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Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jennmar

Heavy Equipment Operator

Washington, PA

Per diem included Benefits for Heavy Equipment Operator: * Health, Dental, Vision * Paid Life Insurance * Paid Time Off * 401(k) with matching starting date of hire Job Responsibilities for Heavy ...

Jennmar

Heavy Equipment Operator

Washington, PA · On-site

Per diem included Benefits for Heavy Equipment Operator: * Health, Dental, Vision * Paid Life Insurance * Paid Time Off * 401(k) with matching starting date of hire Job Responsibilities for Heavy ...

Tradeco of Kernersville

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Maben, MS · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

Heavy Equipment Operators Needed. Construction Co. seeks exp equipment operators. Valid driver ... Room and per-diem provided. *Competitive pay and benefits. * Full time position.

Tradeco of Kernersville

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Mobile, AL · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

Room and per-diem provided. *Competitive pay and benefits. * Full time position. *Competitive pay and benefits. * Full time position.

Woodson Tree

Heavy Equipment Operator

Sonora, TX

$32/hr

Weekly pay {Company Vehicle / Fuel Card, Per Diem / Travel Pay} * Paid Time Off amp; Health ... As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will be responsible for operating heavy machinery including ...

GF Transport

Heavy Equipment Operator

Fortville, IN · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Position Overview We are seeking a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator with at least 3+ years of ... Per diem for travel projects. * Health, dental, and vision insurance options. * Career growth ...

GHD Group

Heavy Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

... Equipment Operators to operate various types of heavy equipment (i.e. tracked excavator, dozer ... Travel, mobilization, hotel and per diem costs are paid by GHD. We have an upcoming 3-year project ...

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Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem information

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

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator per diem 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 is a heavy equipment operator per diem?

Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs involve operating machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, or loaders on a temporary or as-needed basis, often for construction, mining, or industrial projects. The term 'per diem' refers to daily allowances or payments to cover expenses like meals and lodging when working away from home. These roles typically require specialized training and certifications, and offer flexibility for workers who prefer short-term or travel-based assignments. Per diem positions can be attractive due to higher pay rates and additional benefits compared to standard, full-time roles.

How can I get a job as a heavy equipment operator per diem?

To get a heavy equipment operator per diem job, you need to be licensed to handle large machinery. Licensing requirements vary by state and depend on the type of equipment that you operate. For example, heavy box trucks require the driver to hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL). There are no formal education requirements for this position, though most have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. You may take training courses through a vocational school or acquire an apprenticeship with a construction contractor or trade union. Some start their careers with an entry-level position at a job site and shadow heavy equipment operators to learn how to maneuver large machines and work their way up to per diem jobs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a heavy equipment operator per diem, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience operating various types of heavy machinery, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with appropriate state or OSHA certification. Familiarity with equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and safety management systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are vital soft skills for working safely and efficiently on job sites. These abilities ensure safe operations, minimize downtime, and contribute to the successful completion of projects on schedule.

What are some common challenges faced by heavy equipment operators working on per diem assignments?

Heavy Equipment Operators on per diem assignments often need to quickly adapt to new work sites, varying equipment, and different team dynamics. The temporary nature of these roles may require frequent travel, adjusting to different safety protocols, and rapidly learning site-specific procedures. Building strong communication skills is essential for collaborating effectively with site supervisors and other crew members, especially when joining a new team for a short duration. Staying updated on equipment certifications and maintaining flexibility helps ensure success in these dynamic work environments.

What is the difference between Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectHeavy Equipment Operator Per DiemHeavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsOSHA certifications, CDL often preferredOSHA certifications, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentProject sites, construction, mining, oil & gasProject sites, construction, mining, oil & gas
Employment TypePer diem, temporary, often travel-basedFull-time, permanent or temporary
UsageTraveling jobs with daily per diem paySteady employment at specific sites

While both roles require similar certifications and work in construction or industrial sites, Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem typically involves traveling to various project locations with daily allowances, whereas Heavy Equipment Operator often refers to a permanent or steady position at a single site.

Which heavy equipment operator per diem job pays the most?

The highest-paying heavy equipment operator per diem jobs are typically in industries like oil and gas, construction, or mining, where specialized skills such as operating large machinery and working in remote locations are required. These positions often offer higher daily rates due to the demanding environment and the need for certifications like OSHA or NCCER. Rates can vary based on experience, location, and project duration, with some roles paying over $300 per day.
More about Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs

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What are the most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs?

States with the most job openings for Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs are:

Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, 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

Jennmar

Washington, PA

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Jennmar rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

428th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

JENNMAR Services, a staffing company specializing in employee placement for the energy industry, is currently seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator for one of our customers in the Eastern PA area. These are full-time positions with competitive salary and benefits available.  Must be able to travel. Per diem included

Benefits for Heavy Equipment Operator:

  • Health, Dental, Vision
  • Paid Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) with matching starting date of hire

Job Responsibilities for Heavy Equipment Operator include but not limited to:

  • Must be a seasoned operator with the ability to operate a dozer, excavator, backhoe, and road grader.
  • Must be able to travel out of town.

JENNMAR Services, our employees are our most important assets and are committed to them with competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits plan, including 401(k). We are consistently employing individuals in the Coal, Oil & Gas, Energy, Construction, Manufacturing and Industrial industries.

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