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Bulldozer Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Turner Industries

Dirt Equipment Operator

Pasadena, TX · On-site

$32/hr

Turner Industries Group is accepting resumes for a Journeyman Dirt Equipment Operators for a ... NCCER preferred but not required, must have experience with a backhoe, track hoe, bulldozer, and ...

Wilks

Heavy Equipment Operator - Cisco, TX

Cisco, TX · On-site

Must be experienced bulldozer and excavator operator. * Excellent verbal and written communication skills. * Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. * Excellent time management ...

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Bulldozer Operator information

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$13

$21

$29

How much do bulldozer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for bulldozer operator in Texas is $21.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.10 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.

How much does a bulldozer driver make?

The average salary for a bulldozer operator is around $20 to $30 per hour, which equates to approximately $40,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and union status. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in heavy equipment tend to earn higher wages, especially in construction and mining environments.

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.

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 over $70,000 annually, especially in regions with high construction activity or remote projects. Salary varies based on experience, location, and the complexity of the machinery operated.

Do I need a license to operate a dozer?

Yes, bulldozer operators typically need a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a specialized certification, depending on state or local regulations. Employers often require operators to complete training and obtain certification in heavy equipment operation to ensure safety and compliance.

What is the going rate for bulldozer work?

The pay for bulldozer operators typically ranges from $20 to $35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in heavy equipment often earn higher wages, especially for long-term or specialized projects.

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.
More about Bulldozer Operator jobs
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Bulldozer Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bulldozer Operator job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,029 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Equipment Operator

Equipment Operator

Texas Department of Transportation

Lubbock, TX • On-site

$45K - $71K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Texas Department Of Transportation rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 693 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Position Information
Located in Northeast Lubbock, Lubbock Special Jobs offers a rewarding blend of professional challenge, teamwork, and work/life balance. This position performs complex transportation maintenance work operating heavy equipment such as: a tractor-trailer haul truck, motor grader, large excavator, crane, heavy asphalt paving machine, profiling/milling machine and dump truck throughout the 17 Counties that make up the Lubbock District. You will work alongside Operators who will offer their experience and instruction to continue to build the safe and productive work culture that thrives throughout TxDOT. Class A CDL required upon application.
Benefits and Perks
At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:
  • Retirement Plans
  • Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
  • Paid Leave and Holidays
  • Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
  • Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
  • Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package
To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)
Position Description
Performs complex transportation maintenance work operating heavy equipment such as: a tractor-trailer haul truck, motor grader, large excavator, heavy bulldozer, crane, herbicide truck, heavy asphalt paving machine, self-propelled asphalt distributor, profiling/milling machine, and dump truck. Work requires contact with private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.
Essential Duties:
  • Operates tractor-trailer haul trucks to relocate heavy and light equipment including loading, securing, and unloading
    equipment on haul trailers in compliance with federal, state, and Department motor vehicle laws, regulations, and standards.
  • May serve as a work crew project lead ensuring work performed meets project specifications.
  • May train other employees on the operation of equipment and safety procedures.
  • Operates heavy equipment such as a front-end loader one and a half cubic yards or more, large dragline, shovel, and paint
    striper.
  • Operates heavy equipment performing highly complex transportation maintenance and roadway repairs.
  • Assists with traffic control; places and gathers cones, warning signs and barricades; flags traffic.
  • Monitors and completes various required reports including time-keeping, equipment forms, inventory, accident forms,
    Preventative Maintenance Inspection (PMI) checklist, and records work in progress.
  • Operates light equipment such as a front-end loader one and a quarter cubic yards or less, pneumatic roller, rotary
    broom, spreader box, backhoe, street sweeper, and mower.
  • Operates one or more types of complex heavy equipment such as tractor-trailer haul truck, motor grader, large excavator,
    heavy bulldozer, crane, herbicide truck, heavy asphalt paving machine, self-propelled asphalt profiling/milling machine and dump
    truck.
  • Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: No education required.
Experience: 1 year experience in maintenance and/or construction equipment operation. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related college education or relevant technical training may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications
Licenses and Certifications:
  • Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
  • Must have a valid Texas Commercial Driver's License for equipment operation at time of application

Competencies:
  • Ability to
    • Communicate effectively
    • Follow verbal and written instructions
    • Drive and ride in a vehicle for extended periods
    • Basic vehicle mechanics, maintenance and repair procedures

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
  • Subject to extreme cold and heat; below 32 and/or above 100 degrees for more than one hour
  • Subject to hazards-moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals
  • Medium work: Lift up to 50 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25 lbs
  • Standing-prolonged periods of time
  • Walking-moving on foot to accomplish tasks: long distance/from one work site to another
  • Subject to atmospheric conditions-fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation
  • Subject to air and/or skin exposure to oils and other cutting fluids
  • Required to wear protective gear-respirator, hard hat, or other device
  • Works in narrow aisles or passageways

Conditions of Employment:
Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)
  • This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.
  • Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
    • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation - 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) - does not authorize "medical marijuana" under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.
  • Must be able to report for duty within 45 minutes of notification on a 24-hour basis to respond to emergency situations.

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