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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Decatur, AL

SA Recycling

Travel Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL

Our Equipment Operator will travel with their own vehicle to various yards to support our North ... Crush, load, and unload items using heavy equipment. * Safely clean equipment when jams occur

SA Recycling

Travel Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

Our Equipment Operator will travel with their own vehicle to various yards to support our North ... Crush, load, and unload items using heavy equipment. * Safely clean equipment when jams occur

Reworld

Equipment Operator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Operating forklifts, front-end-loaders, street sweeper, automated feed system, and other equipment ... This is an entry level position that provides the opportunity to advance into Plant Operations.

Reworld

Equipment Operator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Operating forklifts, front-end-loaders, street sweeper, automated feed system, and other equipment ... This is an entry level position that provides the opportunity to advance into Plant Operations.

Wise Staffing Group

General Labor/ Production

Decatur, AL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

We are searching for a skilled heavy equipment operator for our Decatur facility. This is a position that will transfer to permanent after 90 days. Pay is based on experience. The position's duties ...

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All JobsHeavy Equipment Operator JobsEntry Level Heavy Equipment Operator JobsEntry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Decatur, AL

Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$12

$21

$30

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

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level heavy equipment operator in Decatur, AL is $21.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $24.09 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.
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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs near you
Travel Equipment Operator

Travel Equipment Operator

SA Recycling

Decatur, AL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago

SA Recycling rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 75 rated recycling and waste

Job description

SA Recycling is one of the largest scrap metal recyclers in the United States. We are growing, growing, growing! Our operations are quickly expanding.

SA Recycling proudly supports the military community 

We are looking for a Travel Equipment Operator. Our Equipment Operator will travel with their own vehicle to various yards to support our North Alabama Region to help crush and load material.  Must have a working cell phone, good driving record and their own pickup truck to transport fuel/tools and any other job-related accessories for the job site. We pay Mileage reimbursement Per Diem, and a phone stipend. Must be very reliable and able to travel throughout the North Alabama Region. This position will work outside in various weather conditions, and SA Recycling strictly adheres to all Metals Recycling Business Health, Safety, and Environmental standards.

Job Duties Including, but not limited to:

  • Operate metal processing equipment using safe work habits for car crushing
  • Basic knowledge of maintenance using had tools so that malfunctions can be detected and handled quickly.
  • Lift raw materials, Car crushing, finished products, and packed items, manually or using hoists.
  • Crush, load, and unload items using heavy equipment.
  • Safely clean equipment when jams occur
  • Follow all procedures e.g. LOTOTO, Fall Prevention, and Fire Prevention
  • Cleanup work area at the end of shift
  • Organizing materials to have more effective use of space
  • Dispose of various waste materials in the appropriate manner
  • Inspection to ensure cleanup is completed

Qualifications

  • Must have a working cell phone, a valid Driver’s License and own transportation with paid Mileage, Phone stipend and paid per diem
  • Must be experienced with loader, excavator and understand their capabilities and limitations
  • Regular attendance and punctuality are an essential qualification
  • Must pass a background check, medical physical, and drug test
  • Preferred – high school diploma or GED and/or foreign education acceptable
  • Bi-lingual (English & Spanish) language skills a plus
  • Ability to: communicate with others effectively; understand direction (written or oral) and use basic math skills as the job demands
  • Must be very safety conscientious

   Job Expectations

Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, & SA Recycling safety, health, & environmental rules, regulations, policies, & procedures.

 Physical Requirements

  • Work Environment: Scrap metal Recycling and shredder yards
  • Equipment & Tools: metal processing equipment, Hoists, hydraulic motors, mechanics tools
  • Physical Demand sit stand crouch bend
  • Work Capacity: Lifting & carrying 35lb loads, head turning, bending, kneeling, climbing ladders and sitting for long periods.
    • Sensory Demands: Hearing, vision, touch, smell and taste
    • Hand Movements: Repetitive motions, gripping,

 SA Recycling offers:

  • Competitive Pay
  • Choice of 2 Medical plans, with Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  • 401k with a Company Match
  • Weekly Pay
  • Referral Incentives
  • Eligible for Safety and Profitability Bonuses 

PLEASE NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

An offer of employment by SA Recycling is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a post-offer drug screen, physical exam, and background check with a credit check (if position specified). 

All US applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

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