ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Anderson, SC

Amentum

Heavy Equipment Operator - GMT III

Greenville, SC · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Amentum is seeking a 1st shift Heavy Equipment Operator - GMT III Building Maintenance Technician for our Building Maintenance team in Greenville, SC! * Typical hours: Monday - Friday; 7:30 a.m. - 4 ...

Rewa tech

Heavy Equipment Operator I

Greenville, SC · On-site

Operates heavy and specialized equipment for the installation, maintenance, and repair of collection system components. * Operates trucks, trailers, track hoes, back hoes, front-end loaders, low boys ...

Waste Connections Inc

Equipment Operator

Greenville, SC · On-site

$17.75 - $24.50/hr

This position is responsible for operating a variety of heavy, medium, and light equipment to support material handling, recycling, and facility operations. The ideal candidate will have experience ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHeavy Equipment Operator JobsEntry Level Heavy Equipment Operator JobsEntry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Anderson, SC

Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Anderson, SC salary details

$12

$21

$30

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

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level heavy equipment operator in Anderson, SC is $21.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $24.66 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 Anderson, SC?

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Anderson, SC are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Anderson, SC?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Anderson, SC are:

What cities near Anderson, SC are hiring for Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities near Anderson, SC 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 Anderson, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,155 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Palmetto Site Construction

Abbeville, SC • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Safely and efficiently operate heavy equipment including dozers, excavators, and skid steers

  • Assist with site preparation, grading, trenching, backfilling, and other essential construction tasks

  • Follow site plans and directions from foremen and supervisors

Job description

Move Dirt, Build Futures – Join Palmetto Site Construction as a Heavy Equipment Operator!


Position Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Company Name: Palmetto Site Construction

Pay Range: $20–$25 per hour, plus performance and year-end bonuses

Employment Type: Full-Time

Location: Abbeville, SC

Industry: Civil Construction / Utilities / Sitework


Job Overview:

Palmetto Site Construction is hiring a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to support our Field Operations team. In this full-time, on-site role, you'll operate key machinery including dozers, excavators, and skid steers to complete residential, commercial, and industrial sitework projects. If you take pride in precision and performance, and enjoy working in a team-oriented environment, we want to hear from you.


Who We Are:

Palmetto Site Construction is a family-oriented civil contractor focused on utilities and sitework across a variety of sectors. We believe in working hard, staying local, and rewarding dedication. With projects close to home, you're home every night—and with frequent bonuses, company events, and growth opportunities, your work truly pays off. 

Learn more at www.palmettositeconstruction/facebook.com


Key Responsibilities:
  • Safely and efficiently operate heavy equipment including dozers, excavators, and skid steers
  • Assist with site preparation, grading, trenching, backfilling, and other essential construction tasks
  • Follow site plans and directions from foremen and supervisors
  • Conduct daily maintenance checks and report any equipment issues
  • Support the team with general labor when not operating machinery
  • Maintain a clean and safe job site at all times

Qualifications:
  • Minimum 2 years of experience operating dozers, excavators, and skid steers
  • Ability to understand job site instructions and work independently or with a crew
  • Strong work ethic, punctuality, and willingness to learn
  • Safety-first mindset and familiarity with basic construction site protocols
  • No specific certifications required

Benefits:
  • Performance Bonuses for job completions
  • Year-End Bonuses
  • Bi-weekly Pay Cycle
  • Retirement Savings Program
  • Paid Time Off – including Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Days
  • Referral Bonus Program
  • Company Events, Annual Trips & Employee Prizes
  • Work-Life Balance – Local projects with home-time every night
  • Apprenticeship/Mentorship Opportunities

Schedule:
  • Full-Time
  • Monday to Friday, with availability for weekend work and overtime as needed

Work Location:
  • Onsite – Local Projects

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Background Check Notice:

A background check will be completed as part of the onboarding process, in compliance with applicable laws.

Apply