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Construction Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Knife River Corporation

Equipment Operator

Boise, ID · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Pavement and Construction Equipment Journeyman * Pavement and Construction Equipment Apprentice * Pavement and Construction Equipment Helper Army: * Motor Transport Operator * General Construction ...

ALM

Construction Equipment Operator - Grading

Ashland, WI · On-site

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

POSITION SUMMARY Under the direction of the foreperson, grading equipment operators will be responsible for operating several types of road construction equipment in a safe and efficient manner. This ...

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Construction Equipment Operator information

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$14

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$34

How much do construction equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for construction equipment operator in the United States is $24.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $27.40 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 does a Construction Equipment Operator do?

A Construction Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery used in construction projects, such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, and loaders. They help move earth, lift large materials, and perform tasks like digging, grading, and paving roads or building foundations. Operators must be skilled in handling their equipment safely and efficiently, following site plans and adhering to safety regulations at all times. Their work is essential for the successful completion of construction projects.

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 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 cities are hiring for Construction Equipment Operator jobs? Cities with the most Construction Equipment Operator job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Construction Equipment Operator jobs? The top employers for Construction Equipment Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Construction Equipment Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Construction Equipment Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Construction Equipment Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Construction Equipment Operator jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Construction Equipment Operator jobs? For Construction Equipment Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Construction Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Construction Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,524 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Construction Equipment Operator

TAK Broadband

Prescott Valley, AZ

$25 - $30/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Description

TAK Broadband is a leading end-to-end U.S. fiber broadband network construction contractor operating in 42 states. It builds more than just networks; it connects communities to new valuable digital opportunities. TAK offers comprehensive service solutions, from construction to drops to fulfillment. TAK's ecosystem of partners allows it to successfully complete every project starting from the first point of conception. This includes engineering teams, distributors, and more than 100 qualified construction crews with extensive experience across all ISP types and markets; over 300 experienced bury drop crews; and more than 700 professional technicians.


We are seeking an experienced Equipment Operator to join our team in the Prescott Valley, AZ area. In this role you will be responsible for preparing the underground systems, making repairs, potholing, digging and filling trenches, and other underground construction works.


Why TAK?

  • Full Time
  • Paid Weekly
  • Compensation: $25 - $30 per hour, DOE
  • Full Benefits Package (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) with Company Match!
  • 25K Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Independent Work & Team Collaboration
  • Career Development & Advancement Opportunities!

The Role

  • Operate the directional drill, plow, trencher, excavator and underground equipment to complete assigned projects
  • Complete drilling in both standard and high-risk areas; with live utilities
  • Maintain a working knowledge of utility depths and placements
  • Ensure vehicles, equipment and tools are properly maintained, in good repair and secured in a safe manner
  • Ensure all utilities have been located and a visual verification complete prior to job start
  • Perform conduit splicing, vault/pedestal placement and fiber/coax placement as needed
  • Complete general restoration and cleanup
  • Complete all projects with safety as the #1 priority, ensuring compliance with internal safety standards and all governmental orders
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements

  • 1+ years of experience driving and operating a guzzler (dry vac), underground equipment (micro trencher, excavator, etc.) required
  • Open to a variety of schedules; evenings and/or weekends as needed
  • Excellent customer service, time management, problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to learn and operate testing equipment and software/programs
  • Ability to learn to utilize hand tools, identify wire size/color and accurately utilize measuring devices
  • Maintain and inspect assigned equipment
  • Comfortable working outdoors, in tight spaces and elevated by bending, reaching, twisting, climbing, and working while standing up to 70% of the time, near electricity and powerlines at times
  • Ability to safely work and navigate various terrains, managing equipment, safety equipment and tools
  • Ability to work with a noise level from moderate to loud
  • Ability to travel daily, ability to work outside of business hours when needed, overtime, holidays, evenings, weekends etc., in all seasons up to 50% travel requiring overnight stays as needed
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 70lbs as needed
  • A body weight of no more than 275 pounds to perform ladder work safely. **Safety is our #1 Priority. If personal safety is not compromised, an accommodation may be available based on previous ladder experience in a similar role**
  • Must provide a valid government-issued photo ID for verification; a driver's license is required if the role involves driving;
  • Class A CDL preferred
  • Passing of all pre-employment requirements (MVR, Background Check, Drug Screen)


The compensation and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.


TAK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We maintain full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and are committed to providing equal access throughout our employment practices. Individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations during the application and hiring process by contacting TAKRecruiter@takbroadband.com

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