The ideal candidate will have experience operating excavators, shear cranes, material handlers, or similar heavy equipment in a scrap recycling, demolition, steel, construction, or industrial ...
The ideal candidate will have experience operating excavators, shear cranes, material handlers, or similar heavy equipment in a scrap recycling, demolition, steel, construction, or industrial ...
Mitigation Technician
Melrose Park, IL · On-site
$18 - $24/hr
Performing demolition in areas designated by Mitigation Lead and/or Manager * Preparing work areas ... Paid time off and paid holidays Company Description Restore Restoration is a family operated ...
Quick apply
Mitigation Technician
Melrose Park, IL · On-site
$18 - $24/hr
Performing demolition in areas designated by Mitigation Lead and/or Manager * Preparing work areas ... Paid time off and paid holidays Company Description Restore Restoration is a family operated ...
Material Handler / Crane Operator
Blue Island, IL · On-site
$16.25 - $19.50/hr
The ideal candidate will have experience operating material handlers, excavators, cranes, or similar heavy equipment in a scrap recycling, demolition, waste, aggregate, steel, or industrial ...
Material Handler / Crane Operator
Blue Island, IL · On-site
$16.25 - $19.50/hr
The ideal candidate will have experience operating material handlers, excavators, cranes, or similar heavy equipment in a scrap recycling, demolition, waste, aggregate, steel, or industrial ...
Junk Removal Specialist - Captain (driver) position
Frankfort, IL · On-site
$17 - $25/hr
Junk Bunker Junk Removal is a family owned and operated junk removal and demolition company located in Frankfort IL. Training begins between $15-$17/hour until exam is passed then wages begin at $25 ...
Quick apply
Junk Removal Specialist - Captain (driver) position
Frankfort, IL · On-site
$17 - $25/hr
Junk Bunker Junk Removal is a family owned and operated junk removal and demolition company located in Frankfort IL. Training begins between $15-$17/hour until exam is passed then wages begin at $25 ...
Junk Removal Specialist - Captain (driver) position
Frankfort, IL · On-site
$17 - $25/hr
Junk Bunker Junk Removal is a family owned and operated junk removal and demolition company located in Frankfort IL. Training begins between $15-$17/hour until exam is passed then wages begin at $25 ...
Quick apply
Junk Removal Specialist - Captain (driver) position
Frankfort, IL · On-site
$17 - $25/hr
Junk Bunker Junk Removal is a family owned and operated junk removal and demolition company located in Frankfort IL. Training begins between $15-$17/hour until exam is passed then wages begin at $25 ...
Maintain accurate work logs and equipment records * Assist with site preparation, trenching, lifting, grading, demolition, or paving operations * Ensure proper equipment setup and shutdown procedures
Maintain accurate work logs and equipment records * Assist with site preparation, trenching, lifting, grading, demolition, or paving operations * Ensure proper equipment setup and shutdown procedures
Maintain accurate work logs and equipment records * Assist with site preparation, trenching, lifting, grading, demolition, or paving operations * Ensure proper equipment setup and shutdown procedures
Maintain accurate work logs and equipment records * Assist with site preparation, trenching, lifting, grading, demolition, or paving operations * Ensure proper equipment setup and shutdown procedures
Mitigation Manager
Melrose Park, IL · On-site
$70K - $100K/yr
Lead mitigation crews in performing extraction, demolition, cleaning, and structural drying ... family operated restoration firm that has been assisting homeowners and business owners in and ...
Quick apply
Mitigation Manager
Melrose Park, IL · On-site
$70K - $100K/yr
Lead mitigation crews in performing extraction, demolition, cleaning, and structural drying ... family operated restoration firm that has been assisting homeowners and business owners in and ...
Water, Fire, Mold Restoration Technician
Swansea, IL · On-site
$16.25 - $20.25/hr
... and operated restoration company specializing in water damage, mold remediation, fire and smoke ... Perform demolition and removal of damaged materials when required * Take job photos and accurately ...
Water, Fire, Mold Restoration Technician
Swansea, IL · On-site
$16.25 - $20.25/hr
... and operated restoration company specializing in water damage, mold remediation, fire and smoke ... Perform demolition and removal of damaged materials when required * Take job photos and accurately ...
Water Restoration Technician
Caseyville, IL · On-site
$16 - $19/hr
Demolition * Packout contents * Cleaning building structures Qualifications: * Good Driving Record ... O With over 500 locations across North America and Canada, PuroClean is leading the industry in ...
Water Restoration Technician
Caseyville, IL · On-site
$16 - $19/hr
Demolition * Packout contents * Cleaning building structures Qualifications: * Good Driving Record ... O With over 500 locations across North America and Canada, PuroClean is leading the industry in ...
Water Restoration Technician
Caseyville, IL · On-site
$17 - $21/hr
Demolition * Packout contents * Cleaning building structures Qualifications: * Good Driving Record ... O With over 500 locations across North America and Canada, PuroClean is leading the industry in ...
Water Restoration Technician
Caseyville, IL · On-site
$17 - $21/hr
Demolition * Packout contents * Cleaning building structures Qualifications: * Good Driving Record ... O With over 500 locations across North America and Canada, PuroClean is leading the industry in ...
Water Restoration Technician
Caseyville, IL · On-site
$19 - $24/hr
Demolition * Packout contents * Cleaning building structures Qualifications: * Good Driving Record ... O With over 500 locations across North America and Canada, PuroClean is leading the industry in ...
Water Restoration Technician
Caseyville, IL · On-site
$19 - $24/hr
Demolition * Packout contents * Cleaning building structures Qualifications: * Good Driving Record ... O With over 500 locations across North America and Canada, PuroClean is leading the industry in ...
Water Restoration Technician
Caseyville, IL · On-site
$19 - $24/hr
Demolition * Packout contents * Cleaning building structures Qualifications: * Good Driving Record ... O With over 500 locations across North America and Canada, PuroClean is leading the industry in ...
Water Restoration Technician
Caseyville, IL · On-site
$19 - $24/hr
Demolition * Packout contents * Cleaning building structures Qualifications: * Good Driving Record ... O With over 500 locations across North America and Canada, PuroClean is leading the industry in ...
Maintain accurate work logs and equipment records * Assist with site preparation, trenching, lifting, grading, demolition, or paving operations * Ensure proper equipment setup and shutdown procedures ...
Maintain accurate work logs and equipment records * Assist with site preparation, trenching, lifting, grading, demolition, or paving operations * Ensure proper equipment setup and shutdown procedures ...
Maintain accurate work logs and equipment records * Assist with site preparation, trenching, lifting, grading, demolition, or paving operations * Ensure proper equipment setup and shutdown procedures ...
Maintain accurate work logs and equipment records * Assist with site preparation, trenching, lifting, grading, demolition, or paving operations * Ensure proper equipment setup and shutdown procedures ...
Water Restoration Technician
Caseyville, IL · On-site
$17 - $21/hr
Demolition * Packout contents * Cleaning building structures Qualifications: * Good Driving Record ... O With over 500 locations across North America and Canada, PuroClean is leading the industry in ...
Water Restoration Technician
Caseyville, IL · On-site
$17 - $21/hr
Demolition * Packout contents * Cleaning building structures Qualifications: * Good Driving Record ... O With over 500 locations across North America and Canada, PuroClean is leading the industry in ...
Water Restoration Technician
Caseyville, IL · On-site
$19 - $24/hr
Demolition * Packout contents * Cleaning building structures Qualifications: * Good Driving Record ... O With over 500 locations across North America and Canada, PuroClean is leading the industry in ...
Water Restoration Technician
Caseyville, IL · On-site
$19 - $24/hr
Demolition * Packout contents * Cleaning building structures Qualifications: * Good Driving Record ... O With over 500 locations across North America and Canada, PuroClean is leading the industry in ...
Water Restoration Technician
Caseyville, IL · On-site
$17 - $21/hr
Demolition * Packout contents * Cleaning building structures Qualifications: * Good Driving Record ... O With over 500 locations across North America and Canada, PuroClean is leading the industry in ...
Water Restoration Technician
Caseyville, IL · On-site
$17 - $21/hr
Demolition * Packout contents * Cleaning building structures Qualifications: * Good Driving Record ... O With over 500 locations across North America and Canada, PuroClean is leading the industry in ...
Maintain accurate work logs and equipment records * Assist with site preparation, trenching, lifting, grading, demolition, or paving operations * Ensure proper equipment setup and shutdown procedures ...
Maintain accurate work logs and equipment records * Assist with site preparation, trenching, lifting, grading, demolition, or paving operations * Ensure proper equipment setup and shutdown procedures ...
Water Restoration Technician
Caseyville, IL · On-site
$19 - $24/hr
Demolition * Packout contents * Cleaning building structures Qualifications: * Good Driving Record ... O With over 500 locations across North America and Canada, PuroClean is leading the industry in ...
Water Restoration Technician
Caseyville, IL · On-site
$19 - $24/hr
Demolition * Packout contents * Cleaning building structures Qualifications: * Good Driving Record ... O With over 500 locations across North America and Canada, PuroClean is leading the industry in ...
Demolition Operative information
See Illinois salary details
$9.32 - $10.95
0% of jobs
$10.95 - $12.58
2% of jobs
$12.58 - $14.21
9% of jobs
$15.27 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.21 - $15.84
22% of jobs
$15.84 - $17.47
11% of jobs
The median wage is $18.56 / hr.
$17.47 - $19.10
10% of jobs
$19.10 - $20.73
14% of jobs
$21.55 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$20.73 - $22.36
15% of jobs
$22.36 - $23.99
14% of jobs
$23.99 - $25.62
3% of jobs
$25.62 - $27.25
0% of jobs
$9
$18
$27
How much do demolition operative jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for demolition operative in Illinois is $18.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is the difference between Demolition Operative vs Construction Labourer?
| Aspect | Demolition Operative | Construction Labourer |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Health & Safety, CSCS card, machinery operation | Basic health & safety, general construction site safety |
| Work Environment | Demolition sites, often with heavy machinery and debris | Construction sites, assisting with various tasks |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Specialized demolition companies, construction firms | General construction companies, building projects |
Demolition Operatives focus on safely tearing down structures using specialized equipment, requiring specific safety certifications. Construction Labourers perform a broader range of tasks on construction sites, often assisting with general duties. While both roles work in construction environments, Demolition Operatives have more specialized skills related to demolition activities.
How much do you get paid as a demolition operative?
Demolition operatives typically earn between £20,000 and £40,000 annually in the UK, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Pay can also include overtime and benefits, with skilled workers earning higher wages. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operatives with specialized skills can command higher salaries.
Is demolition a good career?
Demolition is a physically demanding job that involves safely tearing down structures using tools and machinery, often requiring certifications and adherence to safety regulations. It can offer steady employment and opportunities for advancement, but it also involves risks and working in challenging environments. Overall, it can be a viable career for those interested in construction and heavy equipment operation.
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Demolition Operative jobs?
Cities in Illinois with the most Demolition Operative job openings:
Shear Crane Operator - Second Shift
Blue Island, IL • On-site
Blue Island Recycling, LLC
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO
Re-posted 6 days ago
Job description
Blue Island Recycling, LLC is seeking an experienced, safety-focused Shear Crane Operator to join our 2nd Shift operations team.
This position is responsible for operating excavators equipped with hydraulic shear attachments to process ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal. Equipment operated may include Hitachi, Liebherr, Komatsu, and Caterpillar excavators equipped with Genesis, Gensco, and LaBounty hydraulic shears.
The ideal candidate will have experience operating excavators, shear cranes, material handlers, or similar heavy equipment in a scrap recycling, demolition, steel, construction, or industrial environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES- Safely operate excavators equipped with hydraulic shear attachments
- Process ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal according to production requirements
- Cut oversized materials into specification for downstream processing
- Sort and process incoming scrap materials
- Feed shredders and other processing equipment as directed
- Load and unload trucks as needed
- Maintain efficient material flow throughout the yard
- Perform daily preshift and postshift equipment inspections
- Report equipment deficiencies and maintenance concerns promptly
- Follow all company safety policies and operating procedures
- Assist with general yard operations as needed
- Maintain a clean, wellorganized, and safe work area
- Perform other duties as assigned by management QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous experience operating excavators, shear cranes, material handlers, or similar heavy equipment required
- Scrap recycling experience strongly preferred
- Experience operating hydraulic shears preferred
- Experience operating Hitachi, Liebherr, Komatsu, Caterpillar, Sennebogen, or similar equipment preferred
- Strong understanding of safe material handling practices
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Dependable attendance and punctuality required
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong awareness of surroundings and commitment to workplace safety WORK SCHEDULE
- Monday through Friday
- Shift starts at 2:00 PM
- Minimum 8hour shift
- Additional hours may be required based on production and operational needs
- Occasional Saturdays and Sundays may be required based on production needs
- Schedule is subject to operational requirements and may vary COMPENSATION
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Opportunities for advancement ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must have reliable transportation to and from work
- Must be able to pass a preemployment drug screening
- Must be able to safely operate heavy equipment in an active scrap recycling environment
- Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times
- Must have their own pair of steeltoe safety boots on their first day of work
- Must be able to work around moving equipment, heavy materials, and industrial processing operations ABOUT BLUE ISLAND RECYCLING
Compensation is competitive and will be based on experience, qualifications, equipment proficiency, and overall fit for the position.
BENEFITSBlue Island Recycling, LLC is a full-service scrap metal recycling facility serving the Chicagoland area. We purchase, process, and recycle ferrous and non-ferrous metals from industrial, commercial, and public customers. Our team is committed to safety, operational excellence, and providing outstanding service to our customers.
Blue Island Recycling, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.