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Equipment Operator Jobs in Meridian, ID (NOW HIRING)

Knife River

Equipment Operator

Boise, ID · On-site

$18 - $24.75/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 ...

Knife River

Equipment Operator

Boise, ID · On-site

$18 - $24.75/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 ...

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 ...

Superior Blasting Inc.

Be Seen First

Equipment Operator

Boise, ID · On-site

$27 - $36/hr

Superior Blasting, Inc. is seeking a full-time equipment operator. By joining our team, we will work continually to balance your skill sets and passions that will contribute to the growth of our ...

Dycom Industries, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Eagle, ID · On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

Hourly Discover a more connected career At Niels Fugal Sons Company, LLC, as an Equipment Operator on our Telecom Construction team, you'll use and take care of special machines for putting in phone ...

UMC, Inc

Excavation Equipment Operator

Boise, ID · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Excavation Equipment Operator Benefits: * TOP MARKET PAY * 100% PAID APPRENTICE PROGRAM * Excellent Stability and Growth Opportunities * Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, Life Insurance for you and your ...

UMC, Inc

Excavation Equipment Operator

Boise, ID · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Excavation Equipment Operator Benefits: * TOP MARKET PAY * 100% PAID APPRENTICE PROGRAM * Excellent Stability and Growth Opportunities * Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, Life Insurance for you and your ...

CRH

Equipment Operator

Meridian, ID · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

Equipment Operator AMAT Meridian, Idaho, United States Job ID: 526726 Idaho Materials & Construction, is a CRH Company. Our purpose, commitment to the future, and formula for growth is to champion ...

SPEEDY CPS

Equipment Operator

Eagle, ID

$19/hr

The role will include running large format equipment and doing hand work specific to the type of ... Be able to follow standard operating procedures * Be reliable and able to work scheduled shifts

Knife River

Equipment Operator - Grade Team

Boise, ID · On-site

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 ...

Knife River

Equipment Operator - Grade Team

Boise, ID · On-site

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 ...

Mountain Companies LLC

Equipment Operator - Grading

Boise, ID · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Sunnyridge Construction, the grading division with Mountain Compaines, is seeking an exeprienced Equipment Operator to join our team! Requirements: * * Looking for personnel that have experience ...

WRS

Heavy Equipment Operator

Nampa, ID · On-site

This role requires proven experience operating excavation equipment on a civil construction site with a focus on mainline trenching and pipe installation. About WRS WRS offers a wide range of ...

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Equipment Operator information

See Meridian, ID salary details

$13

$21

$30

How much do equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for equipment operator in Meridian, ID is $21.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $24.23 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.
More about Equipment Operator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Equipment Operator jobs in Meridian, ID?

The most popular types of Equipment Operator jobs in Meridian, ID are:

What are popular job titles related to Equipment Operator jobs in Meridian, ID?

For Equipment Operator jobs in Meridian, ID, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Equipment Operator jobs in Meridian, ID look for?

The top searched job categories for Equipment Operator jobs in Meridian, ID are:

What cities near Meridian, ID are hiring for Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities near Meridian, ID with the most Equipment Operator job openings:

Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Equipment Operator job openings in Meridian, ID as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,640 per year, or $21 per hour.

Equipment Operator

Boise, ID • On-site

Knife River

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

298th of 544 rated manufacturers

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Knife Riverexternal

$18 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

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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