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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Decatur, AL

Rogers Group

Skid Steer Operator

Huntsville, AL

$25/hr

Operate skid steer and other heavy or grading equipment to complete grading and fine grading tasks ... operating in 13 states with over 3,500 employees. Established in 1908, RGI is the largest privately ...

Rogers Group

Skid Steer Operator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$25/hr

Operate skid steer and other heavy or grading equipment to complete grading and fine grading tasks ... operating in 13 states with over 3,500 employees. Established in 1908, RGI is the largest privately ...

GHD Group

Construction Laborer

Decatur, AL · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

GHD's Construction group has several openings for entry level Laborer/ Equipment Operators to operate various types of heavy equipment (i.e. tracked excavator, dozer, wheel loader, etc.) associated ...

GHD

Construction Laborer

Decatur, AL

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

GHD's Construction group has several openings for entry level Laborer/ Equipment Operators to operate various types of heavy equipment (i.e. tracked excavator, dozer, wheel loader, etc.) associated ...

Rogers Group

Heavy Truck Mechanic II/III

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Perform repairs on heavy trucks, heavy equipment and asphalt equipment. * Trouble shoot and ... operating in 13 states with over 3,500 employees. Established in 1908, RGI is the largest privately ...

Rogers Group

Heavy Truck Mechanic II/III

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Perform repairs on heavy trucks, heavy equipment and asphalt equipment. * Trouble shoot and ... operating in 13 states with over 3,500 employees. Established in 1908, RGI is the largest privately ...

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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
Entry Level Heat Treat Equipment Operator - Cullman

Entry Level Heat Treat Equipment Operator - Cullman

Advanced Heat Treat

Cullman, AL

$15 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Everyone knows what ion nitriding, gas nitriding, carbonitriding, and induction hardening are... right? Nope... nope they sure don't! THAT'S OK! Join our team... we would love to teach you!!!

Advanced Heat Treat Corp has been in the Heat Treat Industry for 40+ years! Our team has touched products that make the world stronger and safer. Our processes improve upon parts manufactured by other industries, including aerospace, defense, firearms, automotive, construction, agriculture, energy and medical... just to name a few.

Are you familiar with the jaws of life, how about airplane landing gear, or perhaps the Mars Rover? Our employees heat treated parts that went to MARS!

As part of our team, you will learn about metals, effects of heat on metal, and why quality is so important. You will become an expert in an industry little known, but truly essential! Best of all, we will train you!

We currently have regular, full-time position open for an Equipment Operator working at our Cullman, AL facility.

What does a Heat Treat Equipment Operator do exactly? Great question! You will provide setup parts processing and inspection for processes. You will also provide backup support to heat treat technicians using process instructions, work orders, and prints. You will degrease, clean and unload customer parts and perform routine shop duties. This work is done in a climate-controlled facility!

Job requirements:

  • minimum of five years equipment operation experience and/or two year industrial tech degree
  • Ability to operate fork truck and overhead crane
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Equipment operating/industrial experience preferred

Willing to hire the right candidate as Heat Treat Support and train into Heat Treat Equipment Operator if the above requirements are not met.

Why join the AHT Family? We thought you'd never ask! On top of invaluable knowledge and ground up training, our culture and benefits are pretty awesome!

  • Pay: competitive pay based on experience and initiative. Your effort and desire determine your success, advancement, and profitability.
  • Benefits: Telehealth, Employee Assistance Program, medical, dental, company paid life insurance, 401k match and MORE!
  • Quality of Life Benefits: Lucrative PTO structure and paid holidays. After all, making a life is just as important as making a living.
  • Loyalty and job security: A committed and productive employee can look forward to a career with us. 53% of employees have been with AHT for 10+ years!
  • Culture: We like to earn a living, but we try to have a little fun in the process... check out our Facebook page to see more @AdvHeatTreat

AHT is an Equal Opportunity Provider/ Affirmative Action

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