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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Indiana

JENNMAR Services

Heavy Equipment Operator

Newburgh, IN · On-site

Terminal Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator - Long Term - FULLTIME JENNMAR Services is hiring Terminal Operator / Equipment Operator positions for a large company located in the Mount Vernon, Indiana ...

City Of Gary

Heavy Equipment Operator

Gary, IN · On-site

$38K/yr

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR Department: General Services Reports to: General Services Superintendent Status: Full Time Salary: $38,000 _____ _____ Drives and handles various pieces of heavy equipment ...

Tycol Excavating

Heavy Equipment Operator

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Tycol Excavating and Property Services is seeking a skilled and reliable Heavy Equipment Operator to join our growing team. This role involves operating various types of heavy machinery to support ...

Rumpke

Heavy Equipment Operator

New Castle, IN · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operators are responsible for safely operating various heavy equipment that perform the spreading, compaction, and/or loading of commercial and residential Municipal Solid Waste (MSW ...

New

State of Indiana

Heavy Equipment Operator

Greenfield, IN · On-site

$22/hr

The Heavy Equipment Operator operates various types of heavy and specialized equipment to include, but not limited to; Gradall, Backhoes, Dozers, Vactors, Sweepers, SewerJets, Loaders, Skidsteers, Ag ...

State of Indiana

Heavy Equipment Operator

La Porte, IN · On-site

$22/hr

The Heavy Equipment Operator operates various types of heavy and specialized equipment to include, but not limited to; Gradall, Backhoes, Dozers, Vactors, Sweepers, SewerJets, Loaders, Skidsteers, Ag ...

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

Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Indiana salary details

$13

$22

$32

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

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level heavy equipment operator in Indiana is $22.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

Entry level heavy equipment operators typically do not earn $700 a day; such high daily rates are usually associated with specialized or highly experienced roles, such as skilled crane operators or union heavy equipment operators with certifications. These positions often require extensive training, certifications, and experience, and may involve overtime or hazardous work conditions that justify higher pay. Most entry-level roles pay significantly less, but experienced operators in certain industries can reach or exceed this daily rate.

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.

How to start out as a heavy equipment operator?

To start as a heavy equipment operator, gain relevant skills through vocational training or apprenticeships, and obtain necessary certifications such as OSHA safety training. Practical experience with equipment like bulldozers or excavators is valuable, and many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Entry-level positions often require physical fitness and the ability to work in outdoor environments.

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.

Can you get a heavy equipment operator job with no experience?

Entry-level heavy equipment operator jobs often do not require prior experience, but applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may need to complete a training program or obtain a certification such as OSHA safety training. Employers may also look for physical fitness, the ability to learn equipment operation, and a willingness to work in various environments. Gaining hands-on experience through apprenticeships or training courses can improve job prospects.

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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Entry level heavy equipment operators can earn around $4,000 a week with experience, proper certifications, and working in high-demand industries like construction or mining. These roles often require operating heavy machinery such as bulldozers or cranes, and may involve overtime or shift work to reach that income level.

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, and why are they important?

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.
More about Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Indiana? For Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs? Cities in Indiana 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 Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,940 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

JENNMAR Services

Newburgh, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Terminal Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator - Long Term - FULLTIME

JENNMAR Services is hiring Terminal Operator / Equipment Operator positions for a large company located in the Mount Vernon, Indiana area. Our customer is dedicated to receive, unload, store, reclaim and loadout coal from the southern Illinois coal basin.

These are full-time positions with competitive salary and benefits available.

Walk in Applications Welcome - 11670 N Thompsonville Road Macedonia IL 62860

Must be within 30-minute drive of Mount Vernon INDIANA.

Description:

Operation of select mobile equipment, which includes, backhoes, bulldozers and rubber-tired bucket loaders and, skid steer. General light clean-up and maintenance required in the operation of all equipment.

Experience and Requirements:

  • Experience in operating heavy equipment. (preferred)
  • Bulldozer
  • Backhoe
  • Front End Loader
  • Skid Steer
  • Ability to work on call for emergency situation on weekends. (required)
  • Must be able to pass a drug test and background check. (required)
  • Reside within 30 minutes of Mount Vernon, Indiana (required)

Schedule:

  • Monday – Friday
  • Overtime when necessary
  • On call on weekends

Compensation:

  • $21.00
  • Healthcare, vision, dental
  • 401k matching

Job Type: Full-time

#IND2

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About JENNMAR Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Whether you’re seeking a job or seeking an employee, when many people think of a staffing agency, they think of a middleman whose only concern is to fill slots with warm bodies for someone else. Quantity over quality. Sadly, that is how some agencies work. At JENNMAR Services, the men and women we hire work for us, first and foremost. JENNMAR Services employees earn competitive pay and benefits, including a 401K plan. We scrutinize, test, and train everyone we hire as if they were to be our permanent employees... because they are. While the vast majority of the positions we offer lead to full-time, permanent positions with other companies, the people we hire work for us until they are prepared to move on, all the while gaining skills and confidence or simply demonstrating their value to a company eager to hire them.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Canonsburg, PA, US

Year founded

2018

Social media

Facebook

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