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Grading Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

This position focuses on fine grading, final trim work, and roadway subgrade preparation for highway, roadway, and site development projects.Willingness to travel is required. Responsibilities

Water Truck Driver

Springdale, AR ยท On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

Previous construction, asphalt, grading, or utility experience is preferred but not required. Essential Duties & Responsibilities * Safely operate a water truck to support milling, grading, and base ...

Water Truck Driver

Springdale, AR ยท On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

Previous construction, asphalt, grading, or utility experience is preferred but not required. Essential Duties & Responsibilities * Safely operate a water truck to support milling, grading, and base ...

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Grading information

See Arkansas salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do grading jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for grading in Arkansas is $14.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $15.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are grading jobs?

Grading jobs involve evaluating and assessing assignments, exams, or coursework, usually in educational settings. People in these roles review students' work and assign grades based on established criteria or rubrics. Grading can be done by teachers, teaching assistants, or contracted graders, and may include both objective (multiple-choice) and subjective (essays, projects) assessments. Accuracy, fairness, and consistency are essential skills for those performing grading jobs. These positions can be part-time, full-time, or even remote depending on the institution and subject area.

What are grading jobs?

Grading jobs involve preparing the ground for a construction project. You use heavy equipment and tools to level the land so that crews can build a structure or roadway. Your duties include using a cut and fill process to level uneven ground. A grading equipment operator uses bulldozers, backhoes, and rollers to excavate and move land and pack it down to create a stable, even surface. A grading or excavation foreman oversees the operation. Some laborers in this field use self-propelled, hand-controlled graders to tamp down the ground. Graders also shape shoulders, ditches, and other features to ensure proper drainage.

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

To thrive as a Grader, you need strong attention to detail, subject matter expertise, and familiarity with grading rubrics or assessment standards, often supported by relevant educational background. Proficiency with learning management systems (LMS) and grading software is commonly required. Effective time management, impartiality, and clear written communication are essential soft skills for providing constructive feedback. These competencies ensure fair, consistent, and timely evaluation of student work, supporting academic integrity and student learning.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in grading roles, and how can they be managed effectively?

Professionals in grading roles often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistency across large volumes of work, managing tight deadlines, and addressing potential disputes or appeals from students or stakeholders. To manage these effectively, graders typically follow detailed rubrics, participate in calibration sessions with colleagues to align standards, and use digital tools to streamline workflow. Clear communication with supervisors and ongoing professional development can also help graders stay current with best practices and reduce stress during peak periods.

What is the difference between Grading vs Quality Control Inspector?

AspectGradingQuality Control Inspector
Primary FocusAssessing and classifying products based on quality standardsInspecting products to identify defects and ensure compliance
Required CredentialsOften no formal certification, but knowledge of standardsCertifications like ISO or industry-specific quality certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, agriculture, or food industriesManufacturing, production lines, or warehouses
Employer UsageUsed by companies to categorize product quality levelsUsed to detect defects and enforce quality standards

While both roles focus on quality, Grading primarily involves classifying products based on quality standards, whereas Quality Control Inspectors actively examine products for defects and compliance. Grading is more about categorization, while Quality Control is about defect detection and correction.

What are the most commonly searched types of Grading jobs in Arkansas?

The most popular types of Grading jobs in Arkansas are:

Infographic showing various Grading job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,963 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Finish Grader

Farmer Holding Company

Little Rock, AR โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Now Hiring: Experienced Finish Blade Operator

Capital Paving & Construction is a heavy highway and civil construction company in Arkansas. We are actively seeking a skilled Finish Blade Operator (Motor Grader Operator) with heavy civil construction experience. This position focuses on fine grading, final trim work, and roadway subgrade preparation for highway, roadway, and site development projects.Willingness to travel is required.


Responsibilities

  • Operate motor grader to perform finish grading and fine grading
  • Cut and maintain subgrade, ditches, slopes, and roadway cross-sections
  • Work from blueprints, grade stakes, hubs, and elevations
  • Utilize GPS machine control systems (Trimbleย preferred)
  • Coordinate with survey crews and field supervision
  • Maintain proper drainage and ensure grade accuracy
  • Other duties as required
  • Perform daily equipment inspections and minor maintenance
  • Follow all OSHA and company safety standards

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of experience operating a motor grader in heavy civil construction
  • Proven experience with finish grading to tight tolerances
  • Ability to read construction plans and elevations
  • Experience with DOT or highway projects preferred
  • Experience with GPS grade control systems preferred
  • Ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Valid driverโ€™s license and reliable transportation
  • Willing to travel and work out of town
  • Must pass a pre-employment physical, drug/alcohol screen, and background check

Why Join Our Team?

  • This is a full time, benefits eligible position
  • Competitive hourly pay based on experience
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Short- and long-term disability

EEO/Employer/Vet/Disabled

Capital will give consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.


Apply Today

If you are an experienced Finish Blade Operator / Motor Grader Operator looking for steady work and competitive pay, apply now to join a growing heavy civil construction team.