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Bulldozer Operator Jobs in Charleston, SC (NOW HIRING)

Are you a Fine Grade Heavy Equipment Operator who can fine grade to a tenth on a bulldozer or a motor grader? Can you dig with a track hoe to increase production time? Are you ready to commit to a ...

Lead Operator

Charleston, SC · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Our client needs Lead Operators who can fine-grade with a bulldozer curb, sidewalks, roads, ponds, and also lay storm drain with an excavator. Attention earth-moving, fine-grade, heavy equipment ...

Fine Grade Operator

Summerville, SC · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Are you a Fine Grade Heavy Equipment Operator that can fine grade with a dozer? Come join a stable ... Fine grade with a bulldozer to grade house and building pads, roads, and ponds. * Fine grade with a ...

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Crane Operator

Wando, SC · On-site

$29 - $33/hr

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... powered operating equipment. - Interprets hand signals to determine where materials are to be ...

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... powered operating equipment. - Interprets hand signals to determine where materials are to be ...

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... powered operating equipment. - Interprets hand signals to determine where materials are to be ...

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Bulldozer Operator information

See Charleston, SC salary details

$13

$21

$29

How much do bulldozer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for bulldozer operator in Charleston, SC is $21.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $25.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a bulldozer operator?

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 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 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.

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 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 can you make with a bulldozer operator?

A bulldozer operator's salary varies by experience, location, and employer, but typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 annually. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in heavy equipment often earn higher wages, especially in construction, mining, or infrastructure projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Bulldozer Operator jobs in Charleston, SC?

The most popular types of Bulldozer Operator jobs in Charleston, SC are:

What job categories do people searching Bulldozer Operator jobs in Charleston, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Bulldozer Operator jobs in Charleston, SC are:

What cities near Charleston, SC are hiring for Bulldozer Operator jobs?

Cities near Charleston, SC with the most Bulldozer Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Bulldozer Operator job openings in Charleston, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,231 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

$47K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Summary and Essential Functions This position typically provides performance of specialized skilled work in the operation of a variety of complex motorized heavy equipment and vehicles in the construction and maintenance of county right of ways. Must be able to deal courteously and effectively with fellow employees. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Performs duties in the operation of various types of heavy construction equipment which may include side-cutters, bulldozer, loaders, motor graders, backhoes, paving machines and excavators.

Operates small hand tools, forklifts, chain saws, commercial weed eaters, and earth compactors during installation and repairs of storm drainage system or roadways. May use asphalt racks in spreading and leveling hot mix asphalt in patching potholes, paving driveways and resurfacing roadways. Performs routine preventive maintenance of equipment.

Installs drainage pipes at new and completed sites to ensure proper drainage. Performs clearing of roadways. Assists with storm cleanup.

Patches asphalt and repairs sinkholes. Installs driveways. Transports materials to jobsite.

Provides traffic control. Maintains an accurate record/log of work performed. May supervise maintenance workers.

Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Requirements to Perform Work Heavy Equipment Operator 1: High School diploma or equivalent; One (1) year of related equipment operating experience preferred; Must have and maintain a valid driver's license for South Carolina with safe driving record. Heavy Equipment Operator 2: High School diploma or equivalent; One (1) year of related equipment operating experience; Must be proficient in the operation of at least two (2) of the following pieces of equipment: front end loader, backhoe, excavator, compactor, skid steer, bulldozer, motor grader.

Heavy Equipment Operator 3: High School diploma or equivalent; Two (2) years of related equipment operating experience; Must be proficient in the operation of at least three (3) of the following pieces of equipment: front end loader, backhoe, excavator, compactor, skid steer, bulldozer, motor grader. Heavy Equipment Operator 4: High School diploma or equivalent; Three (3) years of related equipment operating experience; Must have and maintain a valid Commercial Driver's License Class A for South Carolina with safe driving record. Must be proficient in the operation of at least three (3) of the following pieces of equipment: front end loader, backhoe, excavator, compactor, skid steer, bulldozer, motor grader.

Special Requirements: Departmental testing may be administered during interview; A criminal background check will be completed on selected applicant if a current one (less than 3 years old) is not onfile. This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to read and write.

Strong mathematical skills preferred. Ability to follow oral and written instructions and organize, plan and execute these instructions. Ability to use pneumatic power tools and general mechanics tools.

Ability to use or repair small, medium and heavy equipment and machinery. Physical Demands This position requires the employee to reach, pull and push with hands and arms; stand; use hands to handle, feel, finger, grasp or operate objects, tools or controls; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; use mental acuity and repetitive motion; and walk, talk and hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to ninety-five (95) pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Work Conditions The work is regularly performed in an environment with heavy equipment and machinery that could result in bodily harm to co-workers or others. Thirty-seven and one half (37.5) hours per week

Normal working hours are Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. with the ability to work after hours when necessary

Scheduled hours/days, job location, duties and any other information contained herein is subject to change. May be required to work extra hours and to perform extra or different duties during emergency situations.