1

Equipment Operator Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 41-60

Equipment Operator information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$10

$17

$25

How much do equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for equipment operator in Baton Rouge, LA is $17.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $19.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 equipment operators make the most money?

Heavy equipment operators who specialize in high-demand machinery such as crane, bulldozer, or excavator operators tend to earn the highest wages. Those with specialized skills, certifications, and experience working in industries like construction, mining, or oil and gas typically have higher earning potential. Advanced training and operating complex or large equipment can also increase salary levels for equipment operators.

What is the job of an equipment operator?

An equipment operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery such as bulldozers, cranes, or excavators to perform construction, landscaping, or industrial tasks. They must follow safety protocols, often hold relevant certifications, and have good mechanical skills to ensure efficient and safe operation in various work environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Equipment Operator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA?

The most popular types of Equipment Operator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Equipment Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Equipment Operator job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,308 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Mobile Equipment Operator 1/2/1Heavy

State of Louisiana

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

$2.7K - $5.0K/mo

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


State Of Louisiana rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 73 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 50 rated states


Job description

Salary : $2,784.00 - $5,009.00 Monthly
Location : Homer, LA
Job Type: Classified
Job Number: 4/7561/MEO1/2/1H/08.12.26-PT
Department: DOTD-Engineering & Operations
Division: District 4 - Bossier City
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 8/27/2026 11:59 PM Central
About this Job
Help keep Louisiana's roads and bridges safe while building a long-term career in public service. This position offers hands-on work, paid training, and opportunities for career growth within DOTD.
At the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), we plan, build, maintain, and protect the transportation systems that connect communities, support commerce, and keep Louisiana moving. Please visit our DOTD Career Center for more information about our agency.
Mobile Equipment Operators help keep Louisiana's roads and bridges safe by operating equipment to support maintenance and construction work.
This position offers a 10% base pay increase upon attainment of permanent status (where applicable). No experience is required - training is provided, with opportunities for career progression.
This is an outdoor, physically active role that may involve varying weather conditions, shift work, night work, overtime, travel, or emergency call-outs depending on assignment.
Positions are located in Homer, District 04, Unit 520 and report to the Highway Foreman.
Minimum Qualifications
No experience or training is required.
Job Specification
The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.
Job Duties and Other Information
Job Duties:
Depending on assignment and experience level, Mobile Equipment Operators may:
  • Operate heavy and specialized equipment used in road and bridge maintenance
  • Assist with construction, repair, and upkeep of highways and bridges
  • Perform routine equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance
  • Support traffic control, cleanup, and emergency response activities
  • Work outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Perform physical tasks such as lifting, loading materials, and using hand and power tools
  • Assist or guide lower-level operators as needed
This role requires reliability, safety awareness, and the ability to adapt to changing work conditions.
Position-Specific Details:
Compensation:
  • MOBILE EQUIPMENT OPERATOR 1:

Class D, Chauffer's License will be required upon appointment. The starting salary for MEO-1 is $16.06/hourly; this job title receives Premium Pay in the amount of $1.00/hour for every hour worked. Additionally, a 10% base pay increase will be granted upon attainment of permanent status.
  • MOBILE EQUIPMENT OPERATOR 2:

Class A, Commercial Driver's License (CDL) will be required upon appointment. The starting salary for MEO-2 is $17.18/hourly; this job title receives Premium Pay in the amount of $1.00/hour for every hour worked. Additionally, a 10% base pay increase will be granted upon attainment of permanent status.
  • MOBILE EQUIPMENT OPERATOR 1/HEAVY:

Class A, Commercial Driver's License (CDL) will be required upon appointment. The starting salary for MEO-1/HEAVY will be $21.05/hourly.
Additional compensation may be considered impart with extraordinary qualifications in accordance with State Civil Service Rules and DOTD policy.
Career Progression: This position may be filled as Mobile Equipment Operator 1, Mobile Equipment Operator 2, or Mobile Equipment Operator 1-Heavy, based on qualifications and agency needs.
Licensing Requirements: Certain levels may require a valid Louisiana Class "D" Chauffeur's License or CDL prior to permanent appointment or start date, depending on assignment.
Appointment Type: This position may be filled as either a probational appointment (open to all qualified applicants); a promotion (open to all statewide classified and Agency-wide permanent status employees); or by detail to special duty.
Additional Information: This posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Applicants with the following are encouraged to apply:
How To Apply:
No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.
To apply for this vacancy, click on the "Apply" link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities.
Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page. Applicants can check the status of their application at any time by selecting the 'Application Status' link after logging into their account.
*Resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.*
Contact Information:
For further information about this vacancy, contact:
Renea Wise
Parish Highway Maintenance Superintendent - District 04/Unit 520
Office: 318-927-2333
Email: renea.wise@la.gov
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is an equal employment opportunity employer and serves as a model employer for individuals with disabilities. DOTD does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, or pregnancy, and prohibits harassment of any type.
Information on the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is available:
Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.
Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.
As a state employee, you will earn competitive pay, choose from a variety of benefits, and have access to a great professional development program:
Insurance Coverage More information can be found at
Parental Leave - Up to six weeks paid parental leave
More information can be found at
Holidays and Leave - State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
  • Mardi Gras,
  • Good Friday,
  • Memorial Day,
  • Independence Day,
  • Labor Day,
  • Veteran's Day,
  • Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

***** Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor
State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.
Retirement- State of Louisiana employees are eligible to participate in various retirement systems (based on the type of appointment and agency for which an employee works). These retirement systems provide retirement allowances and other benefits for state officers and employees and their beneficiaries. State retirement systems may include (but are not limited to):
  • Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (). LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system
  • Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (),
  • Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (), among others

01
Are you a permanent LA DOTD employee?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you a probational LA-DOTD employee?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Are you a current or former employee of the State of Louisiana?
  • Yes
  • No

04
If so, for which state agency(ies) do you/did you work and during what time period(s)? If not, indicate "NA".
05
To ensure compliance with PPM #9, DOTD Nepotism Policy, please list the name and relationship with any immediate family members that are currently employed by the LA-DOTD. Please type "N/A" if there are no immediate family members?
Required Question

What State Of Louisiana employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


State of Louisiana logo

About State of Louisiana

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Louisiana, based in Baton Rouge, LA, US, is not a traditional company per se, but a government body that oversees the administration of the state. As revealed on its official website, louisiana.gov, its wide range of services falls within public administration industry, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, environment conservation, and law enforcement. Founded in 1806, the State of Louisiana’s mission is to ensure a high quality of life for its residents by effectively managing public resources, enforcing laws, and fostering economic growth. Its most notable achievements include the successful implementation of its Coastal Master Plan, aimed at conserving Louisiana's extensive coastline, and the dramatic overhaul of its public education system.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baton Rouge, LA, US

Year founded

1812

Social media