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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Alabama

Harwell & Company

Heavy Equipment Operator

Mobile, AL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator Job Summary We have an immediate opening for a Heavy Equipment Operator. Candidates should have at least one year of experience operating a variety of heavy equipment ...

Davis Materials

Be Seen First

Heavy Equipment Operator

Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Davis Materials and Davis Sand & Gravel are seeking Equipment Operators to become a part of our team! You will operate Heavy Equipment to move and process materials. Apply at Bama Concrete Products ...

Veteran-friendly

Urgent

Tradeco of Kernersville

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Mobile, AL · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

Heavy Equipment Operators Needed. Construction Co. seeks exp equipment operators. Valid driver's license and be able to operate a variety of earth moving equipment such as dozer, excavator etc.. Must ...

GHD Group

Heavy Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

GHD's Construction group has several openings for entry level Equipment Operators to operate various types of heavy equipment (i.e. tracked excavator, dozer, wheel loader, etc.) associated with ...

Tradeco of Kernersville

Be Seen First

Heavy Equipment Operator

Mobile, AL · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

Heavy Equipment Operators Needed. Construction Co. seeks exp equipment operators. Valid driver's license and be able to operate a variety of earth moving equipment such as dozer, excavator etc.. Must ...

GHD

Heavy Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL

GHD's Construction group has several openings for entry level Equipment Operators to operate various types of heavy equipment (i.e. tracked excavator, dozer, wheel loader, etc.) associated with ...

Davis Sand and Gravel

Be Seen First

Heavy Equipment Operator

Moundville, AL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Davis Sand & Gravel is seeking Equipment Operators to become a part of our team! You will operate Heavy Equipment to move and process materials. Apply at Bama Concrete Products in Tuscaloosa AL or ...

Veteran-friendly

Urgent

Harmon Scrap Metal LLC

Heavy Equipment Operator

Athens, AL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Heavy Equipment Operator supports the safe and efficient operation of the scrap yard by operating various material handling equipment relevant to a scrap yard, including material ...

Harmon Scrap Metal

Heavy Equipment Operator

Athens, AL · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description POSITION SUMMARY The Heavy Equipment Operator supports the safe and efficient operation of the scrap yard by operating various material handling equipment relevant to a ...

Borusan Berg Pipe

Heavy Equipment Operator

Mobile, AL · On-site

$24.87 - $27.73/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator Borusan Berg Pipe is one of the leading manufacturers of large-diameter steel line pipe in North America. We are a mid-sized manufacturer with two U.S. locations specializing ...

New

Foley Products

Heavy Equipment Operator

Verbena, AL

Heavy Equipment Operator Job Tracking ID: 512363-913331 Job Location: Verbena , AL Job Level: Mid Career (2+ years) Job Type: Full-Time/Regular Date Updated: July 14, 2026 Years of Experience: Up to ...

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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Alabama salary details

$12

$21

$30

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

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level heavy equipment operator in Alabama is $21.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.64 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level heavy equipment operator?

An Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator is a worker who operates machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and other large construction equipment under supervision. They are responsible for assisting with site preparation, moving earth or materials, and following safety protocols on construction or industrial sites. Typically, entry-level operators are new to the field and may have completed vocational training or an apprenticeship, but have limited hands-on experience. They learn on the job and gradually take on more complex tasks as they gain skills.

What does an entry level heavy equipment operator do?

The job of an entry-level heavy equipment operator is to operate and perform maintenance on machinery used in building construction, like excavators, haul trucks, or snowcats. Someone in this role should follow all safety regulations on a construction site. An entry-level heavy equipment operator often works under direct supervision, although they may take on small building projects as they gain experience and demonstrate skills. Qualifications include a high school diploma and on-the-job training, although additional licensure or certification may be required for certain types of machinery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level heavy equipment operator?

To thrive as an Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by on-the-job training or a relevant certification. Familiarity with machinery like excavators, loaders, and safety systems, as well as certifications such as OSHA or NCCER, are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and a safety-first mindset are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are important to ensure safe, efficient operation of heavy machinery and the prevention of workplace accidents.

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

Entry level heavy equipment operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to diverse machinery, maintaining safety standards, and working in varying weather conditions. Adjusting to the physical demands and learning to communicate effectively with team members and supervisors are also common hurdles. To overcome these challenges, new operators should seek hands-on training, ask for feedback from experienced coworkers, and consistently review safety protocols. Building strong communication skills and staying proactive about learning can help ease the transition and foster career growth.

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

AspectEntry Level Heavy Equipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, OSHA safety trainingHigh school diploma, technical certification or diploma
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projectsRepair shops, maintenance facilities, job sites
Job FocusOperating machinery like excavators and bulldozersDiagnosing and repairing heavy equipment

While both roles involve heavy machinery, an Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator primarily operates construction equipment on job sites, requiring safety training and basic certifications. In contrast, a Heavy Equipment Technician focuses on maintaining and repairing this machinery, often working in repair shops or maintenance facilities. The roles differ in skills, responsibilities, and work environments, but both are essential in the heavy equipment industry.

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

Entry level heavy equipment operators can start by obtaining a basic commercial driver's license (CDL) and completing a training program or apprenticeship to learn equipment operation. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, volunteering, or entry-level construction roles can also improve job prospects, along with demonstrating safety awareness and physical fitness. Certifications in equipment operation and a willingness to learn are valuable for entry-level candidates.
More about Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Alabama?

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What cities in Alabama are hiring for Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:

Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,712 per year, or $21.5 per hour.