ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Crest Industries

Equipment Operator

Pineville, LA

$17.50 - $24/hr

The Equipment Operator will perform required operator maintenance on fork trucks. Ability to read ... Referral Level: Entry Level Not eligible for Enhanced Referral Not eligible for External Referral ...

Crest Industries

Equipment Operator

Pineville, LA · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

The Equipment Operator will perform required operator maintenance on fork trucks. Ability to read ... Referral Level: Entry Level Not eligible for Enhanced Referral Not eligible for External Referral ...

Crest Industries

Equipment Operator

Pineville, LA · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

The Equipment Operator will perform required operator maintenance on fork trucks. Ability to read ... Referral Level: Entry Level Not eligible for Enhanced Referral Not eligible for External Referral ...

Crest Industries

Equipment Operator

Pineville, LA

$17.50 - $24/hr

The Equipment Operator will perform required operator maintenance on fork trucks. Ability to read ... Referral Level: Entry Level Not eligible for Enhanced Referral Not eligible for External Referral ...

Crest Industries

Equipment Operator

Pineville, LA · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

The Equipment Operator will perform required operator maintenance on fork trucks. Ability to read ... Referral Level: Entry Level Not eligible for Enhanced Referral Not eligible for External Referral ...

Placer County California

Equipment Operator

Tahoe City, CA · On-site

$31.47 - $39.28/hr

Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level. This class is distinguished from the Senior Equipment Operator in that the latter performs ...

Crest Industries

Equipment Operator

Pineville, LA

$17.50 - $24/hr

The Equipment Operator will perform required operator maintenance on fork trucks. Ability to read ... Referral Level: Entry Level Not eligible for Enhanced Referral Not eligible for External Referral ...

Gunnison Tree Services

Equipment Operator

Albany, GA · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

As an Equipment Operator(Stump Grinder), you will maintain and operate various pieces of equipment ... PTO & Health Benefits * Entry - level roles * Growth & Development within the Company * Boot ...

Gunnison Tree Services

Equipment Operator

Albany, GA · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

As an Equipment Operator(Stump Grinder), you will maintain and operate various pieces of ... Health Benefits * Entry - level roles * Growth amp; Development within the Company * Boot allowance ...

Baltimore County

Equipment Operator

Towson, MD

$19.94 - $22.65/hr

Trains and assists in the operation of Heavy Equipment Operator level and unfamiliar Equipment ... Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level): Knowledge of the operation and function of tandem ...

Pace

Entry Level Equipment Specialist

Lebanon, NJ · On-site

$58K/yr

Follows Standard Operating Procedures and methods to perform work. * Ensures the accuracy of equipment, actions, procedures and operational databases, reports, and related details through audits ...

Oswego County

Medium Equipment Operator

Oswego, NY · On-site

$27.45/hr

... Equipment Operators to perform manual work of ordinary difficulty that may involve the ... Completion of NCCER Core and Level 1 - Heavy Equipment Operations Credential , AWS -Entry Level ...

City of Mesa, AZ

Equipment Operator I

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$61K - $84K/yr

An Equipment Operator I is the entry-level class in the Equipment Operator series and is responsible for the safe, efficient operation and care of construction equipment with limited- to moderate ...

Campbell County, WY

Equipment Operator

Gillette, WY

$21.61/hr

Works at the entry level in the class series. Essential Duties and Responsibilites The intent of ... and written Operating heavy equipment Ability to: Meet schedules and deadlines of the work ...

Pacelabs

Entry Level Equipment Specialist

Lebanon, NJ · On-site

$58K/yr

Follows Standard Operating Procedures and methods to perform work. * Ensures the accuracy of equipment, actions, procedures and operational databases, reports, and related details through audits ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsEquipment Operator JobsEntry Level Equipment Operator Jobs

Entry Level Equipment Operator information

See salary details

$12

$17

$21

How much do entry level equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level equipment operator in the United States is $17.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Equipment Operator vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectEntry Level Equipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, basic equipment operation certificationsOSHA safety training, specialized equipment certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, landscaping, small-scale projectsConstruction, mining, large-scale infrastructure projects
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction companies, landscaping firms, public worksConstruction firms, mining companies, heavy civil contractors

Entry Level Equipment Operators typically perform basic equipment tasks in construction or landscaping, requiring foundational safety and operation certifications. Heavy Equipment Operators handle more complex machinery and larger projects, often requiring additional certifications and experience. Both roles are essential in construction and infrastructure industries, but Heavy Equipment Operators usually work on larger, more demanding projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level equipment operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Equipment Operator, you need a high school diploma or GED, basic mechanical aptitude, and the ability to follow safety regulations. Familiarity with operating heavy machinery such as forklifts, loaders, or excavators, and sometimes possession of relevant certifications like OSHA or forklift operation, is typically required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and reliability help individuals excel in this position. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and effective operation of equipment, minimizing workplace accidents and maintaining productivity.

How to get started as an entry level equipment operator?

To start as an entry level equipment operator, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, and gain familiarity with heavy machinery through training programs or on-the-job experience. Many employers require a valid driver's license and may prefer candidates with a certification in equipment operation or safety training. Physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions are also important.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level equipment operators and how can they be overcome?

Entry level equipment operators often face challenges such as adapting to different types of machinery, learning to follow strict safety protocols, and operating in varying weather and site conditions. To overcome these challenges, it's important to take advantage of on-the-job training, seek guidance from experienced colleagues, and consistently review safety procedures. Establishing good communication with your team and supervisors also helps address any uncertainties quickly and ensures safe, efficient operations.

How to get an entry level equipment operator job with no experience?

Entry level equipment operators can improve their chances by obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL) if required, completing basic safety and equipment operation training, and gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work. Demonstrating reliability, physical fitness, and a willingness to learn are also important for entry-level positions.

What is an entry level equipment operator?

Entry Level Equipment Operators are individuals who operate heavy machinery and equipment, such as forklifts, bulldozers, or excavators, typically under supervision and with limited prior experience. They are responsible for following safety protocols, assisting with loading and unloading materials, and performing basic maintenance checks on equipment. These operators often work in industries like construction, manufacturing, or logistics, and receive on-the-job training to develop their skills. Entry level positions are ideal for those looking to start a career in equipment operation without extensive previous experience.
More about Entry Level Equipment Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Equipment Operator jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Equipment Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Equipment Operator jobs? The most popular types of Equipment Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Equipment Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Equipment Operator jobs include:
Entry Level Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,327 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Equipment Operator

Crest Industries

Pineville, LA

$17.50 - $24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Come join our team at DIS-TRAN Steel!

Our people – not our machinery - are our biggest assets. DIS-TRAN Steel’s leadership team lives by our company values, modeling our culture of respect and integrity each day. We're a team that likes to have fun, but we also know how to get stuff done.

DIS-TRAN Steel, located in Pineville, LA, is looking for experienced Equipment Operators to join our team.  
 
Experience operating a forklift in an industrial manufacturing facility is required.   A working knowledge of material handling, banding, palletizing, and loading material onto trucks is preferred.   The Equipment Operator will perform required operator maintenance on fork trucks.  Ability to read and interpret typed reports and schedules is required.
 
COMPETENCIES
  • Customer Focus
  • Decision Quality
  • Business Insight
  • Drives Results
  • Collaborates
  • Communicates Effectively
  • Courage
  • Instills Trust
  • Manages Ambiguity
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Learns and follows safety regulations.
  • Takes actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as other equipment, other workers, or falling objects.
  • Monitors operations to ensure that health and safety standards are met.
  • Adjusts handwheels and depresses pedals to control attachments.
  • Starts engines, moves throttles, switches, or levers, or depresses pedals to operate machines.
  • Coordinates machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from team members.
  • Loads and moves equipment, or other materials, using fork trucks or related equipment.
  • Checks fuel supplies at sites to ensure adequate availability.
  • Performs operator maintenance on fork trucks.
  • Inspects equipment before use.
  • Locates material using project numbers and piecemarks.
REQUIREMENTS FOR EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
  •  Ability to read and interpret typed reports and schedules required.
  •  Certifications or prior experience using moving machinery, such as forklifts, preferred.
  •  Working knowledge of material handling, banding, palletizing, and loading on to truck preferred.
  •  Ability to perform basic operator maintenance on fork trucks required.
  •  Must complete on-site training and demonstrate safe operation of machinery.
  • Clear Motor Vehicle Report.
Referral Level: Entry Level
Not eligible for Enhanced Referral
Not eligible for External Referral
 
More information regarding The Crest Industries Family of Companies’ Internal and External Referral Programs can be found here: https://www.crestoperations.com/recruit-new
 

As strategists, operational experts, customer advocates and team players, we all believe in the power of our people. Explore how you can become a part of our team of strength and commitment that's built to last!

DIS-TRAN Steel is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

DIS-TRAN Steel is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request information regarding reasonable accommodation, contact your Human Resource Business Partner.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c).

Part of the CREST INDUSTRIES family of companies.