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Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Cardinal Civil Contracting

Operator - 1

Raleigh, NC · On-site

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will be proficient in operating bulldozers and trackhoe excavators to perform various civil ...

Cardinal Civil Contracting

Operator - 5

Raleigh, NC · On-site

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will be proficient in operating bulldozers and trackhoe excavators to perform various civil ...

OES Equipment

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

... seeking a Heavy Equipment Mechanic to support our Raleigh, NC . The Equipment Mechanic will be ... Experience with operating various types of construction equipment. * Basic computer knowledge with ...

OES Equipment

Be Seen First

Mechanic Heavy Equipment

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$25.25 - $33.25/hr

... heavy equipment rental company who is seeking a Heavy Equipment Mechanic to support our Raleigh ... Experience with operating various types of construction equipment. * Basic computer knowledge with ...

Lewis Services

Equipment Operator

Durham, NC · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Operate heavy equipment per Lewis policy and manufacturer guidelines * Safeguard equipment and ... Completion of Equipment Operator Technical Knowledge Certification * Basic knowledge of electrical ...

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All JobsHeavy Equipment Operator JobsEntry Level Heavy Equipment Operator JobsEntry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$23

$32

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

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level heavy equipment operator in Raleigh, NC is $23.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $26.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does one get into an entry level heavy equipment operator?

To become an entry-level heavy equipment operator, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, complete on-the-job training or a training program, and obtain relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training. Experience with operating machinery like bulldozers, excavators, or loaders is valuable, and some employers may require a valid driver's license and physical fitness for the job environment.

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 start out as an entry level heavy equipment operator?

To start as an entry-level heavy equipment operator, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a training program or apprenticeship, and earn relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training. Gaining hands-on experience with equipment like bulldozers or excavators and understanding safety protocols are essential for entry into the field.

How to get an entry level heavy equipment operator job with no experience?

Entry level heavy equipment operators can start by obtaining a basic OSHA safety certification and gaining familiarity with equipment such as excavators or bulldozers. Many employers offer on-the-job training, so applying to construction companies or staffing agencies that specialize in construction work can help you get started without prior experience.

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.
More about Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,950 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator (Travel Required)

Phillips, Inc.

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Phillips 66 rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 87 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 86 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Summary:
This position is responsible for operating several types of construction equipment such as dump trucks, bulldozers, front end loaders, graders, tracked excavators or water trucks to excavate, move, grade, and load earth into haul trucks.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Learn and follow safety regulations
• Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, or falling objects
• Locate underground services, such as pipes or wires, prior to beginning work
• Monitor operations to ensure that health and safety standards are met
• Adjust hand wheels and depress pedals to control attachments, such as blades, buckets, scrapers, or swing booms
• Start engines; move throttles, switches, or levers; or depress pedals to operate machines, such as bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders, or backhoes
• Coordinate machine actions with other activities, position or move loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members
• Load and move dirt, rocks, equipment, or other materials using trucks, crawler tractors, power cranes, shovels, graders, or related equipment
• Check fuel supplies at sites to ensure adequate availability
• Drive and maneuver equipment with blades in successive passes over working areas to remove topsoil, vegetation, or rocks or to distribute and level earth or terrain
Requirements:
• Follow safety regulations
• Follow instructions and meet set standards
• Judge distances and slopes accurately
• Make decisions based on verifiable standards
• Must be able to stoop, bend, and crouch and use hands, arms, and legs fully
• Must have good vision and hearing (either naturally or with correction)
• Frequently lift up to 80 pounds, and the ability to carry objects weighing 50 pounds or less
• Work dusty or dirty surroundings
• Pass construction equipment operator qualification testing/observation
Education and Experience:
• High School Diploma preferred
• Two-three years verifiable and relevant experience
Candidates that accept an offer of employment are required to undergo and successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination. This exam is essential to ensure that all potential employees meet the necessary health and fitness standards for the role. The examination includes a series of tests and evaluations conducted by a certified medical professional to assess overall physical health, identify any potential medical conditions that could interfere with job performance, and verify that the candidate is capable of safely performing the essential duties of the position.
Completion and clearance of this physical are mandatory steps in the hiring process.
Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources at
Email: recruiting@phillipsinc.com
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.
If you want to view the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal poster, please choose your language: English - Spanish - Arabic - Chinese
English - Spanish - Chinese
If you want to view the Pay Transparency Policy Statement, please click the link: English

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