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

Mechanic/Shop Leader

Decatur, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... heavy equipment maintenance and repair. You'll be at the desk as well as in the engines! If you ... Reconcile operating accounts and records including reconciling sales with cash and receipts.

Mechanic/Shop Leader

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... heavy equipment maintenance and repair. You'll be at the desk as well as in the engines! If you ... Reconcile operating accounts and records including reconciling sales with cash and receipts.

Mechanic/Shop Leader

Decatur, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... heavy equipment maintenance and repair. You'll be at the desk as well as in the engines! If you ... Reconcile operating accounts and records including reconciling sales with cash and receipts.

Mechanic/Shop Leader

Decatur, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... heavy equipment maintenance and repair. You'll be at the desk as well as in the engines! If you ... Reconcile operating accounts and records including reconciling sales with cash and receipts.

Mechanic/Shop Leader

Decatur, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... heavy equipment maintenance and repair. You'll be at the desk as well as in the engines! If you ... Reconcile operating accounts and records including reconciling sales with cash and receipts.

Mechanic/Shop Leader

Decatur, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... heavy equipment maintenance and repair. You'll be at the desk as well as in the engines! If you ... Reconcile operating accounts and records including reconciling sales with cash and receipts.

Mechanic/Shop Leader

Decatur, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... heavy equipment maintenance and repair. You'll be at the desk as well as in the engines! If you ... Reconcile operating accounts and records including reconciling sales with cash and receipts.

Mechanic/Shop Leader

Decatur, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... heavy equipment maintenance and repair. You'll be at the desk as well as in the engines! If you ... Reconcile operating accounts and records including reconciling sales with cash and receipts.

Mechanic/Shop Leader

Decatur, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... heavy equipment maintenance and repair. You'll be at the desk as well as in the engines! If you ... Reconcile operating accounts and records including reconciling sales with cash and receipts.

Floater

Sullivan, IL · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience operating woodworking or production equipment * Listening and communication skills ... Operation of heavy equipment. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: * Occasional exposure to high temperatures ...

Showing results 41-60

Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$13

$23

$32

How much do heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator in Decatur, IL is $23.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.89 and $26.11 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, IL?

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, IL?

For Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,848 per year, or $23 per hour.

Millwright Austin Industrial Decatur, IL West

Austin Industries

Decatur, IL • On-site

$24.50 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Austin Industries rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Millwright
Must be able to install, repair, replace and dismantle the machinery and heavy equipment used in industrial settings. This is accomplished by performing the following essential duties and responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Replace defective parts of machine or adjust clearances and alignment of moving parts.
  • Align machines and equipment, using hoists, jacks, hand tools, squares, rules, micrometers, and plumb bobs.
  • Connect power unit to machines or steam piping to equipment, and test unit to evaluate its mechanical operation.
  • Repair and lubricate machines and equipment.
  • Assemble and install equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
  • Position steel beams to support bedplates of machines and equipment, using blueprints and schematic drawings, to determine work procedures.
  • Signal crane operator to lower basic assembly units to bedplate and align unit to centerline.
  • Insert shims, adjust tension on nuts and bolts, or position parts, using hand tools and measuring instruments, to set specified clearances between moving and stationary parts.
  • Move machinery and equipment, using hoists, dollies, rollers, and trucks.
  • Attach moving parts and subassemblies to basic assembly unit, using hand tools and power tools.
  • Assemble machines, and bolt, weld, rivet, or otherwise fasten them to foundation or other structures, using hand tools and power tools.
  • Lay out mounting holes, using measuring instruments, and drill holes with power drill.
  • Bolt parts, such as side and deck plates, jaw plates, and journals, to basic assembly unit.
  • Level bedplate and establish centerline, using straightedge, levels, and transit.
  • Dismantle machines, using hammers, wrenches, crowbars, and other hand tools.
  • Shrink-fit bushings, sleeves, rings, liners, gears, and wheels to specified items, using portable gas heating equipment.
  • Dismantle machinery and equipment for shipment to installation site, usually performing installation and maintenance work as part of team.
  • Construct foundation for machines, using hand tools and building materials such as wood, cement, and steel.
  • Operate engine lathe to grind, file, and turn machine parts to dimensional specifications.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Required for this Position:
Education - no minimum education requirements.
Experience - 3-5 years of Journeyman level experience.
Benefits & Compensation
We offer excellent benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, and a matching 401K plan. We are proud to be a 100% Employee-Owned Company (ESOP)! To learn more about our employee-ownership structure, please go to https://www.austin-ind.com/our-company/100-employee-owned.
Austin Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
See the "Know Your Rights" poster available in English and Spanish.
About Austin Industries
Austin Industries and its operating companies engage in almost every type of civil, commercial and industrial construction. Austin is owned entirely by its employees through its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Austin Industries has a rich history. We are one of the largest and most diversified construction firms in the nation. Austin stands on the core values of Uncompromising Integrity, Employee-ownership, Exemplary Service and Excellence in Safety.
To learn more about our history, culture and operations, visit us at www.austin-ind.com.
No Third-Party Inquiries Please
This Company does not accept and will not consider unsolicited resumes or any other unsolicited candidate information submitted to the Company or any of its employee-owners by staffing agencies, search firms, or third-party recruiters in response to a posted vacancy. The Company will not pay any placement fee(s) without a written agreement to do so (i.e., payment must be required pursuant to the terms of a written agreement).
Any unsolicited resumes or candidate information submitted to this Company or any of its employee-owners becomes the property of the Company.
Accessibility Note
If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs or have accessibility concerns, please contact the People Services Team at (877) 831-1217.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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