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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Minnesota

Landmark Companies

Heavy Equipment Operator

Moorhead, MN · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Moorhead MN Job Type: Full Time Salary: $26 - $32 per hour - 401k, Health, Dental, Vision, and PTO We are seeking an experienced and skilled Heavy Equipment ...

Rachel Contracting

Heavy Equipment Operator

Duluth, MN · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Duluth, MN Salary Interval: Union Scale Pay_Range: N/A Application Instructions: All applicants must apply online. Please use the Apply Now button above to begin ...

Rachel Contracting

Heavy Equipment Operator

Duluth, MN · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Duluth, MN Salary Interval: Union Scale Pay_Range: N/A Application Instructions: All applicants must apply online. Please use the Apply Now button above to begin ...

Rachel Contracting

Heavy Equipment Operator

Duluth, MN · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Duluth, MN Salary Interval: Union Scale Pay_Range: N/A Application Instructions: All applicants must apply online. Please use the Apply Now button above to begin ...

Landmark Companies

Heavy Equipment Operator

Alexandria, MN · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

... shift Overtime Equipment Operator Requirements: Able to work 40+ hours a week Experience with heavy equipment Various out of town travel required Ability to work safely around heavy equipment ...

Mystic Lake

Heavy Equipment Operator

Prior Lake, MN

$25 - $28.50/hr

As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will provide an aesthetically pleasing environment for guests and team members. Come snowfall, you will keep property clear and safe for guests and team members by ...

Tribal Government

Heavy Equipment Operator

Prior Lake, MN · On-site

$25 - $28.50/hr

As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will provide an aesthetically pleasing environment for guests and team members. Come snowfall, you will keep property clear and safe for guests and team members by ...

Veit

Heavy Equipment Operator (Foundations)

Rogers, MN · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or more types of power construction equipment, such ... Assists in training entry-level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or ...

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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$13

$23

$32

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

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level heavy equipment operator in Minnesota is $23.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $26.35 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 Minnesota?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cities in Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 $48,314 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Meyer Contracting Inc

Maple Grove, MN

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Meyer Contracting Inc., is seeking qualified applicants for a Heavy Equipment Operator opening to join our team. Team Meyer is a Highway/Heavy contractor based out of Maple Grove, MN who performs Earthwork, Underground Utilities, Demolition, Concrete Structures and Foundations operations primarily in the greater Midwest area. With our purpose of developing exceptional people, we look forward to welcoming a talented Heavy Equipment Operator to our team.

Job Description

  • Ability to operate and maintain heavy equipment efficiently.
  • Daily tasks could include material movement, mixing, screening, and loading trucks.
  • Follow all safety guidelines and always wear appropriate safety equipment.
  • Keep sites organized per plan.

Job Requirements:

  • Reliable Transportation to multiple sites in Twin Cities area
  • Strong work ethic
  • Ability to operate independently.
  • Excellent communication skills

Benefits

Union Benefits

For more information about us, please visit our website at www.meyerci.com

Meyer Contracting Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, color, race, creed, gender, national origin or ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition including genetic characteristics, status with regard to public assistance, local human rights commission activity or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.