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Heavy Equipment Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Marquette

Heavy Equipment Operator

Marquette, MI · On-site

$22.37/hr

This position is responsible for operating a wide range of light and heavy equipment. Qualified ... Operate machinery in the Heavy Equipment classification. * Maintain street and parking lot surfaces ...

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Heavy Equipment Machine Operator information

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$14

$23

$33

How much do heavy equipment machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment machine 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 Heavy Equipment Machine Operators on construction sites?

Heavy Equipment Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as working in adverse weather conditions, navigating uneven or confined spaces, and coordinating closely with other site personnel to ensure safety and efficiency. Operators must remain vigilant about equipment maintenance and adhere to strict safety protocols to prevent accidents. Effective communication with supervisors, ground crew, and other operators is essential to handle unexpected obstacles and keep projects on schedule.

What's the highest paid heavy equipment operator?

The highest paid heavy equipment operators typically work in specialized industries such as oil and gas, mining, or large-scale construction projects, earning salaries that can exceed $70,000 to $100,000 annually. Factors like experience, certifications, and operating advanced machinery such as cranes or bulldozers can increase earning potential.

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

To thrive as a Heavy Equipment Machine Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or certification. Familiarity with operating various machinery—such as excavators, bulldozers, and loaders—and knowledge of safety regulations, often supported by OSHA certifications, are essential. Attention to detail, good communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and precise operation of heavy machinery, minimizing risk and maximizing productivity on construction sites.

What is the difference between Heavy Equipment Machine Operator vs Crane Operator?

AspectHeavy Equipment Machine OperatorCrane Operator
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), certification in equipment operationCrane operator certification, often requiring NCCCO certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, landscaping, industrial sitesConstruction sites, ports, industrial facilities
Industry UsageHeavy machinery operation across various industriesSpecialized lifting and hoisting tasks in construction and shipping

Both roles require specialized certifications and involve working in construction or industrial environments. Heavy Equipment Machine Operators typically handle bulldozers, loaders, and excavators, while Crane Operators focus on operating cranes for lifting heavy loads. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are heavy equipment machine operators?

Heavy equipment machine operators are skilled workers who operate large machinery used in construction, mining, agriculture, and other industries. These operators control equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, loaders, and graders to move earth, lift heavy materials, and perform tasks that require precision and safety. They are responsible for maintaining and inspecting their machines, following safety protocols, and sometimes reading blueprints or site plans. Proper training and certification are often required to become a heavy equipment machine operator.

What is the highest paid heavy machine operator?

The highest paid heavy equipment machine operators typically work in specialized industries such as mining, oil and gas, or large-scale construction projects, earning salaries that can exceed $70,000 to $100,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include experience, certifications, type of equipment operated, and geographic location. Advanced skills with complex machinery and safety certifications can lead to higher compensation.

Can you make 100k as a heavy equipment operator?

Heavy equipment operators can earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries or locations. Factors such as certifications, union membership, and overtime can also influence earning potential.

What machine operator pays the most?

Heavy equipment machine operators working in specialized industries such as mining, oil and gas, or with advanced machinery tend to earn the highest wages. Certifications, experience, and working in high-demand regions can also significantly increase pay rates for these operators.
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Heavy Equipment Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Machine Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

Crossland Heavy Contractors

Tulsa, OK • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Get to Know Us
With a company built on family-by family-it's no surprise that working here is so much more than just putting on a hard hat and work boots.
At Crossland, you join a group of Real Builders who care about bringing long-lasting facilities to our clients and providing the best culture and opportunities for our employees. With our own in-house education program, you'll find the resources, support, and training necessary to put you on the path to success.
Benefits + Paid Time Off
When you want the best team, you offer benefits accordingly. Competitive pay, a family atmosphere, and great benefits are part of our culture of celebrating and appreciating our people.
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with guaranteed match
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Paid time off
  • Holiday pay
  • Paid education opportunities

Perks
  • Company Apparel
  • Safety Incentives for Field Employees
  • Milestone Anniversary Gifts
  • Company Events (Picnics and Christmas Party)
  • Diaper Bundle Program for new parents
  • Flu Shots, and so much more!

About the Role
We are looking for candidates with a minimum of 3-5 years of experience operating heavy equipment machinery. This position can be physically demanding at times and includes long seat hours. Some travel may be necessary, and you must have your own transportation. If you're a hard worker, love being outdoors, and enjoy a team atmosphere and camaraderie, this is the job for you!
Essential Responsibilities
Performs any combination of the following duties on construction projects, usually working in a utility capacity and by transferring from one task to another.
  • Operating heavy equipment including excavators, dozers, scrapers, backhoes, rollers, blade and skid steer.
  • Operate routinely used tools and equipment.
  • Perform routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment.
  • Load and unload equipment from vehicles and trailers.
  • Complete required paperwork, forms and records as required.
  • Coordinate machine actions with crew members in response to hand or audio signals.
  • Ability to work without close supervision once directed on task.
  • Obeys and follows all safety rules on the job site and encourages others to do the same.
  • Maintains a good relationship with co-workers and works well with others to accomplish a task.

EOE M/F/D/V
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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