1

Heavy Equipment Operator Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Description We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience operating a variety of construction equipment used in ...

Raleigh-Durham & Surrounding Areas About the Role Sunrock is seeking a highly skilled Heavy Equipment Operator III (HEO 3) to join our grading and utility operations team. This is an expert-level ...

Raleigh-Durham & Surrounding Areas About the Role Sunrock is seeking a highly skilled Heavy Equipment Operator III (HEO 3) to join our grading and utility operations team. This is an expert-level ...

Raleigh-Durham & Surrounding Areas About the Role Sunrock is seeking a highly skilled Heavy Equipment Operator III (HEO 3) to join our grading and utility operations team. This is an expert-level ...

Raleigh-Durham & Surrounding Areas About the Role Sunrock is seeking a highly skilled Heavy Equipment Operator III (HEO 3) to join our grading and utility operations team. This is an expert-level ...

Raleigh-Durham & Surrounding Areas About the Role Sunrock is seeking a highly skilled Heavy Equipment Operator III (HEO 3) to join our grading and utility operations team. This is an expert-level ...

Raleigh-Durham & Surrounding Areas About the Role Sunrock is seeking a highly skilled Heavy Equipment Operator III (HEO 3) to join our grading and utility operations team. This is an expert-level ...

Raleigh-Durham & Surrounding Areas About the Role Sunrock is seeking a highly skilled Heavy Equipment Operator III (HEO 3) to join our grading and utility operations team. This is an expert-level ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Heavy Equipment Operator Operator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$23

$32

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

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator operator in Raleigh, NC is $23.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $26.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do heavy equipment operators make?

Heavy equipment operators in the region typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the equipment operated. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in construction or mining environments tend to earn higher wages and may receive additional benefits or overtime pay.

What are some common challenges faced by Heavy Equipment Operators on construction sites?

Heavy Equipment Operators often face challenges such as adapting to changing weather conditions, working on uneven or difficult terrain, and maintaining safety while operating large machinery around other workers. Navigating tight spaces and coordinating with ground crews and other operators requires strong communication skills and attention to detail. Additionally, staying up to date with maintenance protocols for equipment helps prevent breakdowns and ensures project timelines are met.

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

AspectHeavy Equipment Operator OperatorCrane Operator
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), OSHA certificationsCrane operator certification, OSHA certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, landscapingConstruction sites, industrial settings, shipping yards
Industry UsageConstruction, mining, agricultureConstruction, shipping, industrial manufacturing

Both roles require specialized certifications and involve operating heavy machinery in construction or industrial environments. While Heavy Equipment Operators handle bulldozers, loaders, and excavators, Crane Operators focus on lifting and moving heavy loads with cranes. The roles often overlap in construction projects but differ in equipment specialization and certification requirements.

Which heavy equipment operator pays the most?

Heavy equipment operators working in specialized fields such as crane, excavator, or bulldozer operation often earn higher wages due to the complexity and risk involved. Operators with advanced certifications, extensive experience, and those working in high-demand industries or remote locations tend to receive higher pay. Overall, crane operators typically have some of the highest salaries among heavy equipment operators.

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

To thrive as a Heavy Equipment Operator, you need proficiency in operating machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, and loaders, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and specialized training or certification. Familiarity with GPS systems, safety protocols, and maintenance procedures for various equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and accurate operation of heavy machinery on construction sites, minimizing risks and maximizing productivity.

What jobs pay 700 a day?

Heavy equipment operators with specialized skills, extensive experience, and certifications can sometimes earn around $700 per day, especially in high-demand industries like construction, mining, or oil and gas. These roles often require operating large machinery such as cranes, bulldozers, or excavators and may involve overtime or hazardous conditions to reach higher daily pay rates.

How do I get into operating heavy equipment?

To become a heavy equipment operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. Many operators obtain certification through vocational schools or industry associations, and must be comfortable working in various environments and operating machinery safely and efficiently.

What is a Heavy Equipment Operator?

A Heavy Equipment Operator is a skilled professional who operates large machinery used in construction, mining, and other industrial projects. These machines include bulldozers, excavators, loaders, cranes, and more. Operators are responsible for safely moving earth, materials, or equipment according to project specifications. They require specialized training and certifications to manage the complex controls and ensure safety on site.
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator Operator jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Heavy Equipment Operator Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator Operator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,952 per year, or $23.1 per hour.
Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

Waste Management

Morrisville, NC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Waste Management rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 634 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 75 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Are you looking for stable work as a Heavy Equipment Operator 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 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:

  • Depending on experience

  • Stable hours for your financial stability

  • Access to a stock purchase plan 

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

  • We are Committed to Growth: Annual Education Assistance Benefit available for team members

  • Company-matched 401(k)

  • Adoption assistance and parent support

These are just a few of our comprehensive benefits for Heavy Equipment Operator. 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 with WM:

  • Monday - Friday every week

    • 6am to 4:30pm

    • Some Weekends

    • 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 waste disposal site in Raleigh, NC

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

  • 1 year 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.

    • Preferred Experience: Wheel loader, forklift, skid steer and baler

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. 

What Waste Management employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom