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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Delaware

Costello Construction

Heavy Equipment Operator

Dover, DE · On-site

The heavy equipment operator operates a variety of contractor equipment and trucks used in construction, maintenance and repair activities and performs a variety of tasks The heavy equipment operator ...

DXI Construction

Heavy Equipment Operator

Georgetown, DE · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

The Heavy Equipment Operator must have experience in operation of excavators, loaders, dozers or site dumps Position requires the ability and aptitude to operate heavy construction equipment Grading ...

Waste Connections of Canada

Join Waste Connections as a Heavy Equipment Operator at ourLandfill in Angleton, TX named Seabreeze Landfill. In this position you will be operating our Dozers, Excavators, Compactor, along with ...

Waste Connections Inc

Join Waste Connections as a Heavy Equipment Operator at ourLandfill in Angleton, TX named Seabreeze Landfill. In this position you will be operating our Dozers, Excavators, Compactor, along with ...

Chesapeake

Equipment Operator

Frankford, DE · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR BENEFITS: * Competitive salary packages and bonuses * Competitive health, vision, dental and life insurance, as well as, disability benefits * 100% of health premiums paid by ...

REYBOLD GROUP OF COMPANIES

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Bear, DE · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

This positions requires the operation of most, if not all, pieces of heavy equipment used for ... Operator equipment to excavate and load materials onto trucks * Operate equipment to spread, smooth ...

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All JobsHeavy Equipment Operator JobsEntry Level Heavy Equipment Operator JobsEntry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Delaware

Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Delaware salary details

$14

$23

$33

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 Delaware is $23.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 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 Delaware?

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Delaware are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Delaware?

For Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Delaware look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Delaware are:

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

Cities in Delaware 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 Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,372 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Stuart Contractors LLC

Dover, DE

$24 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Stuart Contractors LLC is seeking a highly skilled and enthusiastic Heavy Equipment Operator to join our dynamic team. This full-time position offers a competitive rate of $24 to $28 per hour, based on skills and experience. You will be offered great benefits such as health insurance (Dental and Vision), a 401(k) with match, paid travel, PTO, overtime pay, performance reviews, opportunities for professional growth, and NO layoffs during the winter months. Apply now and take the next step in your construction career!

THE GROWTH YOU HELP PROVIDE AS A HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

This full-time position will work from 7 am - 4 pm, Monday - Friday. We provide opportunities for overtime!

In this position, your main responsibility will be to operate multiple types of power construction equipment to excavate, move, and grade materials according to the specifications of each individual job. Depending on the needs of the project and our team, you'll assist with many different construction tasks and operate a variety of heavy equipment, such as excavators, mini-excavators, multi-terrain track loaders, mini-skidsteers, wheel loaders, dozers, rollers, and more. Every day will be different!

OUR IDEAL HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

We're looking for someone who can meet the following qualifications:

  • 2+ years of experience offering heavy equipment
  • Experience operating an excavator
  • Reliable transportation
  • 1+ years of civil site work experience is preferred but not required

WHAT SETS US APART

At Stuart Contractors LLC, we're more than just a construction company; we're builders of a sustainable future. Our mission is to deliver top-quality construction projects, with a commitment to safety and innovation. We value teamwork, safety, and growth, fostering a culture where every team member is empowered to reach their full potential.

HOW TO JOIN US

If you feel that this job is what you're looking for, applying is easy - just follow the instructions on this page. We know your time is valuable, so we've kept the application process short and sweet. You should be able to complete it in less than 5 minutes. 

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