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Grading Operator Jobs in Tulsa, OK (NOW HIRING)

Sherwood Companies

Heavy Equipment Operator

Tulsa, OK · On-site

The employee is responsible for operating heavy equipment used for moving or grading earth, applying concrete, asphalt or other materials to road beds or equipment used for tamping gravel, dirt or ...

Commercial Metals

Forklift Operator/Scale Operator

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$14.75 - $17.25/hr

Whether you will spend your day brainstorming in an office cubicle, operating a crane, running ... for grading purposes and recognizing safety hazards * Must be able to frequently lift 25 lbs or ...

The Cottage

Brush Clearing Specialist

Tulsa, OK

... cutting trees, and operating equipment to support property upkeep. This role is hands‑on ... land management tasks as needed (grading, mowing, trail maintenance) Required Skills ...

Lippert

Forklift Oper

Tulsa, OK

$12.75 - $15/hr

Lift truck operator's license preferred (training available). Essential Functions: Reasonable ... Maintenance of the exterior yard including plowing, grading, etc.; * Rotation of position into ...

Lippert

Forklift Oper

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$14.75 - $17.25/hr

Lift truck operator's license preferred (training available). Essential Functions: Reasonable ... Maintenance of the exterior yard including plowing, grading, etc.; * Rotation of position into ...

Lippert Components

Forklift Oper

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$14.75 - $17.25/hr

Lift truck operator's license preferred (training available). Essential Functions: Reasonable ... Maintenance of the exterior yard including plowing, grading, etc.; * Rotation of position into ...

Lippert

Forklift Oper

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$12.75 - $15/hr

Lift truck operator's license preferred (training available). Essential Functions: Reasonable ... Maintenance of the exterior yard including plowing, grading, etc.; * Rotation of position into ...

Lippert

Forklift Oper

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$12.75 - $15/hr

Lift truck operator's license preferred (training available). Essential Functions: Reasonable ... Maintenance of the exterior yard including plowing, grading, etc.; * Rotation of position into ...

Lippert

Forklift Oper

Tulsa, OK

$12.75 - $15/hr

Lift truck operator's license preferred (training available). Essential Functions: Reasonable ... Maintenance of the exterior yard including plowing, grading, etc.; * Rotation of position into ...

Wallace Design Collective, P.C.

Civil PE

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$86K - $102K/yr

... operating permits. * Site Development Integration: Work closely with the grading and drainage teams to ensure utility layouts are optimized for the overall site plan and earthwork constraints.

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Grading Operator information

See Tulsa, OK salary details

$12

$21

$30

How much do grading operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for grading operator in Tulsa, OK is $21.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the career path for grader operators?

Grader operators can advance to supervisory roles, equipment supervisors, or maintenance managers with experience and additional training. Gaining certifications in equipment operation and safety can also open opportunities for higher-level positions or specialized roles within construction or mining industries.

What are some common challenges Grading Operators face, and how can they overcome them?

Grading Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining accuracy under time pressure and adapting to changing production demands. Staying focused and adhering to quality standards is crucial, as even small errors can impact the final product. Many Grading Operators find it helpful to develop strong attention to detail and communicate regularly with team members to address any issues promptly. Ongoing training and familiarity with grading equipment also play an important role in overcoming these challenges and ensuring efficient workflow.

What is the difference between Grading Operator vs Quality Control Inspector?

AspectGrading OperatorQuality Control Inspector
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, training in grading standardsHigh school diploma, quality assurance training
Work EnvironmentFactories, processing plants, manufacturing linesFactories, inspection stations, manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageFood, agricultural, or commodity industriesManufacturing, food processing, industrial sectors
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles in product evaluation and sortingCompared for roles focused on quality assurance and defect detection

The main difference is that a Grading Operator primarily assesses and sorts products based on quality standards, while a Quality Control Inspector focuses on inspecting products for defects and ensuring compliance with quality specifications. Both roles are essential in manufacturing and processing industries but serve different functions in maintaining product standards.

What does a Grading Operator do?

A Grading Operator is responsible for operating machinery that sorts, classifies, or grades products based on size, weight, quality, or other criteria. This role is commonly found in industries like agriculture, food processing, and manufacturing. Grading Operators monitor equipment, ensure accurate sorting, and may also perform basic maintenance or troubleshooting. Their work helps ensure that products meet required standards before they move on to the next stage of production or distribution.

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

To thrive as a Grading Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy machinery operation, site grading techniques, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as bulldozers, graders, and GPS or laser-guided control systems is often required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work well in a team are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, precise, and efficient site preparation crucial for construction and infrastructure projects.

What is the highest paid equipment operator?

Heavy equipment operators, including crane, bulldozer, and excavator operators, tend to be among the highest paid in the industry, especially those with specialized skills and certifications. Crane operators, in particular, often earn higher wages due to the complexity and safety requirements of their work. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and the type of equipment operated.

How much do Motor Grader operators make?

Motor Grader operators in North Carolina typically earn an average hourly wage of around $20 to $25, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $52,000. Wages can vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the equipment operated.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

Certain high-paying roles such as specialized contractors, freelance consultants, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers can earn around $700 a day, especially with experience and certifications. These jobs often require specific skills, tools, or licensing and may involve project-based or hourly work in demanding environments.
What are popular job titles related to Grading Operator jobs in Tulsa, OK? For Grading Operator jobs in Tulsa, OK, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Grading Operator jobs in Tulsa, OK look for? The top searched job categories for Grading Operator jobs in Tulsa, OK are:
What cities near Tulsa, OK are hiring for Grading Operator jobs? Cities near Tulsa, OK with the most Grading Operator job openings:
Grading Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grading Operator job openings in Tulsa, OK as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,056 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

Sherwood Companies

Tulsa, OK

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

The Sherwood Companies have a proven track record of completing a variety of projects from General Construction to Construction Management and Design Build Projects for both public and private owners. A brief summary of the types of projects include urban expressways, bridges, underground utilities, dam construction, asphalt/concrete paving and water/wastewater treatment plants. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

The employee is responsible for operating heavy equipment used for moving or grading earth, applying concrete, asphalt or other materials to road beds or equipment used for tamping gravel, dirt or other materials. The incumbent will need to operate in a safe and efficient manner following all personal protective equipment (PPE) and process requirements. Travel may be required. This role is classified as safety sensitive.

BENEFITS

  • Holiday Pay
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Accident and Cancer Insurance
  • Short-term and Long-term disability
  • 401(k) with match
  • Yearly boot reimbursement
  • Referral bonus program

ACTIVITIES/TASKS/SCOPE

  • Keep work area clean, orderly and safe
  • Could operate graders, roller, booms, dozers, scrapers, blades, loaders, etc. to move and grade earth
  • Move levers, depress foot pedals and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders or backhoes
  • Perform minor maintenance and adjustments on equipment
  • Understand the use of equipment in various jobs such as: trenching, excavating, loading, leveling, rough grading and finishing
  • Become familiar with digging plans and with efficient and safe digging procedures
  • Observe hand signals, grade stakes or other markings when operating machines to work can be performed to specifications
  • Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete
  • Move materials over short distances
  • Other duties as assigned

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR COMPETENCIES

  • Work Standards
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Initiating Action
  • Adaptability
  • Contributing to Team Success
  • Managing Work (Time Management)
  • Communication

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • 2-3 years of experience of heavy equipment operation in heavy highway or farm experience preferred

CERTIFICATION/OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Mechanical knowledge of machines and tools
  • Mathematics
  • Operation monitoring
  • Control precision
  • Depth perception
  • Manual dexterity
  • Reaction time
  • Coordination

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

  • Ability to stand, walk, sit, stoop, bend, walk, climb ladders, reach, grasp, push/pull, twist, and lift heavy objects (50 lbs.)
  • Safe negotiation of uneven terrain in various weather conditions
  • Ability to handle a large volume of work and perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to effectively verbally communicate, see close and at distances, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

  • Work is performed in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to outdoor elements.

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