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Engineering Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Army

$25.92/hr

This National Guard position is for a ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (Title 32), Position Description Number D0131000 and is part of the AR ARNG ROBINSON MANEUVER TNG CTR, National Guard. NATIONAL ...

Army National Guard Units

$25.92 - $30.24/hr

This National Guard position is for a ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (Title 32), Position Description Number D0131000 and is part of the AR ARNG ROBINSON MANEUVER TNG CTR, National Guard. NATIONAL ...

JSL Technologies Inc.

Equipment Operator

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$23.57 - $24.69/hr

Equipment Operator Williamsburg, VA About Us: JSL Technologies, Inc. (JSL) is a certified Small ... The incumbent will operate heavy equipment in support of Civil Engineering Equipment (CEE ...

JSL Technologies Inc.

Equipment Operator

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$23.57 - $24.69/hr

Equipment Operator Williamsburg, VA About Us: JSL Technologies, Inc. (JSL) is a certified Small ... The incumbent will operate heavy equipment in support of Civil Engineering Equipment (CEE ...

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Engineering Equipment Operator information

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$19

$26

$32

How much do engineering equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 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.

How much do equipment operators make?

Equipment operators in North Carolina typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific industry. Skilled operators with certifications in equipment like bulldozers or cranes may earn higher wages, especially in construction or industrial settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Engineering Equipment Operator, and why are they important?

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 the highest paid equipment operator job?

The highest paid equipment operator jobs are often in specialized fields such as crane or heavy haul equipment operators, with crane operators frequently earning higher wages due to the skill and certification requirements. These roles typically require extensive training, certifications, and experience, and they often involve working in construction, shipping, or industrial environments. Salaries can vary based on location, industry, and level of expertise, but crane operators tend to be among the top earners in equipment operation.

What is an engineering equipment operator?

An engineering equipment operator is a worker who operates heavy machinery and construction equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, and cranes on construction sites or in engineering projects. They are responsible for safely handling equipment, following project plans, and ensuring efficient progress of construction or maintenance tasks. Certification and knowledge of safety protocols are often required for this role.

What are Engineering Equipment Operators?

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.

What's the highest paid Heavy Equipment Operator?

The highest paid heavy equipment operators typically work in specialized industries such as mining, oil and gas, or large-scale construction projects, earning salaries that can exceed $70,000 to $100,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include experience, certifications, equipment specialization, and geographic location. Advanced skills with heavy machinery like cranes or bulldozers can also lead to higher compensation.
More about Engineering Equipment Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Engineering Equipment Operator jobs? Cities with the most Engineering Equipment Operator job openings:
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What states have the most Engineering Equipment Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Engineering Equipment Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Engineering Equipment Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Engineering Equipment Operator jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Engineering Equipment Operator jobs? For Engineering Equipment Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Engineering Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engineering Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,175 per year, or $26 per hour.
ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (Title 32)

ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (Title 32)

US Department of the Army

$25.92/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

United States Army rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 481 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.
This National Guard position is for a ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (Title 32), Position Description Number D0131000 and is part of the AR ARNG ROBINSON MANEUVER TNG CTR, National Guard.
NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQURED- If you are not currently a member of any military service (Branch/Status), please provide a letter stating intent to join.Qualifications:GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
Work involves the operation of gasoline or diesel-powered engineering and construction equipment with wheeled or crawler-type traction, such as graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle-dozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors with pan or scrapper attachments. This equipment is used to perform such functions as cutting, moving, digging, grading, and rolling earth, sand, stone, and other materials, and to maintain ditches, road shoulders and beds and firelines.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
Experience or training operating heavy engineer equipment and performing operator maintenance on equipment such as bulldozers, angle dozers, front-end loaders, and other similar type equipment. Experience or training in operating one or more types of heavy engineer equipment in close proximities and on various types of terrain. Experience assisting lower graded operators in complex operation or maintenance of equipment.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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