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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Minnesota

Diversified Foundations, LLC

Be Seen First

Truck Driver / Heavy Equipment Operator

Alexandria, MN · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator Diversified Foundations, LLC Pay: $25.00-$35.00 per hour Job Type: Full-Time Job Summary Diversified Foundations, LLC is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to ...

Aerotek

Heavy Equipment Operator

Savage, MN · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Train on and operate heavy equipment, including skid steers, loaders, and other material handling equipment, under supervision. * Conduct preventive and routine maintenance on operating equipment ...

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

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.
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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:

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

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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

Centuri Group, Inc.

Fairmont, MN • On-site

$38.19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Safely operate heavy equipment such as skid steers, backhoe, trencher, paver, dozer, milling saw, road grater, hydro-excavator, track hoe and more.

  • Load and unload equipment and materials.

  • Maintain daily pre-shift vehicle and equipment inspections and perform regular maintenance and cleaning on assigned vehicles and equipment.

Job description

Pay Range: $38.19/Hr.
Centuri companies consider several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education, training and skills, and geographic location.
Who We Are
Connecting People to Possibility
As a publicly traded company (NYSE: CTRI) with $3 billion in revenue, Centuri leads the way in utility and energy infrastructure across North America. What sets us apart is our local agility, resources to scale, and comprehensive solutions for a dynamic energy market.
Whether in the field or providing essential behind the scenes support, Centuri offers professional growth opportunities where you can thrive and make a difference. Join a culture where safety, sustainability, and teamwork come first, with training and benefits that truly care for your well-being.
As an experienced Equipment Operator, after paid training, you will put your skills to work - safety operating equipment to move earth, tools and materials to and from job sites. Reporting to a seasoned Foreman, you will join a crew to get the job done right. We believe in the power of teamwork, and all crew members are expected to assist with general labor as needed.
What You'll Do
  • Safely operate heavy equipment such as: skid steers, backhoe, trencher, paver, dozer, milling saw, road grater, hydro-excavator, track hoe and more
  • Load and unload equipment and materials
  • Maintain daily pre-shift vehicle and equipment inspections
  • Perform regular maintenance and cleaning on assigned vehicles and equipment
  • Maintain all industry-required Operator Qualifications
  • Perform other tasks as requested by leadership

What You'll Have
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Valid Driver's License
  • 1+ year experience safely operating equipment in close proximity to workers and underground utilities

What You'll Get
  • Join the Largest Natural Gas Distribution Contractor in the United States
  • Weekly Payroll
  • Paid, on-the-job training: natural gas distribution, utility excavation, safety
  • Employee Assistance program benefit
  • Health Insurance Plan benefit
  • Retirement Plan benefit

Work Environment
  • Work sites are outdoors in potentially extreme weather conditions
  • All worksite safety instructions are written and spoken in English; must be fluent in English
  • Work includes prolonged and repeated: lifting (including overhead, up to 50lbs); standing; climbing; kneeling; reaching and feeling; crouching and crawling
  • Work is performed within the "red zone" of heavy equipment
  • Working safely requires quick/accurate hand-eye coordination and the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner

Legal Stuff
  • Pass pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion drug screens
  • Provide valid US work authorization documents for E-Verify
  • Satisfactory results of pre-employment background check results
  • Valid driver's license with clean driving record
  • Pre-employment medical fit-for-duty test; hold/obtain DOT medical card
  • Join and maintain Union membership

Our Commitment to Opportunity
This job description is subject to change at any time. It reflects management's assignment of essential functions, and does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Centuri and its subsidiary companies will provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, gender, genetic information, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law. Centuri will provide reasonable accommodations to allow an applicant to participate in the hiring process (e.g., accommodations for a test or job interview) if so requested.
Centuri is a Department of Transportation regulated employer. Certain safety-sensitive positions are covered under the DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations, 49 CFR Part 40. It is important to note that marijuana remains a drug listed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. It remains unacceptable for any safety-sensitive employee subject to drug testing under the company's Drug Free Workplace Policy to use or test positive for marijuana.

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