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Demolition Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Heavy Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$49K - $74K/yr

Qualifying Heavy Equipment Operators are eligible for training certifications that provide stipends of additional pay up to 12.5% Duties and Responsibilities The intent of this is to provide a ...

Description We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience operating a variety of construction equipment used in ...

This position requires a multi-faceted track and wheel driven heavy equipment operator that can safely, productively, and with proven skill, control, maneuver, and navigate numerous types of ...

Responsible for operating a variety of heavy equipment including but not limited to front-end loaders, skid-steers, trackhoes, backhoes, excavators, dozers, motor graders and trenchers. Job Functions:

Responsible for operating a variety of heavy equipment including but not limited to front-end loaders, skid-steers, trackhoes, backhoes, excavators, dozers, motor graders and trenchers. Job Functions:

Responsible for operating a variety of heavy equipment including but not limited to front-end loaders, skid-steers, trackhoes, backhoes, excavators, dozers, motor graders and trenchers. Job Functions:

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Demolition Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$23

$32

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 Raleigh, NC is $23.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $26.15 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.

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Demolition Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Demolition Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Demolition Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in Raleigh, NC 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 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,952 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Demolition - Heavy Equipment Operator

Smith Rowe, LLC

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Want to be part of a company who gives back to their employees? You've stopped at the right ad! We expect a lot from our employees, but we also give a lot in return.
We care about our employees by providing an exceptional benefits package. We also work to further our employees' careers by doing our best to promote within the company. If you care about job performance, work well with others, can be accountable, have a positive attitude, can follow company/safety guidelines, are dependable, punctual, respond positively to supervision, you will be a great fit for our company!
Operating since 1983, the Smith-Rowe Team has grown and developed into a formidable construction company. Our organization employs teams with capabilities in structures, grading, utilities, storm drain, retaining walls, sound walls, signage, demolition, crushing, logging, clearing and grubbing and marine construction.
Benefits:
  • Competitive Salary
  • Employee Paid Premiums for Medical Insurance
  • Health Reimbursement Account
  • Telemedicine
  • Paid Life Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Matching Contributions
  • Sign On/Referral Bonuses

Position Overview: The position of a Heavy Equipment Operator in the Demolition Department assist with demolition jobs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Conduct pre-shift and post-shift daily inspections of equipment for safety and mechanical defects.
• Operate/drive construction type equipment to excavate and move earth, concrete, asphalt, or other hard surface pavement on roads, bridges, and earth surfaces in a safe manner
• May perform minor repairs and maintain equipment as needed
• General labor as needed
Education and/or Experience:
• 3 - 5 years' experience preferred
• High school diploma/GED, preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
• Valid driver's license preferred
• Must be safety oriented
• Ability to understand and follow oral instructions, communicate tactfully and effectively with supervisors, co-workers and the public
• Able to learn and comply with all safety policies and procedures and OSHA regulations
• Able to learn and comply with all company policies and procedures
• Ability to travel and to work overtime when required
• Must be able to pass a drug screen
• Must have a strong work ethic
• Must be 18 years of age
Physical Demands: The physical demands below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Able to push and pull with hands, arms, and feet repetitively
• Must have good visual and auditory physical capabilities in order to manage sights and sounds in a hazardous construction environment
• Able to be alert and cognitive of multiple concurrent activities of the construction site, including awareness of other employees, subcontractors, machinery, equipment, and moving traffic when applicable
• Coordination between hand, eyes, feet to guide equipment and objects is required
• Must be able to mount and dismount off of vehicles and equipment
• Must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment
• Must be able to walk on uneven terrain
• Able to lift up to 70 pounds
Environmental Working Conditions
• All work is performed outside in heat, cold, and inclement weather.
• Exposure to all elements of nature
• Exposure to all types of terrain
NOTE: This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions expected of an employee. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an employee. An employee may be asked to perform other duties as required.
Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources at
Phone: 336-789-8221
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.
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