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Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Knife River Corporation

Equipment Operator

Boise, ID · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Equipment Operators needed for projects throughout Southern Idaho. May require availability to work a variety of shifts including weekends or to travel out of town for various jobs. Minimum ...

Weitsman Recycling

Equipment Operator

Allegany, NY

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

We are looking for a reliable equipment operator to join our team. Responsibilities include performing routine equipment checks and maintenance, loading and unloading equipment, and ensuring sites ...

Pacer Group

Equipment Operator

Midland, TX · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

Equipment Operator Location:- Midland, Texas,(79706) Contract Duration: 6 months Pay rate: $17.00 - $23.00\hr. Shift- 15 days on 6 days off. - The Equipment Operator is responsible for delivering ...

Coral Hospitality

Equipment Operator

Cordele, GA · On-site

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

Golf Course Equipment Operator - Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club , located in Cordele, GA , is looking for Golf Course Equipment Operator. We offer a culture ...

Weitsman Recycling

Equipment Operator

Allegany, NY · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

Description We are looking for a reliable equipment operator to join our team. Responsibilities include performing routine equipment checks and maintenance, loading and unloading equipment, and ...

Martin Marietta

Equipment Operator

Franklinton, NC

$13 - $17.75/hr

Martin Marietta is seeking an Equipment Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual will be responsible for safely and ...

Qualified Staffing

Equipment Operator

New Castle, VA · On-site

$22.50/hr

Equipment Operator - Sand Plant Operations Location: New Castle, VA Pay: Starting at $22.50/hour (based on experience) Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Some weekends based on production ...

Safe Harbor Marinas

Equipment Operator

Niceville, FL · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

ABYC Training The Equipment Operator is responsible for the movement of all vessels located in the facility for haul & launch, designated work, storage or sales. This position is also required to ...

Safe Harbor Marinas

Equipment Operator

Bradenton, FL

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

ABYC Training The Equipment Operator is responsible for the movement of all vessels located in the facility for haul & launch, designated work, storage or sales. This position is also required to ...

SSR Mining, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Valmy, NV · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

The heavy equipment operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of heavy equipment as well as learning and interacting with the Modular Dispatch System in the equipment. The Heavy ...

Safe Harbor Marinas

Equipment Operator

Punta Gorda, FL

$17 - $23.50/hr

ABYC Training The Equipment Operator is responsible for the movement of all vessels located in the facility for haul & launch, designated work, storage or sales. This position is also required to ...

Safe Harbor Marinas

Equipment Operator

Wanchese, NC

$18 - $24.50/hr

ABYC Training The Equipment Operator is responsible for the movement of all vessels located in the facility for haul & launch, designated work, storage or sales. This position is also required to ...

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How much do equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for equipment operator in the United States is $22.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Equipment Operator vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectEquipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, heavy machinery certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, factories, warehousesConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projects
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, logisticsConstruction, mining, forestry
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for general machinery operationFocuses on large, heavy machinery

While both roles involve operating machinery, Equipment Operators typically handle a variety of equipment in different settings, whereas Heavy Equipment Operators specialize in large, heavy machinery used in construction and mining. The key differences lie in the size of equipment and industry focus, but both require safety training and certifications.

What are some common challenges Equipment Operators face on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, managing tight project deadlines, and operating heavy machinery in confined or busy work sites. Staying vigilant about safety protocols and maintaining clear communication with team members are crucial for minimizing risks. Regular equipment inspections and proactive maintenance help prevent breakdowns that could cause delays. Seeking ongoing training or certifications can also enhance operational efficiency and open up advancement opportunities.

What are Equipment Operators?

Equipment Operators are skilled professionals responsible for operating heavy machinery and vehicles used in construction, mining, roadwork, and other industries. Their role involves safely controlling equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, loaders, and excavators to move materials, dig foundations, and perform other tasks essential to a project's success. Equipment Operators must understand how to maintain their machines, follow safety protocols, and sometimes read blueprints or plans. The job requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to work in various weather conditions.

What Is an Equipment Operator?

An equipment operator, or heavy equipment operator, is a construction worker who is trained to use heavy construction machinery, such as cranes, bulldozers, or backhoes. As an equipment operator, your responsibilities and duties vary, depending on the machine you operate. All jobs require that you operate the equipment safely and according to the directions of the site supervisor. Heavy equipment operators are familiar with the care and basic maintenance of their machines, as well as their abilities and limitations. Safety is your first priority. You must be able to work in concert with the rest of the operators and workers to meet project deadlines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Equipment Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Equipment Operator, you need practical experience with heavy machinery, a high school diploma or equivalent, and often a commercial driver's license (CDL) or specialized equipment certification. Familiarity with operating loaders, excavators, forklifts, or cranes, as well as knowledge of safety protocols and maintenance systems, is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and strong problem-solving skills help operators work safely and efficiently in team environments. Mastering these skills ensures safe operation, reduces the risk of accidents, and maximizes productivity on job sites.
More about Equipment Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Equipment Operator jobs? Cities with the most Equipment Operator job openings:
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Who are the top companies hiring for Equipment Operator jobs? The top employers for Equipment Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Equipment Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Equipment Operator jobs include:
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Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,279 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
Equipment Operator

Equipment Operator

Knife River Corporation

Boise, ID • On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Knife River rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

186th of 516 rated manufacturers

Job description

Role Overview:
Equipment Operators needed for projects throughout Southern Idaho.
May require availability to work a variety of shifts including weekends or to travel out of town for various jobs.
Minimum Qualifications:
As a successful Operator, you will have:
- Ability to hold and maintain a driver's license in accordance with all state regulations
Qualified candidates will have experience working with Excavators, Loaders and other heavy construction equipment.
- Ability to work flexible shifts, including overtime, possible nights and some Saturdays.
Additional Information:
If unable to apply online, stop by our office at:
Knife River Corporation - Mountain Division
5450 W Gowen Rd
Boise, ID 83709
Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected Veteran status. Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background check.
At Knife River, we are committed to helping our military transition to civilian life. We are constantly looking to add veterans to our workforce and want to make the transition as smooth as possible. There are many jobs within the military that are transferable to our Equipment Operator Grade Team.
Air Force:
  • Pavement and Construction Equipment Journeyman
  • Pavement and Construction Equipment Apprentice
  • Pavement and Construction Equipment Helper

Army:
  • Motor Transport Operator
  • General Construction Equipment Operator
  • Heavy Construction Equipment Operator
  • Horizontal Construction Engineer

Navy:
  • Equipment Operator
  • Equipment Operator Basic
  • Advanced Equipment Operator

Marines:
  • Motor Vehicle Operator

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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