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Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Heidelbergmaterials

Equipment Operator

Decatur, IL · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Operate heavy equipment such as loaders, excavators, and bulldozers. * Perform routine maintenance and inspections on equipment. * Ensure safe and efficient operation of machinery. * Assist with ...

Heidelbergmaterials

Excavator Operator

Decatur, IL · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Other What Are We Looking For Proficiency in operating heavy equipment. Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Effective ...

RB Global Inc.

Loader Operator I

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

Loader Operator I The Loader Operator I is responsible for operating heavy equipment and trucks, setting up equipment for auction in yards and helping customers during and after auctions.

Ritchie Bros.

Loader Operator I

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$14.43 - $18.05/hr

The Loader Operator I is responsible for operating heavy equipment and trucks, setting up equipment for auction in yards and helping customers during and after auctions. Responsibilities

Ritchie Bros.

Loader Operator I

Lincoln, IL · On-site

The Loader Operator I is responsible for operating heavy equipment and trucks, setting up equipment for auction in yards and helping customers during and after auctions. Responsibilities

Ritchie Bros.

Loader Operator I

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

The Loader Operator I is responsible for operating heavy equipment and trucks, setting up equipment for auction in yards and helping customers during and after auctions. IAA Holdings, LLC (IAA) IAA ...

Decatur Park District

Fleet Mechanic

Decatur, IL · On-site

$58K/yr

Loads, unloads and hauls equipment * Drives and operates District's vehicles and heavy equipment ... LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and ...

TCCI MANUFACTURING LLC

Production Operator

Decatur, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

... heavy-duty sectors, as well as automotive specialty vehicle markets. As we look to the future, we ... operated machines and equipment - Installing parts in specified relationship to each other ...

T/CCI Manufacturing LLC

Production Operator

Decatur, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

... heavy-duty sectors, as well as automotive specialty vehicle markets. As we look to the future, we ... operated machines and equipment - Installing parts in specified relationship to each other ...

Mason Manufacturing LLC

Machine Operator

Decatur, IL

$23 - $29/hr

Heavy Material Handling * Forklift Licensed * Excellent Communication Skills * Blueprint Reading Machines & technologies you'll use: * Press Brake * CNC Plasma Cutter * Plate Roller * Vertical Lathe ...

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All JobsHeavy Equipment Operator JobsHeavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Decatur, IL

Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$13

$22

$32

How much do heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator in Decatur, IL is $22.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $26.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 strong mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often complemented by specialized training or certification. Familiarity with machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and loaders, as well as safety protocols and GPS or telematics systems, is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills that set top operators apart. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and precise operation of heavy equipment, minimizing risk and maximizing productivity on job sites.

What are common challenges heavy equipment operators face on the job, and how are they addressed?

Heavy Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, operating machinery on uneven or unstable terrain, and managing tight project deadlines. Safety is a top priority, so operators must be vigilant and adhere to strict protocols to prevent accidents. Many employers provide ongoing training, regular safety briefings, and support from supervisors to help operators tackle these challenges and maintain a safe, efficient work environment.

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

AspectHeavy Equipment OperatorCrane Operator
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) often required, OSHA safety certificationsCrane operator certification, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, roadwork, heavy machineryConstruction sites, industrial settings, operating cranes
Industry UsageConstruction, mining, infrastructure projectsConstruction, shipping yards, industrial facilities

Both Heavy Equipment Operators and Crane Operators work in construction and industrial environments, requiring safety certifications. While Heavy Equipment Operators handle various machinery like bulldozers and loaders, Crane Operators specialize in operating cranes for lifting heavy loads. Their roles often overlap in construction projects, but each requires specific skills and certifications tailored to their equipment.

Which heavy equipment operator job pays the most?

Heavy equipment operators working in specialized fields such as mining, oil and gas, or demolition tend to earn the highest wages due to the complexity and risks involved. Certifications like NCCCO and experience with advanced machinery can also lead to higher-paying opportunities, especially in remote or high-demand areas.
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For Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:

Heavy Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in Decatur, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,629 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Equipment Operator

Decatur, IL • On-site

Heidelbergmaterials
Construction Materials Wholesalers • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Heidelbergmaterialsexternal

$25 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Heidelberg Materials rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

424th of 547 rated manufacturers

Job description

Line of Business: Other

About Us

Heidelberg Materials is one of the world's largest suppliers of building materials. Heidelberg Materials North America operates over 450 locations across the U.S. and Canada with approximately 9,000 employees.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Operate heavy equipment such as loaders, excavators, and bulldozers.

  • Perform routine maintenance and inspections on equipment.

  • Ensure safe and efficient operation of machinery.

  • Assist with loading and unloading materials.

  • Follow safety protocols and procedures at all times.

What Are We Looking For

  • Proficiency in operating heavy equipment.

  • Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

  • Effective communication and organizational skills.

  • Commitment to safety and quality standards.

Conditions of Employment

  • Successful candidate must submit to post-offer pre-employment physical examination, drug/alcohol screen, and background check.

  • Some positions require FMCSA regulated ongoing drug and alcohol testing.

Work Environment

  • Role operates primarily in environments where the conditions include moving mechanical equipment, inclement weather, heat, cold, humidity, and elevated noise level.

What We Offer

  • $25.00 to $27.00 per hour

  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with an automatic company contribution as well as matching contributions

  • Highly competitive benefits programs, including:

    • Medical, Dental, and Vision along with Prescription Drug Benefits

    • Health Savings Account (HSA), Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

    • AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability Coverage as well as Basic Life Insurance

    • Paid Bonding Leave, 10 days of Paid Vacation, 40 hours of Paid Sick Leave, and 10 Paid Holidays

Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority / Female / Veteran / Disabled

What Heidelberg Materials employees say

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