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$19

$26

$32

How much do engineering equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for engineering equipment operator in the United States is $26.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by engineering equipment operators in the field?

Engineering Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or uneven job sites, and maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols. They may also need to quickly adapt to different types of heavy machinery and keep up with routine maintenance to prevent equipment breakdowns. Effective communication with site supervisors and other crew members is essential to coordinate tasks and ensure project timelines are met. Staying alert and proactive helps operators maintain productivity and safety throughout their shifts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an engineering equipment operator?

To thrive as an Engineering Equipment Operator, you need hands-on experience with heavy machinery, a high school diploma or equivalent, and often a commercial driver's license (CDL). Familiarity with equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, and GPS guidance systems, as well as OSHA safety certifications, is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help ensure safe and efficient operations. These competencies are vital for minimizing risks, maintaining productivity, and ensuring projects are completed to specification and on schedule.

What is an engineering equipment operator?

Engineering Equipment Operators are skilled professionals responsible for operating and maintaining heavy machinery used in construction, engineering, and infrastructure projects. They handle equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, graders, and loaders to move earth, build roads, and perform other tasks essential to building and maintaining structures. These operators must understand how to safely maneuver complex machinery, perform routine maintenance, and adhere to safety protocols on job sites. Their work is crucial for the timely and efficient completion of engineering projects.

What is the difference between Engineering Equipment Operator vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectEngineering Equipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CertificationsTypically requires CDL or specialized equipment certificationsOften requires CDL and specific equipment training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, roads, bridges, infrastructure projectsConstruction sites, mining, quarrying, earthmoving
Industry UsagePublic works, civil engineering projectsConstruction, mining, agriculture

Engineering Equipment Operators and Heavy Equipment Operators often share certifications and work environments, but Engineering Equipment Operators tend to focus more on infrastructure projects, while Heavy Equipment Operators work across broader construction and mining sites. Both roles require similar skills and certifications, but their specific job sites and project types differ slightly.

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Engineering Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engineering 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, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,175 per year, or $26 per hour.

ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Crofton, NE • On-site, Remote

$28 - $38.46/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Summary
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: As Engineer Equipment Operator, operates a variety of light, medium and heavy equipment (gasoline and diesel powered) in maintenance of all outside areas of the Dam and reservoir.
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Duties
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  • Operates heavy equipment including but not limited to mobile cranes, truck/trailer combinations, dump trucks, wheel loaders, skid steers, agricultural tractors, excavators, and dozers.
  • Operates mobile and/or crawler cranes up to 50 ton with attachments.
  • Guards against overturning equipment when working on edges of embankments. Operation of equipment requires coordination of controls governing motive power of equipment plus controls operating attachments.
  • The work will involve routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairing the full range of systems on the vehicles or equipment.
  • Performs welding, both acetylene and electric, as needed in the repair of vehicles, trailers, tractors, hitches and various other items of equipment and materials utilized in the maintenance of project areas.
  • Operate and navigate support boats and towboats (65 feet and under) on the Missouri River.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • Obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License.
  • Obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within 24 months of appointment and possess/maintain the license thereafter.
  • Will be required to drive Government vehicles.
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain an USACE boat operator's license (under 26') and authorization to operate a tow boat with barge on a reservoir within 24 months of employment and possess/maintain the license thereafter.
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain an USACE Mobile Crane Operators Certification within 24 months of employment and possess/maintain the license thereafter.
  • This position meets the criteria for random drug and alcohol testing position under the Department of Army Drug-Free Workplace Program as supplemented by USACE ER 690-1-1218.
  • Pre-Employment drug and alcohol testing required.
  • Pre-Employment physical required.
  • Participation in the Medical Surveillance Program required (annual physical).

Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT OPERATOR ~ without more than normal supervision.
WG-08: I have the ability to perform common engineering equipment operations. I can operate equipment (such as backhoes, front-end loaders, and tractors) to perform rough grading, tilling, moving/loading materials, and clearing snow on flat terrain. I work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed.
WG-10: I have the ability to perform some engineering equipment operations. I can operate heavy equipment (such as dozers, graders, and excavators) to perform fine grading, sloping, and excavating on flat or rolling terrain where soil conditions are relatively constant. I work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed.
WG-11: I have the ability to perform most engineering equipment operations. I am skilled in operating heavy equipment (such as dozers, motor graders, excavators, and mobile cranes) to perform fine grading, exact sloping, and deep excavations on steep, hilly, or rough terrain. I work under normal supervision of a work leader who observes tasks while in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed.
Failure to meet at least one of the Screen Out Elements above will result in an ineligible rating.
  • PHYSICAL EFFORT: Heavy physical effort is used by the operators in constantly reaching, bending, turning, and moving hands, arms, feet, and legs to handle different sets of controls to operate the equipment and attachments. Considerable strain is caused by the constant vibration of the equipment and the jerking and jolting from operating over rough surfaces. Because of the location of some of the controls and attachments, the operators are frequently required to work in awkward or strained positions. At the WG-10 level, the work is somewhat more strenuous because of the generally larger pieces of equipment and the requirement for more frequent adjustments under more adverse operating conditions. At the WG-11 level, the operators must change the position of the attachments more often and more rapidly as he adjusts to the changing conditions of the surface. This is more demanding than the work described at grade 10 where attachments remain in a set position for longer periods of time.

  • WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in all types of weather, often in an open driver's seat or platform, on hills, slopes, grades, rolling surfaces, and forests. The operators are exposed to injury due to the possibility of the equipment overturning. They are subject to noise, vibration, dust, dirt, and fumes from the motor and exhaust. At the WG-10 level, the operation of larger and more complicated equipment in more difficult circumstances increases the exposure to injury, overturning, noise, and vibration than that described at the grade 8 level. At the WG-11 level, he operators must pay closer attention to the attachments at this level which allows him less time to concentrate on the speed and direction of the vehicle. As a result, there is more danger of tipping or overturning the vehicle, especially when working on steep banks and side slopes.

Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a(n) Construction, Engineering, Infrastructure Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
  • May require employee to use personal protective equipment.
  • May require working outside in all kinds of weather.
  • Not eligible for telework.
  • Management may select at any grade level announced, WG-08, WG-10, or WG118.
  • Noncompetitive promotion potential to intervening grade of WG-10 and full performance grade of WG-11.
  • The following incentives may be authorized: Relocation Incentive, Recruitment Incentive, and/or Advanced In-Hire.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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About Army Corps of Engineers

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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