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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in 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 ...

State of Indiana

Heavy Equipment Operator

Demotte, 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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Cobalt Civil

Operator - Heavy Equipment

Winchester, IN · On-site

Operator - Heavy Equipment ID: 1119 Department: Operations Location: Winchester, IN More about this job > Description HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITES Will conduct themselves in a manner that ...

40K Civil Solutions

Be Seen First

Heavy Equipment Operator

Columbus, IN · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Are you a skilled and safety-conscious Heavy Equipment Operator with a passion for excavation? We're looking for experienced operators to join our dynamic team and contribute to challenging and ...

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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 21, 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,940 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

City Of Gary

Gary, IN • On-site

$38K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR



Department: General Services

Reports to: General Services Superintendent

Status: Full Time

Salary: $38,000


___________________________________________________________________________________

JOB DESCRIPTION:

___________________________________________________________________________________


Drives and handles various pieces of heavy equipment which are utilized by the General Services Department. Must be able to meet the Federal/State/City legal requirement and licensing as well as be physically able to drive the equipment and assist in tasks assigned for that day.


____________________________________________________________________________________

QUALIFICATIONS:

____________________________________________________________________________________

Must have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A or Class B with Air Brakes. Must be certified to operate all heavy equipment. Possess a High School Diploma or GED, good communication skills and have at least 1 to 2 years of related experience.

City of Gary, Norman County, Minnesota logo

About City of Gary, Norman County, Minnesota

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

MISSION STATEMENT The City of Gary promotes the assets and opportunities available in Gary, encouraging continual improvement of quality of life and quality of place throughout, and for, the current and future generations of the city. VISION STATEMENT The City of Gary will develop short-term and long-term strategies that promote quality of life and quality of place. Strategies will capitalize on positive community and organizational partnerships and will support ongoing improvement and promotion of youth and family development, businesses, natural resources, parks, recreation, education, housing, infrastructure, community services for all ages, and business development.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Gary, MN, US

Year founded

1886

Social media

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