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Heavy Equipment Operating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skillforce

Heavy Equipment Operator

Concord, CA · Remote

$45 - $55/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator (Civil / Environmental Excavation) Pay: $ 45 - $ 55 /hour Location ... Operating excavators (mini up to 120k lb.), dozers, loaders, and skid steers * Performing mass ...

KASA Construction Inc.

Operating Engineer

Chino, CA

$70K - $95K/yr

We are looking for a skilled Operating Engineer to operate heavy and specialty equipment on public works and heavy construction projects. This includes work on highways, bridges, dams, water pipeline ...

Windwave Communications

... re Looking For 3+ years heavy equipment operating experience Proficiency operating at least one: excavator, dozer, blade, or scraper Strong understanding of jobsite safety Ability to work ...

New

Stuart Contractors LLC

Heavy Equipment Operator

Bowie, MD · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

... heavy equipment operating experience - Experience operating an excavator - Reliable transportation - Civil site experience preferred but not required At Stuart Contractors, we take pride in our ...

Stuart Contractors LLC

Heavy Equipment Operator

Bowie, MD · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

... heavy equipment operating experience - Experience operating an excavator - Reliable transportation - Civil site experience preferred but not required At Stuart Contractors, we take pride in our ...

Harwell & Company

Be Seen First

Heavy Equipment Operator

Mobile, AL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Candidates should have at least one year of experience operating a variety of heavy equipment, including front loaders, mini excavators, and cranes. You will be responsible for inspecting trucks ...

Simos

Heavy Equipment Operator

East Peoria, IL · On-site

$17/hr

In this role, you will be responsible for loading and unloading equipment, operating heavy machinery, and supporting yard operations in a fast-paced, outdoor environment. Pay: $17.00 per hour ...

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Heavy Equipment Operating Engineer information

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How much do heavy equipment operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operating engineer in the United States is $48.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.31 and $52.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with advanced skills, certifications, and leadership roles. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and work in high-demand industries or senior management positions.

What are Heavy Equipment Operating Engineers?

Heavy Equipment Operating Engineers are skilled professionals who operate and maintain large machinery used in construction, mining, and other industrial projects. Their responsibilities include controlling equipment like bulldozers, cranes, loaders, and excavators, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and performing routine maintenance checks. These operators play a crucial role in preparing sites, moving materials, and supporting infrastructure development. Training is typically acquired through apprenticeships or vocational schools, and many operators must be licensed or certified depending on local regulations.

What is the highest paid heavy equipment operator job?

The highest paid heavy equipment operating jobs are often in specialized fields such as crane or tower crane operators, or those working in high-demand industries like oil and gas or construction in remote areas. These roles typically require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and the ability to operate complex machinery, leading to higher wages compared to standard equipment operators.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

What is the difference between Heavy Equipment Operating Engineer vs Crane Operator?

AspectHeavy Equipment Operating EngineerCrane Operator
CredentialsHeavy Equipment Operating Engineer license, certifications in machinery operationCrane operator certification, license for crane operation
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial projects, roadworkConstruction sites, shipping yards, industrial facilities
Employer & IndustryConstruction companies, public works, infrastructure projectsConstruction firms, shipping companies, industrial contractors

Both Heavy Equipment Operating Engineers and Crane Operators require specialized certifications and work in construction-related environments. While Heavy Equipment Operating Engineers operate a variety of heavy machinery like bulldozers and loaders, Crane Operators focus specifically on operating cranes. Both roles are essential in construction and industrial projects, often overlapping in work sites but differing in equipment specialization.

What are the typical challenges faced by Heavy Equipment Operating Engineers on construction sites?

Heavy Equipment Operating Engineers often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or uneven terrain, and coordinating closely with other trades to ensure site safety and efficiency. Managing complex machinery requires strong attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols to prevent accidents or equipment damage. Additionally, engineers must adapt to changing site plans and schedules, working collaboratively with supervisors and other crew members to meet project deadlines.

What is a heavy equipment operating engineer?

A heavy equipment operating engineer is a skilled worker who operates large machinery such as cranes, bulldozers, and excavators on construction sites. They typically require specialized training, certifications, and knowledge of safety protocols to operate equipment efficiently and safely.

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

To thrive as a Heavy Equipment Operating Engineer, you need proficiency in operating various heavy machinery, a high school diploma or equivalent, and often completion of an apprenticeship or trade school program. Familiarity with equipment such as excavators, loaders, bulldozers, and safety systems, along with certifications like OSHA or state licensure, are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help operators anticipate hazards and collaborate on job sites. These skills are critical for ensuring safety, efficiency, and the successful completion of construction and infrastructure projects.
More about Heavy Equipment Operating Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operating Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Heavy Equipment Operating Engineer job openings:
What job categories do people searching Heavy Equipment Operating Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Heavy Equipment Operating Engineer jobs are:
Heavy Equipment Operating Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operating Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,599 per year, or $48.4 per hour.
Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

Skillforce

Concord, CA • Remote

$45 - $55/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator (Civil / Environmental Excavation)
Pay: $45 – $55/hour
Location: Concord, CA

Skillforce is hiring an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator who can handle both mass excavation and technical work in the field.

This isn’t just moving dirt. We’re looking for someone who can work around tight tolerances, understand what’s on the plans, and stay in sync with the crew to keep production moving safely and efficiently. Schedule is Monday through Friday, averaging 45 to 50 hours per week.

What You’ll Be Doing:

  • Operating excavators (mini up to 120k lb.), dozers, loaders, and skid steers
  • Performing mass excavation and precise soil removal in active job sites
  • Executing fine grading using laser levels and grade stakes
  • Working around utilities, structures, and environmentally sensitive areas
  • Installing and working around trench shoring systems (slide rail, trench boxes, etc.)
  • Coordinating with laborers, spotters, and foreman during excavation operations
  • Performing layout support including marking excavation limits and alignments
  • Running long reach equipment when needed for deep or specialty excavation
  • Loading trucks and feeding screening or processing equipment
  • Completing daily equipment inspections and maintaining safe operation


What We’re Looking For:

  • 5+ years of equipment operating experience in civil or environmental work
  • Strong excavator skills with both production and technical excavation
  • Ability to read grading stakes and understand civil plans
  • Experience working with shoring systems and trench safety practices
  • Comfortable working in tight spaces, around utilities, and in active sites
  • Team player who can communicate well with crews and field leadership


Certifications:

  • HAZWOPER (preferred, can be provided if needed)
  • OSHA 10 or 30 (training available if needed)

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Vision insurance


If you are a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator looking for work, apply today!


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About Skillforce

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With the most experienced individuals in the industry, Skillforce is the construction staffing firm employers and tradesmen can trust. Whether you're a construction specialist, craftsman, foreman, or project manager looking to hire new talent, Skillforce has the resources you need. Skillforce is a full-service labor contractor that provides guaranteed, reliable craftsmen to contractors who need them, where and when they need them, for as long as they need them. Founded in 2003, Skillforce was created as a response to the construction industry’s challenges with recruiting and hiring flexible, skilled craftsmen. Rob Cossaboon founded Skillforce with the goal of creating a strong construction staffing company that encompassed two main themes: creating a team environment with strong leadership, and a business culture that inspired employees to strive to be their best.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

2003

Social media

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