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Ground Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tradesmen International, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Nixa, MO · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Grade ground for foundation work Company Details Tradesmen International not only offers consistent work, top pay, and employment opportunities, we also provide a benefits package that is among the ...

Safe Harbor Marinas

Equipment Operator

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

The Equipment Operator's title may be specific to their trade and titled as such (Equipment ... ground maintenance and ensuring overall marina cleanliness * Available to work overtime when ...

Safe Harbor Marinas

Equipment Operator

Sausalito, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $29.50/hr

The Equipment Operator's title may be specific to their trade and titled as such (Equipment ... ground maintenance and ensuring overall marina cleanliness * Familiarity with sailboat and ...

SAFE HARBOR MARINAS

Equipment Operator

Cornelius, NC · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

The Equipment Operator's title may be specific to their trade and titled as such (Equipment ... ground maintenance and ensuring overall marina cleanliness * Available to work overtime when ...

New

SAFE HARBOR MARINAS

Equipment Operator

Sausalito, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

The Equipment Operator's title may be specific to their trade and titled as such (Equipment ... ground maintenance and ensuring overall marina cleanliness * Familiarity with sailboat and ...

Centric Infrastructure Group

Equipment Operator

Magnolia, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

Equipment Operator/ Splicer Centric Fiber is a start-up telecommunications Company that is looking ... ground during beginning phases of development. This means all homes in a community are already ...

State of North Dakota

Equipment Operator

Devils Lake, ND · On-site

$4.1K - $4.9K/mo

NDDOT Equipment Operator II Salary $4,937 per month NDDOT Equipment Operator I Salary $4,375 per ... You will complete building and ground maintenance duties, and general routine maintenance of the ...

Centric Infrastructure Group

Equipment Operator

Magnolia, TX

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

Equipment Operator/ Splicer Centric Fiber is a start-up telecommunications company that is looking ... ground during beginning phases of development. This means all homes in a community are already ...

Vm West, Llc

Forestry Equipment Operator

Delta, CO

$25 - $35/hr

Safely navigate steep and uneven ground while operating equipment, demonstrating proficiency in handling machinery in difficult environments. * Perform routine maintenance and inspections of ...

State of North Dakota

Equipment Operator

Mayville, ND · On-site

$4.1K - $4.9K/mo

NDDOT Equipment Operator II Salary $4,937 per month NDDOT Equipment Operator I Salary $4,375 per ... You will complete building and ground maintenance duties, and general routine maintenance of the ...

Wil-Pav, Inc.

Crew Equipment Operator

Sugar Creek, MO

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

We seek equipment operators with asphalt paving experience and operators who can safely operate machinery while in close proximity to ground crews. A CDL is desired but not required. These ...

Teichert

Equipment Operator

Sparks, NV · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Support ground crew with manual tasks (e.g., shoveling, jackhammering, lifting materials) when ... Minimum 2 years of experience operating heavy equipment in an industrial or mining setting.

GS Materials Inc

Equipment Operator

Princeton, NC · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Maintain stable ground control. Other duties as required. And/Or Excavator Operator: Must have ... Inspects equipment/machinery/workplace for safe day-to-day operation and for general maintenance ...

Sacred Ground Excavation LLC

Be Seen First

Excavation Foreman (Heavy Equipment Operator)

Silt, CO · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Excavation Foreman (Heavy Equipment Operator) Company ... Sacred Ground Excavation LLC Job Type: Full-Time Pay: $32.00 - $45.00 per hour (based on experience)

A Budget Tree Service

Equipment Operator

Winter Springs, FL

$16.50 - $22.75/hr

Essential functions include: operating machinery to grind trees to ground level or below; operating commercial chainsaws as needed; using equipment in accordance with the American National Standards ...

Sacred Ground Excavation LLC

Be Seen First

Excavation Foreman (Heavy Equipment Operator)

Aspen, CO · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Excavation Foreman (Heavy Equipment Operator) Company ... Sacred Ground Excavation LLC Job Type: Full-Time Pay: $32.00 - $45.00 per hour (based on experience)

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Ground Equipment Operator information

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$33

How much do ground equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for ground equipment operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Ground Equipment Operators, and how can they be overcome?

Ground Equipment Operators often work in fast-paced environments where they must safely and efficiently handle heavy machinery near aircraft and personnel. Common challenges include adapting to changing weather conditions, maintaining equipment reliability, and managing tight schedules. These challenges can be overcome by following strict safety protocols, participating in regular equipment training, and maintaining clear communication with team members and supervisors. Building strong teamwork and staying up-to-date on operational procedures also help operators excel in their roles.

What is a ground equipment operator?

A ground equipment operator is responsible for operating and maintaining heavy machinery and equipment used in construction, transportation, or industrial settings. They typically need to have knowledge of safety procedures, may require certifications, and work in outdoor or industrial environments. Their tasks include operating cranes, forklifts, bulldozers, and other machinery to move materials or prepare sites.

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

To thrive as a Ground Equipment Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, a high school diploma or equivalent, and relevant equipment operation experience or certifications. Familiarity with heavy machinery, safety protocols, and often a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and a strong sense of responsibility are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient operation of ground equipment, minimizing accidents and supporting smooth logistical operations.

What is the highest paid equipment operator?

The highest paid equipment operators are often those who operate specialized or heavy-duty machinery such as crane, bulldozer, or excavator operators with extensive experience and certifications. In particular, crane operators tend to earn the highest wages among equipment operators, especially when working in construction, industrial, or shipping environments. Advanced skills, safety training, and working in high-demand regions can also increase earning potential.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

Ground equipment operators in specialized industries such as construction, mining, or oil and gas can sometimes earn $700 or more per day, especially with overtime, certifications, or in high-demand projects. These roles often require experience, operating heavy machinery, and adherence to safety standards. High-paying positions are typically project-based or involve hazardous environments that justify higher wages.

What is the difference between Ground Equipment Operator vs Crane Operator?

AspectGround Equipment OperatorCrane Operator
Required CertificationsTypically OSHA safety training, equipment-specific certificationsCrane operator certification (e.g., NCCCO), OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, airports, industrial facilitiesConstruction sites, shipping yards, industrial projects
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, transportation, logisticsHeavy construction, shipping, infrastructure projects

Both Ground Equipment Operators and Crane Operators work in construction and industrial settings, often requiring safety certifications. While Ground Equipment Operators handle various machinery like loaders and forklifts, Crane Operators specifically operate cranes for lifting heavy loads. The roles overlap in work environment and certifications but differ in equipment specialization and scope of duties.

How much do ground handlers get paid?

Ground equipment operators typically earn an average hourly wage between $15 and $25, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operators with certifications can earn higher wages, often working shifts that include nights and weekends.
More about Ground Equipment Operator jobs
What states have the most Ground Equipment Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Ground Equipment Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ground Equipment Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ground Equipment Operator jobs are:
Ground Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ground Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Equipment Operator

Equipment Operator

Tradesmen International, Inc.

Nixa, MO • On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Description
Tradesmen International is immediately hiring experienced Equipment Operators for projects located in the Joplin, MO area. This is a first shift opportunity, and the pay rate is $25-32/hour based on experience and skill level. If you are a Equipment Operator and want to work alongside other proven craftsmen who emphasize safety, productivity, and superior craftsmanship, this is your chance to advance your career!
Job Scope:
  • Operate various equipment such as excavators, skid steers, articulating boom lifts, and Class 1-7 industrial powered trucks
  • Foundation preparation
  • Work on concrete driveways and sidewalks
  • Grade, dig and move dirt
  • Transport heavy materials
  • Grade ground for foundation work

Company Details
Tradesmen International not only offers consistent work, top pay, and employment opportunities, we also provide a benefits package that is among the best in the industry.
Our comprehensive benefits include:
  • Tradesmen+ Rewards Program - earn points for hours worked
  • Vacation Pay
  • Health insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan

Tradesmen International is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability
"Be Safe" from fraud! Tradesmen International will never ask you to pay for certifications, equipment, or other "up front" costs as a condition of hire. Similarly, we do not request pictures of documents or IDs to private phone numbers or email addresses. If in doubt, please call or visit your closest Tradesmen office to verify the request.
Click here to visit Tradesmen's full website.
Location
US-MO-NIXA

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