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Heavy Equipment Operator 2 information

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$14

$23

$33

How much do heavy equipment operator 2 jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator 2 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 Operator 2s on a typical job site?

Heavy Equipment Operator 2s often encounter challenges such as working in adverse weather conditions, navigating tight or uneven spaces, and maintaining safety standards around other workers and equipment. They must also adapt to different types of machinery and changing site requirements, which can require quick thinking and problem-solving skills. Effective communication with team members, including foremen, ground crew, and other operators, is essential for coordinating tasks and ensuring the smooth progress of construction projects.

What is the difference between Heavy Equipment Operator 2 vs Heavy Equipment Operator 3?

CriteriaHeavy Equipment Operator 2Heavy Equipment Operator 3
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certificationsSame as Level 2, often with additional specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projectsSimilar environments, often handling more complex or larger equipment
Job ResponsibilitiesOperate standard heavy machinery, perform routine maintenanceOperate advanced machinery, oversee safety protocols, assist in training

Heavy Equipment Operator 2 and Heavy Equipment Operator 3 share similar work environments and certifications. The main difference lies in experience and responsibility level, with Level 3 operators handling more complex tasks and equipment. Typically, Level 3 operators have more experience and may assist in training or supervising Level 2 operators.

What is the highest paid heavy equipment operator job?

The highest paid heavy equipment operators typically work in specialized roles such as crane or excavator operators in industries like oil and gas, mining, or large-scale construction. These positions often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and operating high-demand machinery, leading to higher salaries compared to standard equipment operators.

Can you make 100k a year 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. Achieving this income often requires certifications, operating advanced machinery, and working overtime or in remote areas with higher pay scales.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

Heavy Equipment Operators working on large-scale construction, mining, or oil and gas projects can sometimes earn $2,000 or more per day, especially with specialized skills, certifications, and extensive experience. These roles often involve long hours, high-risk environments, and operating complex machinery such as cranes, bulldozers, or excavators. Compensation varies based on project scope, location, and industry demand.

What are Heavy Equipment Operator 2s?

Heavy Equipment Operator 2s are skilled professionals who operate and maintain heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, backhoes, and loaders on construction sites, roadworks, or similar projects. The '2' typically designates a mid-level or experienced operator, often requiring more advanced skills or certifications than entry-level positions. They are responsible for safely using equipment to move earth, materials, or perform demolition, as well as performing routine inspections and minor maintenance on the machinery. Their work is essential for completing large-scale construction or infrastructure projects efficiently and safely.

What's the highest paid heavy equipment operator?

The highest paid heavy equipment operators typically work in specialized roles such as crane or excavator operators in industries like oil and gas, construction, or mining. Experienced operators with certifications and advanced skills can earn salaries exceeding $70,000 to $100,000 annually, especially in high-demand regions or large-scale projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Heavy Equipment Operator 2, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Heavy Equipment Operator 2, you need proven experience operating heavy machinery such as excavators, loaders, and bulldozers, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant operator certifications. Familiarity with safety protocols, equipment maintenance systems, and GPS or laser-guided control technology is often required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team help operators stand out. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and precise operation of equipment on construction or industrial sites.
More about Heavy Equipment Operator 2 jobs
What cities are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator 2 jobs? Cities with the most Heavy Equipment Operator 2 job openings:
What states have the most Heavy Equipment Operator 2 jobs? States with the most job openings for Heavy Equipment Operator 2 jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Heavy Equipment Operator 2 jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Heavy Equipment Operator 2 jobs are:
Heavy Equipment Operator 2 jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator 2 job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
II, Heavy Equipment Operator

II, Heavy Equipment Operator

Waste Management

Nashville, TN • On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Waste Management rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 608 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 71 rated recycling and waste

Job description


Are you looking for stable work as a Heavy Equipment Operator II with benefits that provide financial security for you and your family? Aspiring to advance in your heavy equipment career at a site that prides itself on employee safety? Searching for a company that prioritizes its employees' well-being and understands the importance of family time? If this speaks to you, then WM might be the place for your next career move. 

Stable work and benefits that support you and your loved ones, a schedule that respects work life balance with your safety at the heart of everything we do and support for your future with training and development based on your unique career goals. That's what you get as a Heavy Equipment Operator II at WM - and more. 

About us

WM is North America's leading provider of comprehensive waste management environmental services. We partner with our customers and the communities we serve to manage and reduce waste at each stage from collection to disposal, while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. 

The pay and benefits you'll get as a Heavy Equipment Operator II:

  • Starting salary of $22 - $27 per hour depending on experience

    • Stable hours for your financial stability

      • Access to a stock purchase plan 

      • Comprehensive healthcare coverage including dental, vision and prescription coverage.

      • Paid tuition and scholarships for you and your dependents 

      • Company-matched 401(k)

      • Adoption assistance and parent support

These are just a few of our comprehensive benefits for Heavy Equipment Operator II. Whether you are planning on building or expanding your family or looking for the next step in your career - WM is there, helping build the best and total you. 

The hours and location you'll work in as a Heavy Equipment Operator II with WM:

  • Monday - Friday every week
    • 6am to 4pm
    • Some Saturdays 6am to 2pm
    • We're committed to offering you stable hours for the financial security and work life balance you need.
    • The normal setting for this job is our Landfill in Nashville, TN.

Those are the key details on pay and schedule - now here's more on what you'll be doing as a Heavy Equipment Operator II at WM. 

Each day you'll work at one of our recycling facilities that service over 20 million customers across the USA. As a Heavy Equipment Operator II you'll be responsible for operating heavy equipment like bulldozers, scrapers & front-end loaders - this role is vital to the work we do, so your work will be recognized and valued for the impact it has on our operation. Our heavy equipment operators take their careers to the next level by working on equipment that requires a high level of skill - and determination.  Our waste disposal sites have strict procedures in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our Landfill employees. 

Here's more of what you'll do:

  • Operates heavy equipment in compliance with the company operating safety policies and procedures. 
    • Conducts routine equipment inspections and preventative maintenance on equipment; maintains accurate records. 
    • Moves and positions raw materials and finished components with use of material moving equipment.
    • Follow appropriate standard operating procedures as per guidelines for operating and maintaining vehicle. 
    • Performs other duties as assigned. 

What do you need to be considered for the role of Heavy Equipment Operator II?

  • 3 years of experience operating heavy equipment.
    • Be over 18 years of age.
    • Legally eligible to work in the United States
    • Ability to perform physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
    • Successfully complete and pass pre-employment drug screen and physical.

The kind of people who thrive in our teams:

  • Thrive while working independently.
    • Take accountability for adhering to our safety guidelines.
    • Good communicators who are ready to support other colleagues
    • Able to problem solve while independently.

Work environment and physical demands:

Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

  • Required to use motor coordination with finger dexterity (such as keyboarding, machine operation, etc.) most of the workday.
    • Required to exert physical effort in handling objects less than 30 pounds occasionally.
    • Required to be exposed to physical occupational risks (such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, etc.) rarely. 
    • Required to be exposed to physical environment which involves dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes or similar elements most of the workday. 
    • Normal setting for this job is: shop or field. 
ABOUT WM
WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of post-consumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gas-to-electricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavy-duty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

If this position is to be performed in Los Angeles County, California, please read carefully the information contained here in LA County Addendum. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States: WM is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada: WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative.  This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons, or service federal property.  Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID, or TSA approved alternative.  

What is the value of a WM job? At WM we know that the value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. This is why we are constantly working to make WM a great place to work and grow a career. We Are WM is what defines the perks of being in the WM family - from benefits, to resources and engagement activities. 

We are People First. We are Committed to Your Growth. We Are Investing in You. We are a Family. We are Stable. We are Always Working for a Sustainable Tomorrow. 

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