ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Heavy Equipment Operators Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Waste Management

Heavy Equipment Operator

El Cajon, CA

$27.79/hr

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 ...

Waste Management

Heavy Equipment Operator

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$27.79/hr

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 ...

Waste Management

Heavy Equipment Operator

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$27.79/hr

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 ...

Waste Management

Heavy Equipment Operator

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$27.79/hr

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 ...

Motive Companies

Heavy Equipment Operator

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

Purpose of Role The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or more types of heavy machinery-including excavators, dozers, backhoes, compactors, articulated dump trucks, and front‑end loaders-as ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

Oakland, CA · On-site

$35 - $37/hr

The ideal candidate will be responsible for operating a variety of heavy equipment and machinery to support the construction, maintenance, and operations of our facilities and projects. This role ...

LB3 Enterprises

Heavy Equipment Operator

Riverside, CA · On-site

Job Summary Our heavy equipment operators are some of the best in our industry and they work on many of the largest mass excavation projects from San Diego to LA. They operate excavators, scrapers ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

Oakland, CA · On-site

$35 - $37/hr

The ideal candidate will be responsible for operating a variety of heavy equipment and machinery to support the construction, maintenance, and operations of our facilities and projects. This role ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

Oakland, CA · On-site

$35 - $37/hr

The ideal candidate will be responsible for operating a variety of heavy equipment and machinery to support the construction, maintenance, and operations of our facilities and projects. This role ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

San Diego, CA · On-site

Essel is looking for a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. In this role, you will operate various types of heavy machinery and equipment to ensure the successful completion of our ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

San Diego, CA · On-site

Essel is looking for a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. In this role, you will operate various types of heavy machinery and equipment to ensure the successful completion of our ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

San Diego, CA · On-site

Essel is looking for a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. In this role, you will operate various types of heavy machinery and equipment to ensure the successful completion of our ...

Motive Companies

Heavy Equipment Operator

Concord, CA · On-site

$54/hr

Heavy equipment may have either CAT or John Deere controls. Perform minor maintenance and equipment ... Demonstrate experience operating excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, compactors, articulated dump ...

Motive Companies

Heavy Equipment Operator

Concord, CA · On-site

$54/hr

Heavy equipment may have either CAT or John Deere controls. Perform minor maintenance and equipment ... Demonstrate experience operating excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, compactors, articulated dump ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHeavy Equipment Operators JobsHeavy Equipment Operators Jobs in California

Heavy Equipment Operators information

See California salary details

$13

$23

$33

How much do heavy equipment operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operators in California is $23.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $26.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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

Heavy Equipment Operators and Crane Operators both require specialized certifications and work in construction-related environments. While Heavy Equipment Operators handle machinery like bulldozers and excavators, Crane Operators focus on operating cranes for lifting heavy loads. Both roles are essential in construction and industrial projects, but they differ in equipment specialization and work tasks.

How much do heavy equipment operators make?

Heavy equipment operators in South Carolina typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific industry. Skilled operators with certifications in equipment like bulldozers or cranes may earn higher wages, especially in construction and infrastructure projects.

Which heavy equipment operator job pays the most?

Heavy equipment operators working in specialized roles such as crane or excavator operators often earn the highest wages, especially when working on large infrastructure projects or in remote locations. Certifications, experience, and working with complex machinery can also increase earning potential. Generally, operators with skills in multiple equipment types and those working overtime or hazardous environments tend to have higher pay rates.

What are popular job titles related to Heavy Equipment Operators jobs in California?

For Heavy Equipment Operators jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Heavy Equipment Operators jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Heavy Equipment Operators jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operators jobs?

Cities in California with the most Heavy Equipment Operators job openings:

Heavy Equipment Operators jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operators job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,684 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Resource Management Solutions
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Resource Management Solutionsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

A reputable prime contractor experienced U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy prime contractor providing Environmental Remediation and Construction, Radiological Investigation and Remediation, Munitions/ Explosives Investigation and Cleanup services has an immediate need for Heavy Equipment Operators on a prevailing wage project.

A reputable prime contractor experienced U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy prime contractor providing Environmental Remediation and Construction, Radiological Investigation and Remediation, Munitions/ Explosives Investigation and Cleanup services has an immediate need for Heavy Equipment Operators on a prevailing wage project.

  • Operate various pieces of large equipment in accordance with company procedures and safety regulations (Dozer, Excavator, Backhoe, Mini Equator, Skid Steer, Scraper etc.) Operators will be expected to be able to:
    • Load soil into end dump truck with excavators or loaders.
    • Place soil and rough grade with a dozer.
    • Remove green waste and debris using an excavator with a thumb.
  • Ensure proper operation of equipment by performing regular checks on their functionality
  • Regularly clean equipment to preserve its quality and functionality
  • Report needs for larger repairs to the appropriate parties
  • Abide by all local, state, and federal regulations, as well as all company safety procedures
  • Commit to the overall safety of the work environment by always taking extra precautions to work with the utmost care and consideration

  • HAZWOPER 40-hr. Certificate (REQUIRED)
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Be able to pass a pre-employment physical for medical clearance
  • Broad knowledge of heavy equipment operations and maintenance
  • 2+ years of experience working with heavy equipment (Heavy Equipment Operators)