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Certified Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AtWork

Heavy Equipment Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator Put your skills to great use with a company that can truly appreciate you and a place where you can grow! AtWork is now hiring experienced Heavy Equipment Operators in the ...

Waste Management

Heavy Equipment Operator

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$27.79/hr

Are you looking for stable work as a Heavy Equipment Operator II with benefits that provide ... certifications, qualifications, and work location. ABOUT WM WM (WM.com) is North America's leading ...

Waste Management

Heavy Equipment Operator

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$27.79/hr

Are you looking for stable work as a Heavy Equipment Operator II with benefits that provide ... certifications, qualifications, and work location. ABOUT WM WM (WM.com) is North America's leading ...

Kanawha Stone Company

Heavy Equipment Operator

Poca, WV · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator REPORTS TO: Superintendent JOB OVERVIEW The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment in a safe, effective and appropriate manner. Heavy equipment ...

Waste Management

Heavy Equipment Operator

Reno, NV · On-site

$36.63/hr

Are you looking for stable work as a Heavy Equipment Operator II with benefits that provide ... certifications, qualifications, and work location. About Us ABOUT WM WM (WM.com) is North America ...

3 Forks Services

Heavy Equipment Operator

Williston, ND · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

We are currently seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to join our growing organization. In this position, you will be responsible for operating equipment to help build roads, oil field locations ...

3 Forks Services

Heavy Equipment Operator

Williston, ND · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

We are currently seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to join our growing organization. In this position, you will be responsible for operating equipment to help build roads, oil field locations ...

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Certified Heavy Equipment Operator information

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How much do certified heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified heavy equipment operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a certified heavy equipment operator?

A Certified Heavy Equipment Operator is a trained professional who operates large machinery such as bulldozers, cranes, excavators, and loaders, typically on construction sites or in industrial settings. These operators have completed specialized training programs and obtained certification to ensure they can safely and efficiently handle heavy equipment. Certification often requires both classroom instruction and hands-on practice, as well as passing written and practical exams. Being certified can improve job prospects and demonstrates a commitment to safety and industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a certified heavy equipment operator?

To thrive as a Certified Heavy Equipment Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and formal training supported by a recognized certification such as OSHA or NCCER. Familiarity with various construction equipment, GPS-based grade control systems, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure help operators excel on busy job sites. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operation, minimize workplace accidents, and contribute to successful project completion.

What are some common challenges faced by certified heavy equipment operators on construction sites, and how can they be managed?

Certified Heavy Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating tight spaces, working in adverse weather conditions, and coordinating with ground personnel to ensure safety. Effective communication with other crew members and staying alert to changing site conditions are essential for minimizing risks. Regularly inspecting equipment before use and adhering to safety protocols can help operators manage these challenges and maintain a safe, productive work environment.

What is the difference between Certified Heavy Equipment Operator vs Heavy Equipment Technician?

AspectCertified Heavy Equipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Technician
CredentialsCertification in operating heavy machineryTechnical certifications in repair and maintenance
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projectsRepair shops, maintenance facilities, industrial sites
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, mining, logging, infrastructureConstruction companies, equipment dealerships, industrial firms

The Certified Heavy Equipment Operator focuses on safely operating machinery on job sites, while the Heavy Equipment Technician specializes in repairing and maintaining that equipment. Both roles require technical knowledge, but their daily tasks and certifications differ significantly.

Which certified heavy equipment operator job pays the most?

Certified heavy equipment operators working in specialized industries such as mining, oil and gas, or large-scale construction tend to earn the highest salaries. Roles requiring advanced certifications, extensive experience, and operating high-demand machinery like cranes or excavators generally offer higher pay. Salaries can also vary based on location, project complexity, and employer size.

What cities are hiring for Certified Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Certified Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:

What states have the most Certified Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Certified Heavy Equipment Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Certified Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

For Certified Heavy Equipment Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Certified Heavy Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

AtWork

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Other

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator

Put your skills to great use with a company that can truly appreciate you and a place where you can grow! AtWork is now hiring experienced Heavy Equipment Operators in the Knoxville, TN area.

A Heavy Equipment Operators primary responsibility is to complete assigned tasks safely and accurately using construction equipment. Typical Heavy Equipment Operator job duties include:

  • Loading and unloading equipment from vehicles used to transport it
  • Inspecting equipment before and after use to ensure its in good working order
  • Driving or controlling heavy equipment to complete tasks at the construction site
  • Monitoring performance and adjusting settings as required to perform tasks correctly
  • Tracking scheduled maintenance of equipment and notifying their Supervisor if maintenance is past due
  • Filling out performance records to report problems with equipment and track where and when it was used
  • Cleaning equipment after use and disposing of any collected scraps or waste
  • Completing minor repair work as needed

Experience with Excavators and Mini-Excavators preferred

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