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Heavy Equipment Operating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Heavy Equipment Operator

Concord, CA ยท 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 ...

Heavy Equipment Operator

Brighton, CO ยท On-site

$24 - $31/hr

We specialize in staffing in the areas of Engineering, Construction Management, Manufacturing ... Two (2) years of mobile equipment operating experience * High School diploma or GED * Proficient on ...

Maintain safe jobsite operations What We're Looking For * 3+ years heavy equipment operating experience * Proficiency operating at least one: excavator, dozer, blade, or scraper * Strong ...

Heavy Equipment Operator

Mobile, AL ยท 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 ...

Operating Engineer

San Diego, CA

$73K - $99K/yr

The Operating Engineer is responsible for operating heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate ... Heavy equipment may include trucks, front end loaders, dozers, graders, compactors, trenchers ...

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Philadelphia, PA ยท On-site

$41K - $70K/yr

This position offers the opportunity to work in both a busy industrial yard and an active marine environment while operating a variety of heavy equipment and supporting marine and construction ...

Operating Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$73K - $99K/yr

The Operating Engineer is responsible for operating heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate ... Heavy equipment may include trucks, front end loaders, dozers, graders, compactors, trenchers ...

Previous heavy equipment operating experience required--experience in landfill, transfer station, or recycling environments strongly preferred. * Solid understanding of equipment safety procedures ...

... operating heavy equipment in a safe, effective and appropriate manner. Heavy equipment may include trucks, front-end loaders, dozers, graders, compactors, and other pieces of equipment. The Heavy ...

Showing results 41-60

Heavy Equipment Operating Engineer information

See salary details

$19

$48

$66

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

As of Sep 14, 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 is a heavy equipment operating engineer?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a heavy equipment operating engineer?

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.

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 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.

Where do heavy equipment operating engineers make the most money?

Heavy equipment operating engineers tend to earn higher wages in regions with strong construction, infrastructure, and industrial projects, such as areas experiencing rapid development or with high demand for large-scale projects. States or provinces with active construction markets and higher living costs often offer higher pay rates for experienced operators with certifications and specialized skills. Salary can also increase with union membership, overtime, and advanced equipment operation expertise.
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Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operating Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,599 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Concord, CA โ€ข Remote

Skillforce
Recruiting and Staffing Servicesย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

$45 - $55/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 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 industryโ€™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

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