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Construction Equipment Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA

Riverside County, CA

Equipment Operator II

Riverside, CA · On-site

$69K - $88K/yr

Competitive candidates will possess experience in landfill maintenance or construction, including operating equipment such as backhoes, dozers, excavators, scrapers, motor graders, and dump trucks in ...

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... processes of construction, demolition, or excavation. Will be using the following equipment:

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... processes of construction, demolition, or excavation. Will be using the following equipment:

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... processes of construction, demolition, or excavation. Will be using the following equipment:

Team Fishel

Equipment Operator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Location Santa Ana, CA Market Telecom Construction Who is Team Fishel? Since 1936, we've been the ... Equipment Operators at our Santa Ana, CA (Orange County area) office. The starting wage range for ...

BrightView

Equipment Operator

Upland, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

The Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate manner. Heavy equipment may include trucks, front end loaders, dozers, graders, compactors, trenchers ...

BrightView Landscapes

Equipment Operator

Upland, CA

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

The Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate manner. Heavy equipment may include trucks, front end loaders, dozers, graders, compactors, trenchers ...

Herzog

Equipment Operator

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

$43.05/hr

Operates and performs operator-level maintenance of several types of heavy equipment including end ... Knowledge of safe, efficient use of equipment and tools to perform construction and maintenance ...

Herzog

Equipment Operator

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$43.05/hr

Operates and performs operator-level maintenance of several types of heavy equipment including end ... Knowledge of safe, efficient use of equipment and tools to perform construction and maintenance ...

Pramira Inc

Micro Trench Operator

Brea, CA · On-site

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience operating 16"-26" microtrenching equipment, slurry backfill systems, and related underground construction equipment in fast-paced telecom ...

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All JobsConstruction Equipment Operator JobsConstruction Equipment Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA

Construction Equipment Operator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$25

$36

How much do construction equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for construction equipment operator in Riverside, CA is $25.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.31 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Construction Equipment Operator Do?

Construction equipment operator is an umbrella term that can cover many different careers. Generally speaking, a construction equipment operator is an individual who operates some form of heavy machinery used in the construction of building, roads, bridges, or other structures. In this position, your duties vary with the type of equipment and projects on which you work. In most cases, you use heavy machinery to move, excavate, extract, or dig up dirt and maneuver or lift construction materials at a construction site. You are also responsible for cleaning and maintaining your equipment, following proper safety standards, and assisting your fellow crew members to do the same.

What is the highest paid equipment operator?

The highest paid equipment operators are often those who specialize in heavy machinery such as crane operators, excavator operators, or bulldozer operators, especially with extensive experience and certifications. They typically earn higher wages in industries like oil and gas, mining, or large-scale construction projects, with salaries varying based on location, skill level, and project complexity.

What does a construction equipment operator do?

A construction equipment operator controls and maintains heavy machinery such as bulldozers, cranes, excavators, and loaders to assist in construction projects. They operate equipment safely, follow project plans, and often require certification or training to handle specific machinery. Their work environment is typically outdoors on construction sites, and they must adhere to safety regulations.

Is a CDL required to operate construction equipment?

Construction equipment operators typically do not need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to operate heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, or cranes. However, if the job involves driving large trucks or transporting equipment on public roads, a CDL may be required. Certification in equipment operation and safety training are often necessary for these roles.

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

To thrive as a Construction Equipment Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy machinery operation, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or GED, sometimes complemented by specialized training or apprenticeships. Familiarity with equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, and loaders, as well as certifications like OSHA or NCCCO, are commonly required. Strong hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, and communication skills help operators work efficiently and safely on dynamic job sites. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring both project success and the safety of all workers involved.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

Construction equipment operators can earn around $700 a day in high-demand projects, especially with specialized skills, certifications, and experience. Such pay rates are common in large-scale construction, heavy civil projects, or when working overtime or in remote locations. Earnings vary based on location, project complexity, and union or contractor agreements.

What is the difference between Construction Equipment Operator vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectConstruction Equipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsOSHA safety training, CDL often preferredOSHA safety training, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, roads, bridgesConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projects
Industry UsageConstruction, infrastructureConstruction, mining, forestry

Construction Equipment Operators and Heavy Equipment Operators often share similar certifications and work environments. The main difference lies in the specific equipment they operate and the industries they serve. Construction Equipment Operators typically focus on construction sites, while Heavy Equipment Operators may work in mining or forestry. Both roles require safety training and sometimes a CDL, making them closely related career paths within heavy machinery operation.

What are some common challenges faced by Construction Equipment Operators on job sites?

Construction Equipment Operators often work in fast-paced, dynamic environments where weather conditions, tight deadlines, and coordination with other trades can present challenges. Navigating around other workers and equipment safely requires constant attention and communication. Additionally, adapting to different types of machinery and staying updated on safety protocols are crucial for both efficiency and workplace safety. Operators must also be prepared to perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting on their equipment to minimize downtime.
More about Construction Equipment Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Construction Equipment Operator jobs in Riverside, CA? For Construction Equipment Operator jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Construction Equipment Operator jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Construction Equipment Operator jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Construction Equipment Operator jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Construction Equipment Operator job openings:
Construction Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Construction Equipment Operator job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,753 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
Operator Telecom Construction Equipment

Operator Telecom Construction Equipment

Dycom Industries, Inc.

Corona, CA • On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Dycom Industries rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Corona, CA
Workplace Type: Field
Employment Type: Hourly
Discover a more connected career
At VCI Construction, LLC, as an Equipment Operator on our Telecom Construction team, you'll use and take care of special machines for putting in phone and internet infrastructure, making sure everything works right and stays safe while doing the job.
Connecting you to great benefits
  • Weekly Paychecks
  • Paid Time Off, Parental Leave, and Holidays
  • Insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance)
  • 401(k) w/ Company Match
  • Stock Purchase Plan
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Legal Insurance
  • Discounts on gym memberships, pet insurance, and much more!

What you'll do
  • Attend new site Job Safety Analysis
  • Safely operate and control assigned equipment
  • Dig pits, trenches or potholes as directed by job plan
  • Responsible for the site set-up and clean-up
  • Load and unload tools, materials and equipment from truck
  • Set up a safety perimeter
  • Perform work in all weather conditions
  • Other duties as assigned

What you'll need
  • To be 18 years of age or older
  • Authorization to work in the United States for this company
  • High School Diploma, GED equivalent, or relevant work experience
  • Valid State driver's license (cannot be Provisional), including an acceptable driving record
  • Experience with drill set up and design processes, is preferred

Physical abilities & exposures
  • Routinely: work alone in remote locations with arms above shoulder level, operate vehicle and heavy machinery, squeeze, fine hand motions, bend, stoop, stand, walk, climb stairs and lift greater than 55 pounds
  • Occasionally: work in confined spaces, use ladder, keyboard and mouse

The wage range for Operator Telecom Construction Equipment is $25.00 - $32.00
Why work with us
Your career here is more than just a job - it's your pathway to opportunity. Our hands-on training, supportive environment, and responsive leadership connect you to work with purpose. Our commitment to you extends beyond professional development to a safety-first culture that ensures you can do what you do best, with peace of mind.
Building stronger solutions together
Our company is an equal-opportunity employer - we are committed to providing a work environment where everyone can thrive, grow, and feel connected.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Req Id:

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