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Construction Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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As an Equipment Operator, you will need to safely and efficiently operate heavy equipment on utility and heavy civil construction projects . This role is essential to production, safety, and quality.

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Construction Heavy Equipment Operator information

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

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for construction 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 construction heavy equipment operator?

Construction Heavy Equipment Operators are skilled professionals who operate large machinery used on construction sites, such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, and loaders. Their primary responsibility is to safely and efficiently move earth, materials, and equipment to assist in the construction of buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures. They must be knowledgeable about the operation and maintenance of various types of heavy equipment, as well as safety protocols and site procedures. Operators often work outdoors in varying weather conditions and are essential for completing construction projects on time and within specifications.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a construction heavy equipment operator?

To thrive as a Construction Heavy Equipment Operator, you need technical proficiency in operating machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and loaders, typically backed by a high school diploma or GED and relevant on-the-job training or certifications. Familiarity with equipment maintenance procedures, GPS or grade control systems, and OSHA safety standards is often required. Strong attention to detail, spatial awareness, communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining safety, ensuring project efficiency, and minimizing costly errors on construction sites.

What challenges do construction heavy equipment operators face on a typical project site?

Construction Heavy Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or uneven spaces, and coordinating with other workers and trades to maintain site safety and productivity. They must also stay vigilant about equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, as breakdowns can delay project timelines. Effective communication and adherence to safety protocols are essential for minimizing risks and ensuring smooth operations on busy construction sites.

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

AspectConstruction Heavy Equipment OperatorCrane Operator
CertificationsHeavy equipment operation licenses, OSHA safety trainingCrane operator certification, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoors, large machineryConstruction sites, elevated work areas, cranes
Industry UsageGeneral construction, infrastructure projectsHigh-rise buildings, bridges, large-scale infrastructure

Construction Heavy Equipment Operators and Crane Operators both work on construction sites and require safety certifications. While heavy equipment operators handle machinery like bulldozers and loaders, crane operators specialize in operating cranes for lifting heavy materials. Both roles are essential in construction projects, but they focus on different types of equipment and tasks.

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What cities are hiring for Construction Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Construction Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:

What states have the most Construction Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Construction 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

Sioux Falls, SD • On-site

Friessen Construction
Construction • 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator

Excellent Pay, Benefits & More!

Friessen Construction is looking for Heavy Equipment Operators for the upcoming construction season. If you have experience operating finish motor grader w/ GPS, finish dozer w/ GPS, excavator w/ GSP, scraper w/ GPS, front-end loaders, roller, then apply at a company that appreciates your skills. If you are a qualified heavy equipment operator, we will train you on GPS machine control. We offer competitive wages along with great benefits.

If you prefer to apply in person, stop in at 615 S. Marion Road, Sioux Falls, SD 57106 to complete an application.

You may call with questions at 605-332-6355 Ext. 14.

To learn more about Friessen Construction, visit us on our website at: http://www.friessenconstruction.com

BENEFITS:

• Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Affordable Health Insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) fully funded by Friessen Construction

• Health Savings Account (HSA) funded by Friessen Construction

Vision Plan – Employee coverage 100% paid by Friessen Construction

Life Insurance – 100% paid by Friessen Construction

• 401(K) guaranteed match Profit Sharing Retirement Plan

• Work is local to Sioux Falls

• No overnight out of town travel required


EOE

REQUIREMENTS

Driver's license and good driving record.
Pre-employment drug screening & physical required.

CONTACT AND MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION:

Erick Okeson

Director of Field Operations

Friessen Construction
615 S Marion Road
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Phone: 605-332-6355


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