1

Heavy Duty Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Heavy Duty Towing Operator

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$100K - $175K/yr

Our Heavy Duty Operators are responsible for the safe and professional towing, transportation, and recovery of commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers, buses, motorhomes, heavy equipment, and ...

Be Seen First

Heavy Duty Towing Operator

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$100K - $175K/yr

Our Heavy Duty Operators are responsible for the safe and professional towing, transportation, and recovery of commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers, buses, motorhomes, heavy equipment, and ...

Be Seen First

Heavy Duty Towing Operator

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$50K - $120K/yr

We are seeking a skilled Heavy Duty Towing Operator with at least five years of experience in the heavy-duty towing industry to join our team! The ideal candidate will be responsible for safely ...

Be Seen First

Heavy Duty Towing Operator

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$50K - $120K/yr

We are seeking a skilled Heavy Duty Towing Operator with at least five years of experience in the heavy-duty towing industry to join our team! The ideal candidate will be responsible for safely ...

heavy duty wrecker operator

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$1.2K - $3.0K/wk (+ commission)

HEAVY-DUTY WRECKER & LANDOLL OPERATOR Alberto's Towing is hiring an experienced Heavy-Duty Wrecker and Landoll Operator. We are looking for a dependable, safety-focused professional experienced in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Heavy Duty Operator information

See salary details

$14

$23

$33

How much do heavy duty operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy duty 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 is a heavy duty operator?

Heavy duty operators are skilled professionals who operate large and powerful machinery, such as bulldozers, cranes, excavators, and loaders, typically used in construction, mining, and other industrial settings. Their main responsibilities include safely maneuvering equipment to move earth, materials, or other heavy objects, conducting routine maintenance checks, and following safety regulations. Heavy duty operators often work in challenging outdoor environments and must have specialized training and certifications to operate specific types of machinery.

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

To thrive as a Heavy Duty Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, operational knowledge of heavy machinery, and often a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant certifications or licenses. Familiarity with equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and safety management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and precise operation of heavy equipment on job sites, minimizing risks and maximizing productivity.

What are some typical challenges heavy duty operators face on a daily basis, and how can they overcome them?

Heavy Duty Operators often encounter challenges such as working in extreme weather conditions, managing fatigue during long shifts, and ensuring the safe operation of complex machinery. To overcome these issues, operators should prioritize safety protocols, participate in regular equipment inspections, and communicate effectively with supervisors and team members. Staying updated on equipment maintenance schedules and adhering to health and safety guidelines can also help mitigate risks and contribute to a smoother workflow.

What is the difference between Heavy Duty Operator vs Crane Operator?

AspectHeavy Duty OperatorCrane Operator
CertificationsHeavy Equipment Operator Certification, CDL often requiredCrane Operator Certification, NCCCO certification common
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, industrial settingsConstruction sites, shipping yards, industrial facilities
Job RoleOperate various heavy machinery like bulldozers, loaders, excavatorsOperate cranes for lifting and moving heavy loads

Heavy Duty Operators and Crane Operators both work in industrial environments and require heavy equipment certifications. However, Heavy Duty Operators handle a variety of machinery, while Crane Operators specialize in operating cranes for lifting tasks. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Heavy Duty Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Heavy Duty Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Heavy Duty Operator job openings:

What states have the most Heavy Duty Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Heavy Duty Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Heavy Duty Operator jobs?

For Heavy Duty Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Heavy Duty Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Heavy Duty Truck Operator / CDL / SIGN ON BONUS

Hamburg, PA โ€ข On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Benefits:
  • Competitive salary
  • Flexible schedule
  • Opportunity for advancement

Heavy-Duty Tow Truck Operator / CDL Driver
Summit View Towing — Hamburg, PA
pay based on experience

WE'RE LOOKING FOR AN OPERATOR — NOT JUST A DRIVER.
Summit View Towing is looking for an experienced CDL Heavy-Duty Tow Truck Operator / Recovery Technicianwho knows how to get the job done safely, efficiently, and professionally.
If you have experience operating heavy wreckers, handling commercial vehicles, performing recoveries, and working independently, we want to talk to you.

This is a hands-on towing and recovery position. You will be expected to know your equipment, make good decisions in the field, and take pride in the work you perform.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
  • Operate heavy-duty wreckers and recovery equipment
  • Tow and recover commercial vehicles and heavy-duty equipment
  • Perform winch-outs and difficult recovery operations
  • Respond to roadside breakdowns and accident scenes
  • Safely rig, load, secure, recover, and transport vehicles
  • Perform pre-trip and post-trip equipment inspections
  • Maintain and care for assigned equipment
  • Communicate professionally with customers, dispatch, law enforcement, and commercial accounts
  • Complete accurate job documentation
  • Identify and report equipment or safety issues
  • Follow DOT, CDL, and company safety requirements
WHAT WE EXPECT
You should:

  • Have a valid CDL Class A
  • Have heavy-duty towing or recovery experience
  • Be able to work independently
  • Know how to safely operate and rig recovery equipment
  • Have a good driving record
  • Be dependable and willing to work
  • Be comfortable working nights, weekends, and after-hours when scheduled
  • Be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Take pride in the equipment you operate
  • Treat customers and other professionals with respect
EXPERIENCE THAT GETS OUR ATTENTION
Experience with:
  • Heavy-duty wreckers
  • Rotators (preferred)
  • Tractor-trailer recovery
  • Commercial vehicle towing
  • Winching
  • Accident recovery
  • Diesel equipment
  • Air-brake systems
  • Fleet accounts
  • Police/municipal recovery
  • Heavy equipment recovery
The more you can do independently, the more valuable you are to us.

PAY
$30–$45 PER HOUR (SIGN ON BONUS OFFERED)

Starting pay is based on experience, CDL qualifications, recovery experience, and overall ability.
Experienced heavy-duty operators with strong recovery skills may qualify toward the top of the range.
Overtime and additional compensation opportunities may be available.

THIS JOB IS NOT FOR EVERYONE.
You need to be able to stay calm, think through a recovery, operate safely, and get the job done.
We need someone who knows their equipment, understands recovery, takes safety seriously, and can represent Summit View Towing professionally.
WHY SUMMIT VIEW TOWING?
We're building a professional towing and recovery operation in the Hamburg, PA area and want experienced operators who want to work hard and be part of the team.
If you're an experienced heavy-duty operator who takes pride in the job and wants to work for a company that values skill, reliability, and professionalism:
APPLY TODAY.
Summit View Towing
450 S. Apple Street Hamburg, PA

Job Type: Full-time & Part-time
Pay: Based on experience
Benefits: SIGN ON BONUS *****New hires are eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus, paid in two installments.