ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Bulldozer Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Cranemasters

Laborer - CDL A- Rerail

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, front-end loader, grapple truck, rail-bound equipment, tractor and skid-steer ...

Cranemasters

Laborer - CDL A- Rerail

Merrillville, IN

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, front-end loader, grapple truck, rail-bound equipment, tractor and skid-steer ...

Cranemasters

Track Laborer - CDL A

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, front-end loader, grapple truck, rail-bound equipment, tractor and skid-steer ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsBulldozer Operator JobsBulldozer Operator Jobs in Indiana

Bulldozer Operator information

See Indiana salary details

$14

$22

$30

How much do bulldozer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for bulldozer operator in Indiana is $22.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $25.62 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 Indiana? The most popular types of Bulldozer Operator jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Bulldozer Operator jobs in Indiana? For Bulldozer Operator jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Bulldozer Operator jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Bulldozer Operator jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Bulldozer Operator jobs in IN? For Bulldozer Operator jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Bulldozer Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bulldozer Operator job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,992 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
Laborer - CDL A- Rerail

Laborer - CDL A- Rerail

Cranemasters

Merrillville, IN • On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Description
Responsible for loading, unloading and safe transportation of equipment and/or materials to/from job site, operation of equipment at job site (if qualified) and providing assistance, including manual labor, in one or more of the following: rerailing operations, maintenance/repair of railroad cars, load adjust/transfer activities and track maintenance/repair/new builds.
Ensures that all activities are carried out in a safe, effective, professional, and efficient manner so as to protect employees and the assets of the Company.
Essential Functions:
  1. Performs pre-trip and post-trip inspection of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with Company policy and D.O.T. regulations.
  2. Drives tractor-trailer to/from job sites, inspects loads, and machinery being transported. Verifies transportation permits to ensure that specifications for overweight and oversize loads/equipment are accurate.
  3. Upon arrival at job site, participates in discussions related to the days' work plan in to ensure safety/efficiency in carrying out daily work assignment. Actively participates in daily safety briefing.
  4. Moves, stages, loads/unloads materials/equipment in preparation of work activities for rerailing, load adjust/transfer, and/or track maintenance/repair/new builds. Upon conclusion of assignment ensures that equipment/materials are reloaded for safe transportation and actively participates in site clean-up.
  5. Assist in assembly, inspection, and operation of cranes and other equipment. Operates equipment in conformance with standard operational policies/procedures while following all safety rules/regulations. Assist with rigging and connection of chains, cables, and winches during derailments. Performs equipment operations with awareness to surroundings and co-workers so as to avoid dangerous situations.
  6. Operates equipment (cranes, backhoes, grapple truck, dump truck, excavators, etc.) in accomplishment of tasks associated with specialty lifting, re-railing, load transfer, track maintenance/repair, grading or other work in preparation for railroad construction and related activities.
  7. Works with hydraulic tools, welding, cutting with torches, electrical tools and common hand tools in accomplishment of work assignments.
  8. Continuously monitors equipment/vehicles to minimize down time and to ensure operational readiness.
  9. Perform and document minor service on equipment/vehicles, referring more complicated mechanical issues to Shop Manager/Foreman for repair.
  10. Participates in disassembly/loading of cranes and other equipment as necessary at the end of job assignment.
  11. Upon return to home base restocks vehicles/equipment with necessary parts, components, supplies in preparation of future work. Sorts scrap materials placing same in designated locations.
  12. Flexible/work-ready to perform tasks for other departments/divisions as may be required to meet business needs and customer expectations.
  13. Follows all required safety policies and procedures.
  14. Maintains vehicles/equipment and work area ensuring that they are cleared of debris/trash, tools and equipment are organized and that the work area/vehicle/equipment present the level of quality and craftsmanship expected of Cranemasters' team members.

Required Travel: Yes; Frequent/extended overnight travel
Required Skills and Experience:
  1. Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, front-end loader, grapple truck, rail-bound equipment, tractor and skid-steer loaders; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
  2. Must possess a valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with good driving record.
  3. Capable of understanding and following directions.
  4. Display strong adherence to safety policies and procedures.
  5. Able to read, write and speak English
  6. Must pass qualification tests as required (includes E-Rail Safe and other training/safety programs).
  7. Must meet 24/7 availability in order to respond to emergency calls for service including weekends and holidays.

Physical Demands:
  1. Constantly on feet
  2. Walking / carrying loads on uneven surfaces and in ballast.
  3. Working in ALL weather conditions.
  4. Working extended hours.
  5. Constant bending, twisting, stooping, standing and / or walking.
  6. Regular lifting of up to 50 pounds; loads in excess of 50 pounds and which can be reduced, should be made lighter.
  7. Employee must obtain assistance when lifting items weighing more than 75 pounds, or items which present ergonomic challenges in lifting/movement/placement.

Apply