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Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$48K - $68K/yr

This position assists Heavy Equipment Operator; Senior and crew members with vegetation removal, jobsite setup and cleanup, material handling, equipment operation, and routine maintenance activities.

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Heavy Equipment Operator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$12

$20

$28

How much do heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator in Raleigh, NC is $20.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $23.12 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 Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Heavy Equipment Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,365 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO)

City of Durham

Durham, NC

$53K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted just now


City Of Durham (North Carolina) rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 849 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Description Work, Serve, Thrive. With the City of Durham Advance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve. Hiring Range: $53,272 - $59,617 Hours: 7:00 a.m

- 3:30 p.m. The City of Durham's Department of Water Management (DWM) wants YOU to join our team of more than 380 talented and dedicated employees that provide critical water and sewer services for Durham's 309,000 plus residents. Not only do we deliver the Best Tasting Water in the state to our customers each and every day, but we also make sure that the wastewater leaving our facilities is carefully treated to protect the environment

We have a wide-ranging variety of positions open to match your skill set - mechanics, engineers, maintenance specialists, technicians, customer billing techs, and much more. If you have a passion for managing vital water resources, protecting the environment, providing excellent customer service, and keeping the water and wastewater in the pipes, bring your skills and talent to Durham. Water Management has some vacancies for a Heavy Equipment Operators (HEO) within the Water & Sewer Maintenance Division.

HEOs, no matter where they are assigned, are expected to operate specialized and heavy-duty motorized equipment and vehicles which have complex operating requirements. Work involves responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of at least 3 of the following: Backhoe, Track-hoe, Skid-Steer, Excavator, Rubber Tire Loader, Front-end Loader and/or tractor with attachments, Track Loader, dump truck, Jet Vac truck, flushers, and pump-oriented water tanks. In accordance with DOT, this role also operates vehicles that haul heavy loads and/or tow equipment with or without a trailer; bulldozers, tractor-type construction equipment, and other types of similar heavy earthmoving equipment of comparable operating difficulty.

This job works in close proximity to high voltage wires & other lines often climbing on equipment higher than 4 feet & working within tight spaces. This job is required to work weekend rotation for stand-by/recall, overtime, and/or call back for emergencies and during all types of weather conditions. HEOs normally work on teams within Outfall Maintenance or as part of the Excavation teams and cross train in the various work-groups listed below: Excavation: Maintains pipelines, installing new services, hydrants, valves, manholes and meters Outfall Maintenance: clears easements & assists with manhole repair & inspections; responds to sanitary sewer overflow Distribution Systems: Repairs and maintain valves and fire hydrants Collection Systems: Assists with closed circuit television inspections, flush truck operations & sanitary sewer overflow Duties/Responsibilities Operating construction equipment including, but not limited, to backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, front-end loaders, rollers, compactors, camera trucks and flush trucks.

Performs and/or assists with coordinating maintenance operations; installs, operates, and/or repairs vehicles, signs, networks, cameras, pumps, pipes, water lines, radio systems, and other devices and equipment at assigned facilities or sites; performs skilled plumbing, carpentry, concrete work, masonry, painting, and welding duties; and/or performs preventative maintenance on HVAC equipment, tools, and small engines. Inspects conditions of equipment, vehicles, signs, networks, cameras, radio systems, devices, and other materials at assigned facilities or sites; sets up work safe zones and detour routes; directs traffic; and addresses safety issues to detect and troubleshoot maintenance-related issues; and ensures compliance with established safety and operational policies and practices. Prepares and maintains reports and records, performs data entry, receives and processes work orders and service requests, and updates work order systems and related databases, to document and facilitate maintenance operations, and ensure compliance with applicable policies and procedures.

Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned. Minimum Qualifications & Experience High School Diploma or equivalent (GED, HiSet, TASC) Four years of equipment operation, or technical repair experience in areas related to assignment. A valid North Carolina Class A Commercial Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record is required Must complete job related and/or safety training based on assignment, such as (but not limited to) lock out/tag out, confined space entry, ladder safety, respirator and emergency evacuation training.

Ability to safely and efficiently operate of at least 3 of the following: Backhoe, Track-hoe, Skid-Steer, Excavator, Rubber Tire Loader, Front-end Loader and/or tractor with attachments, Track Loader, dump truck, Jet Vac truck, flushers, and pump-oriented water tanks. Must be comfortable climbing on equipment higher than 4 feet & working within tight spaces including trenches and confined spaces. Additional Preferred Skills 1+ years of supervisory experience in a field position leading a crew OSHA Competent Person, Confined Space Entry, & Trenching/Shoring certifications or obtained within 1 year of hire NC Grade C, B, or A Water Distribution NC Grade I, II, III, or IV Wastewater Collections.


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