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Demolition Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DFW CONCRETE PROS

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Justin, TX · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator - Civil / Concrete Construction Company: DFW Concrete Pros Position: Heavy ... Civil, demolition, or concrete construction experience is strongly preferred. Primary ...

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for demolition 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 does a demolition heavy equipment operator do?

A Demolition Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and wrecking balls to safely tear down buildings and other structures. Their job involves following safety protocols, reading blueprints or demolition plans, and collaborating with other crew members to ensure efficient and controlled demolition. They also perform routine maintenance on equipment and help clear debris from the site. This role requires skill, precision, and attention to safety to prevent accidents and minimize environmental impact.

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

To excel as a Demolition Heavy Equipment Operator, you need expertise in operating machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and wrecking balls, along with a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant safety training or certifications. Familiarity with equipment-specific controls, OSHA safety standards, and sometimes a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork are vital soft skills, especially for coordinating with crews in hazardous environments. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and compliant demolition work, minimizing risk and maximizing productivity.

What are the main challenges demolition heavy equipment operators face on the job site?

Demolition Heavy Equipment Operators often encounter challenges related to safety, precision, and working in dynamic environments. They must carefully coordinate with other team members to ensure structures are dismantled safely while protecting nearby buildings and utilities. The work can be physically demanding and typically involves adapting to changing site conditions and unexpected obstacles. Operators also need to stay vigilant about equipment maintenance and adhere strictly to safety protocols to minimize risks.

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

AspectDemolition Heavy Equipment OperatorConstruction Heavy Equipment Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentDemolition sites, urban or industrial areasConstruction sites, infrastructure projects
Job FocusDemolishing structures, debris removalBuilding, grading, and infrastructure development

Demolition Heavy Equipment Operators primarily work on tearing down structures and clearing debris, often in urban or industrial settings. Construction Heavy Equipment Operators focus on building new structures and infrastructure. While both roles require similar certifications and operate heavy machinery, their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

How to be a demolition heavy equipment operator?

To become a demolition heavy equipment operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or an apprenticeship to learn how to operate heavy machinery such as excavators and bulldozers. Certification in equipment operation and safety, such as OSHA training, is often required, and physical fitness and attention to safety protocols are essential for working in demolition environments.
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Demolition Heavy Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Demolition 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, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Specialty Demolition Heavy Equipment Operator

DH Griffin Traveling Team

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Traveling Specialty Demolition Heavy Equipment Operator, you must be willing to travel up to 100% of the time with per diem, meals and lodging provided, with an average of three weeks on the road and one long weekend home.
All employees must be able to pass a background test and drug screening.
Employee Operates and maintains one or more of the following:
• Track or rubber tire excavator with mounted hydraulically powered grapple,
bucket, shear, processor, hydraulic hammer or other implements/attachments
to lift, shear, process, and move materials.
• Straight or articulated rubber-tired or solid-tired tractor, equipped with front-
mounted hydraulically-powered bucket, scoop or forks, to lift and transport bulk
materials to and from storage or processing areas or equipped with a heavy
rotating broom to sweep areas clear of debris.
• Powered industrial truck equipped with lifting devices such as forklift, boom,
scoop, lift beam and swivel hook, fork grapple, clamps, elevating platform or
trailer hitch to move materials.
• Operates compressors, pumps, or hoists.
• Must be able to climb into and dismount from all equipment using built-in
ladder/steps to/from heights of 3 to 7 feet from grade
• Starts engine, shifts gears, presses pedals, turns steering wheel, levers and/or
toggle switches that control the movement of machinery, including forward,
backward, rotating on chassis, raising and lowering boom, extending or
retracting bucket or other attachment, often in response to hand signals.
• Must be competent in industry standard hand signals.
• May use equipment to cut and remove metals or concrete from structures, cut
and/or process and/or sort scrap metals, break and process concrete, lift and
carry heavy objects, grade, shape and form work areas.
• Backfill, spread fill and/or stabilization stone, load trucks, move equipment
(including rigging and attaching equipment to bucket hook, load dump buckets,
transport dump buckets).
• Consults load rating chart prior to all major lifts to ensure safe operation within
rated capacity of equipment.
• Inspect and performs routine maintenance on equipment such as lubricating,
fueling, and cleaning as well as makes minor adjustment and repairs to
equipment.
• When not operating, servicing or repairing equipment, may be required to
assist others as needed such as performing manual labor under variable
weather conditions including walking or standing for extended periods,
exposure to dust, fumes and loud noises, stooping, crouching, and lifting up
to 50 pounds.
• Communicate with field supervision and management status of tasks, hazards,
status of equipment, including the need for equipment maintenance.
• Follow all industry and company safety protocols. Be able to identify hazards
and implement the correct safety measures.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
As a Traveling Heavy Equipment Operator, you must be willing to travel up to 100% of the time, with an average of three weeks on the road and one long weekend home with per diem, meals and lodging provided.
Demolition experience of 5-10+ years of heavy equipment operating experience in a demolition environment.
All employees must be able to pass a background test and drug screening.
All candidates must be medically capable of wearing a half-faced respirator.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job may have supervisory responsibilities, including supervising various employees, dealing with customers, directing the movement of vehicles and equipment, and commanding personnel and vehicle/equipment operators
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Salary offers will be based upon experience. In time, equipment operators may be offered opportunities to learn new skills to advance into specialty equipment operator and leadership positions.
D.H. Griffin Companies offer full benefits, paid holidays, 401K w/ company matching, flexible spending program, continuing education opportunities, health & dental and more. No waiting period to use paid time off!
Travel expenses, meals and per diem plus lodging will be provided.
ABOUT US
For over 60 years, D.H. Griffin has been a trusted source for providing specialized and emergency demolition services following structural failure due to fire, natural disasters, explosion or building collapse. From commercial to industrial, and public to private, our wrecking services and demolition contracting are available across all industries and all over the globe. D.H. Griffin's ability to respond quickly and collaborate with first responders has saved lives, mitigated further damage, and allowed for a faster road to recovery. D.H. Griffin is uniquely positioned with the expertise and equipment to quickly and safely provide emergency and customized demolition services wherever and whenever the need arises.

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