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Grader Owner Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

EHC, Inc

Finish Motor Grader Operator

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

Finish Motor Grader Operator Company: EHC, Inc. Construction Location: Southwest Florida Position ... As part of our employee-owned company, you'll have the opportunity to work on diverse and ...

EHC Inc

Finish Motor Grader Operator

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

Finish Motor Grader Operator Company: EHC, Inc. Construction Location: Southwest Florida Position ... As part of our employee-owned company, you'll have the opportunity to work on diverse and ...

Sinacola

Motor Grader Operator - Excavation

Dallas, TX · On-site

We are a 100% employee-owned organization, fostering a strong team atmosphere where everyone shares ... Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be ...

Conti Civil

Motor Grader Operator

Hampstead, NC · On-site

Who We Are: Conti Civil LLC is a fourth-generation, privately owned construction leader ... An experienced Motor Grader Operator for our Hampstead, NC area project who can Safely operate ...

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Grader Owner Operator information

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$9

$17

$30

How much do grader owner operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for grader owner 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.

How much does a Grader Operator make per hour?

A grader operator typically earns between $20 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the equipment operated. Skilled operators with certifications may earn higher wages, especially in construction or mining environments.

What is the difference between Grader Owner Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectGrader Owner OperatorEquipment Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL), equipment-specific certificationsBasic CDL or OSHA training, equipment operation certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, road maintenance, grading projectsConstruction sites, industrial facilities, outdoor work
Employer & IndustryConstruction companies, government agenciesConstruction firms, industrial companies

Both roles involve operating heavy machinery in construction or maintenance settings. The Grader Owner Operator typically owns and operates a motor grader, focusing on grading and earthmoving tasks, often working independently. Equipment Operators may operate various machinery but usually do not own the equipment. The key difference lies in ownership and specialization, with the Grader Owner Operator having a more specific focus on grading tasks and equipment ownership.

What is a Grader Owner Operator?

A Grader Owner Operator is a professional who owns and operates a motor grader, which is heavy machinery used for leveling and grading surfaces in construction, roadwork, and mining. Unlike company-employed operators, owner operators are typically self-employed or run their own small business, contracting their services to various clients. They are responsible for both the operation and maintenance of their equipment, as well as handling business aspects like scheduling, invoicing, and compliance with safety regulations.

What is the future outlook for grader Operators?

The future outlook for grader operators is stable, with steady demand in construction, road maintenance, and infrastructure projects. As infrastructure development continues, skilled operators with knowledge of machinery and safety protocols are expected to remain essential in the industry.

What are some of the key challenges Grader Owner Operators face when managing both equipment maintenance and project deadlines?

Grader Owner Operators often juggle the dual responsibilities of maintaining their heavy equipment and meeting tight project deadlines. Unexpected breakdowns or routine maintenance can disrupt schedules, so effective planning and proactive upkeep are essential to minimize downtime. Additionally, since they are typically self-employed or contract-based, balancing administrative tasks like scheduling, invoicing, and client communications alongside on-site work can be demanding. Building strong relationships with reliable mechanics and suppliers, and staying organized with a maintenance calendar, can help manage these challenges and keep projects on track.

Can you make 100k a year as a heavy equipment operator?

Heavy equipment operators, including grader owner operators, can potentially earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries or regions. Earnings vary based on factors such as location, hours worked, and whether they own or lease their equipment, but reaching six-figure income is achievable for experienced operators with additional certifications or overtime work.

What kind of companies hire grader Operators?

Grader operators are typically hired by construction, civil engineering, and road maintenance companies to operate heavy machinery for grading and earthmoving tasks. These companies often work on infrastructure projects, road building, and land development, requiring operators to have knowledge of equipment and safety protocols.

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

To thrive as a Grader Owner Operator, you need expertise in operating heavy equipment (specifically motor graders), a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), and knowledge of construction or roadwork procedures. Familiarity with GPS grade control systems, maintenance tools, and safety regulations is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensuring projects are completed accurately, safely, and efficiently while maintaining equipment reliability.
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What job categories do people searching Grader Owner Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Grader Owner Operator jobs are:
Grader Owner Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grader Owner Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Full Time, 92% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,535 per year, or $17.1 per hour.
CDL-A Truck Drivers - Owner Operator

CDL-A Truck Drivers - Owner Operator

Kenan Advantage Group

Scottsburg, IN

$250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Kenan Advantage Group rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

233rd of 344 rated logistics

Job description

Looking for consistent miles and top-tier earning potential? KAG Food Products is partnering with CDL-A Owner Operators to haul Food Grade Products. If you want reliable revenue, steady OTR runs, and a company that truly supports owner ops, this is your lane

OTR Owner Operators – Big Miles. Big Money. Real Support. | $250,000/year
Text APPLY to (330) 681-1554 to get your quick app started! 

Why Owner Operators Choose KAG:
  • Rates start at $1.70CPM + Fuel Surcharge strong, consistent revenue
  • Out 10-14+ days – stay moving and earn big
  • Steady freight and dependable miles
  • Supportive terminal managers who know drivers and what it takes to partner with a business owner
  • Safe, consistent Food Grade freight designed to protect your equipment and support long‑term profitability
Driver Requirements:
  • CDL-A
  • 12 months recent, verifiable tractor-trailer experience
  • Tank and TWIC required, Passport a plus
  • Non-Trucking (Bobtail) Insurance
Tractor Requirements (No Exceptions):
  • Tractor must be 10 years old or newer
  • Pump and compressor preferred
  • Max overall tractor height 13.5 feet
  • Tractor must scale legally at 20,000 lbs or less
Run OTR with a company who knows how to maximize your earnings. Call a recruiter today to learn more!

What Kenan Advantage Group employees say

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About Kenan Advantage Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

KAG is North America’s largest Tank Truck Transporter and Logistics provider, delivering energy Commodities, Specialty products, Merchant gases and Food products through six unique operating platforms. KAG operates out of approximately 300 Terminal and Satellite locations throughout North America. We are the only independent carrier with a nationwide network, with operations in 42 states and the ability to deliver within all 48 continental United States, Canada, and Mexico. KAG will be the premier global transportation and logistics provider through an uncompromising commitment to People, Safety, Innovation, and Diversity.

Industry

Natural gas and oil pipeline transportation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

North Canton, OH, US

Year founded

1991

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