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Finish Grader Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Southland Holdings

Motor Grader Operator

Tampa, FL · On-site

Loader Operators with finish grade experience Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential ...

Whitaker Construction

Grader Operator

Magna, UT · On-site

Operate and maintain motorized grading equipment, including finish blades, to accurately grade and ... Proven experience operating finish blades or similar grading equipment in a construction or ...

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How much do finish grader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for finish grader operator in the United States is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Finish Grader Operators on construction sites?

Finish Grader Operators often work in dynamic environments where ground conditions and project requirements can change rapidly. A typical challenge is maintaining precise grading accuracy despite obstacles such as uneven terrain, weather changes, and tight project timelines. Operators also need to coordinate closely with site supervisors and other heavy equipment operators to ensure safety and project efficiency. Adaptability, attention to detail, and strong communication skills are essential for overcoming these challenges and contributing effectively to the team.

What is a Finish Grader Operator?

A Finish Grader Operator is a skilled heavy equipment operator who specializes in using motor graders to create smooth, precise surfaces on construction sites, such as roads, parking lots, and building pads. Their main responsibility is to ensure the final layer of soil or gravel is properly leveled and compacted according to project specifications. Finish Grader Operators must have excellent attention to detail, a strong understanding of grading techniques, and experience with operating various attachments and controls. This role is essential in the construction process to achieve a high-quality, finished surface that meets engineering and safety standards.

What is the difference between Finish Grader Operator vs Asphalt Paver Operator?

AspectFinish Grader OperatorAsphalt Paver Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, CDL often preferredHigh school diploma, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, roadwork, grading projectsAsphalt paving, road construction sites
Industry UsageHeavy civil construction, grading, landscapingPaving, road construction, asphalt laying

The Finish Grader Operator primarily focuses on grading and leveling soil or gravel surfaces, preparing the site for construction or paving. In contrast, the Asphalt Paver Operator specializes in laying asphalt on roads and surfaces. Both roles require similar credentials and work in construction environments, but their specific tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Finish Grader Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Finish Grader Operator, you need expertise in operating heavy machinery, knowledge of grading techniques, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant equipment certifications. Familiarity with GPS machine control systems, laser leveling devices, and regular maintenance tools is often required. Strong attention to detail, spatial awareness, and effective communication skills help operators ensure precision and collaborate with construction teams. These abilities are crucial for achieving accurate grading, maintaining safety, and delivering quality results on construction projects.
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Finish Grader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Finish Grader Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Full Time, 80% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,535 per year, or $17.1 per hour.
Motor Grader Operator

Motor Grader Operator

Blythe Construction, Inc.

Great Falls, SC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Description
United Infrastructure Group continues to be a leader in the transportation construction industry in the southeast with a 100+ year history of delivering successful projects by hiring exceptional employees to work in a professional family environment. UIG is committed to developing the best workforce possible by constantly recruiting, training, and promoting construction industry professionals throughout our organization.
Our comprehensive benefits package is custom designed to achieve that goal through access to the following benefits:
  • Highly Competitive Salaries
  • Generous Performance Bonuses
  • Robust Subsistence Allowances
  • Comprehensive Health Plans (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
  • Strong 401k Savings and Profit-Sharing Plan with 100% Matching Contributions up to 4% of compensation
  • Significant Paid Time Off
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Training, Education, Certification, and Qualification Assistance

Note: Benefits may vary based on position and length of employment.
Primary Function of Motor Grader Operator: Operate the grader and other heavy equipment in a safe and effective manner to ensure roadways and construction surfaces are accessible in a variety of weather conditions. The Grader Operator must also clean, maintain, and secure all equipment. May also perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites. Assist craft workers and operate on a construction crew.
Typical Duties include but are not limited to:
  • Respond quickly to foreman's directions.
  • Operate the grader and other heavy equipment in a safe, efficient, and appropriate manner to specifications.
  • Inspect and maintain equipment daily, such as gas, oil, water, tires, lights, or brakes, to ensure equipment is in proper working condition.
  • Clean heavy equipment as scheduled/required.
  • Proper machine start-up, operation, and shutdown knowledge
  • Report any mechanical problems encountered with equipment.
  • Perform emergency repairs.
  • Set up and tear down equipment.
  • Must be safety minded and adhere to all safety policies.
  • Control traffic passing near, in, or around work zones.
  • Load or unload materials used in construction or extraction.
  • Full range of body motion including handling and operating levers or controls, manual dexterity, and eye-hand coordination.
  • Use of foot-controlled pedals
  • Drive machines onto truck trailers.
  • Sit for extended periods of time.
  • Final grade met by utilizing the string line and/or GPS.
  • Provide assistance to craft workers.
  • Dismantle equipment or temporary structures.
  • Mix, pour, or spread concrete and other materials.
  • Maintain hand and power tools.
  • Dig holes or trenches.
  • Operate pumps or compressors.
  • Clean or prepare construction sites for work activities and to eliminate possible hazards.
  • Gather and distribute supplies and tools on the jobsite.
  • Other duties as required.

Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience:
  • Three to five years of experience operating a motor grader at the finish grade level.
  • GPS automation experience preferred, not required.
  • Ability to supervise and manage a site crew.
  • Must observe safety procedures and report any potentially unsafe conditions to management.
  • Knowledge of road construction equipment.
  • Knowledge of road construction materials and road construction processes.
  • Knowledge of record keeping systems.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Must follow policies and procedures and support UIG's Mission.

REQUIREMENTS: ALL Applicants must be:
  • 18 years of Age
  • Class 1 Driver's License.
  • Heavy Equipment Operator certificate or credential, preferred.
  • Able to pass a Drug Test
  • Legally Eligible to Work in the US
  • Additional Requirements for Grader Operators/Craft Workers:
    • Must have own transportation to and from jobsite every work day (driver's license required).
    • Must provide own hand tools (excluding power tools), if applicable.
    • May be expected to travel where the project requires (multi-state opportunities).
    • Must be able to physically and repetitively lift and carry at least 50 pounds on a routine basis.

Please contact us at http://uig.net/main/careers or call 803-581-6000.
UIG IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (EOE) AFFIRMATIVE ACTION (AA) EMPLOYER

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