with bulldozers, while Excavator Operators focus on digging, trenching, and material handling with excavators. Understanding these differences helps employers and workers choose the right role for their skills and project needs.

What are some common challenges faced by Bulldozer Operators on construction sites?

Bulldozer Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating uneven terrain, maintaining precise control in tight spaces, and working in varying weather conditions. They must remain vigilant about safety regulations and coordinate closely with other crew members and site supervisors to ensure projects stay on schedule and hazards are minimized. Effective communication and adaptability are key to overcoming these challenges and maintaining efficient, safe operations.

How much can you make with a bulldozer?

Bulldozer operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the equipment. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in large projects can earn higher wages, especially in regions with high demand for construction and heavy equipment operation.

What is the hourly rate for dozer work?

The hourly rate for a bulldozer operator typically ranges from $20 to $35, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in heavy equipment often earn higher wages, especially in regions with high demand for construction and excavation work.

What is the highest paid heavy machine operator?

The highest paid heavy machine operators are often those who specialize in operating large equipment like cranes, bulldozers, or excavators in high-demand industries such as oil and gas or construction. Experienced operators with certifications and extensive skills can earn salaries exceeding $70,000 to $100,000 annually, especially in regions with a high cost of living or in specialized roles. Salary varies based on experience, location, and the complexity of the machinery operated.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Bulldozer Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bulldozer Operator, you need solid mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant heavy equipment operator training or certification. Familiarity with GPS machine control systems, safety protocols, and equipment maintenance procedures is often required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operation of machinery and contribute to the successful completion of construction or land-clearing projects.

How much does a dozer operator get paid?

The average salary for a bulldozer operator in the United States ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators with specialized training and experience in large equipment tend to earn higher wages, often working in construction, mining, or heavy infrastructure projects.
More about Bulldozer Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Bulldozer Operator jobs in California? The most popular types of Bulldozer Operator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Bulldozer Operator jobs in California? For Bulldozer Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Bulldozer Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Bulldozer Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Bulldozer Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Bulldozer Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Bulldozer Operator jobs in CA? For Bulldozer Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Bulldozer Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bulldozer Operator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,700 per year, or $22.9 per hour.
Union Energy Storage Operator Journeyman - Gabriel BESS

Union Energy Storage Operator Journeyman - Gabriel BESS

M. A. Mortenson Company

Irwindale, CA • On-site

$63.40 - $74.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Mortenson rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Description
SUMMARY
Mortenson is currently seeking an Operator Journeyman that will be responsible for operating heavy equipment as directed and specified while adhering to all rules and regulations as mandated by Mortenson safety policies and procedures.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid-steer, boom lifts/aerial lifts, and roller
  • Follow prescribed safety regulations and maintain clear and orderly housekeeping
  • Perform routine maintenance, observe equipment operation, and detect malfunctions
  • Follow work plans and pre-task cards; provide leadership by displaying resourcefulness, work habits, and problem-solving skills
  • Build relationships with diverse backgrounds and organizational levels
  • Perform all other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Equipment certifications as required
  • Minimum one (1) year of related experience
  • Current driver's license with proper classification including endorsements as required by law
  • Strong teamwork orientation, positive attitude, professional customer service skills, and detail-oriented; ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
  • Ability to operate equipment by moving levers, shifting gears, depressing pedals, and maneuvering steering wheels; knowledge of equipment and their uses; basic mathematical skills
  • Ability to work independently with active listening and effective communication skills, open to diverse input and feedback
  • Repetitive hand, arm, leg movements
  • *Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling: up to 50 lbs
  • Please note: this position description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position. The duties and responsibilities of this position may change without notice.

*Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling over 50 lbs will be done with assistance of another team member or equipment.
The base pay range for this role is $63.40 - $74.25 per hour. (Actual range is higher for the following office locations: Denver, CO and Chicago, IL - 5%, Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR - 10%, Washington, D.C. - 12.5%).
Base pay is positioned within the range based on several factors including an individual's knowledge, skills, and experience, with consideration given to internal equity.
Please make note:
  • Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.
  • Our postings are typically open a minimum of 5 days and an average of 44 days.

ABOUT MORTENSON
As a top builder, developer, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), our expertise spans markets like sports, renewable energy, data centers, healthcare, and more. We are builders at heart, working to ensure the built environment has a lasting positive impact.
Let's Redefine Possible®
Equal Employment Opportunity
Your uniqueness brings new and creative perspectives to the team. Mortenson is committed to providing equal opportunities of employment (EOE) to all individuals, regardless of your race, religion, gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status or any other legally protected category.
Other Items to Note
  • Mortenson reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation on unwanted solicitations. No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement.
  • Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

What Mortenson employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

M. A. Mortenson logo

About M. A. Mortenson

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M. A. Mortenson is a prominent name in the construction industry, based out of Minneapolis, MN, US. Established in 1954 by M.A. Mortenson Sr., the company has over six decades of experience offering construction services that have contributed to building lasting infrastructures across various sectors, including healthcare, energy, corporate, and sports. Mortenson has proven its exceptional expertise through a range of complex building and facility projects across the US fulfilling the customer's specifications and exceeding their expectations. Moreover, the company's core values are outlined as ‘Do the Right Thing’, ‘We Before I’, ‘Inspire What’s Possible’, and ‘In it for the long haul’.

Industry

Manufacturing and construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All M. A. Mortenson Jobs

Apply