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Heavy Equipment Operators Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$27 - $33/hr

Ability to operate heavy equipment required. * Previous experience operating a front-end loader required. * Hot pit front-end loader experience strongly preferred. * Previous experience operating a ...

Heavy Equipment Operators

Brookings, SD ยท On-site

$19 - $28/hr

Bowes Construction is now hiring for Heavy equipment operators and laborers. Pay Range: $19-$28/hr DOE Bowes proudly offers the following benefits to our team-members: ยท Medical/Dental Insurance ยท ...

Job Summary Safely operates a variety of heavy equipment, not limited to; backhoes, excavators ... as operating a vehicle, operating equipment, operating machinery or power tools, repairing ...

Job Summary Safely operates a variety of heavy equipment, not limited to; backhoes, excavators ... as operating a vehicle, operating equipment, operating machinery or power tools, repairing ...

Knife River is looking for experienced, dependable Heavy Equipment Operators to join our team! Job Summary: Ability to operate construction equipment such as excavators, scrapers, rollers, dozers ...

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Heavy Equipment Operators information

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$14

$23

$33

How much do heavy equipment operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operators 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 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.
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What states have the most Heavy Equipment Operators jobs?

States with the most job openings for Heavy Equipment Operators jobs include:

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

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

Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operators job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$27 - $33/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Heavy Equipment OperatorJob Purpose
  • Operate and maintain hot pit front-end loaders. As required, remove slag from EAF and transport it to the cooling building, where it will later be screened and loaded into trailers.
  • Check in scrap trucks, coordinate off-loading locations, inspect scrap against specifications, and work with the scrap crane operator to maintain adequate inventory for melting requirements.
  • Operate and maintain loaders, haul trucks, hydraulic material handlers, and water trucks to manage scrap storage and distribution for proper melting operations.
  • Remove slag pot skulls, ladle slag, and bottom pour debris from the melt shop in coordination with the Melting Supervisor.
  • Screen and manage the handling of mill scale.
  • Ensure safe operations through proper execution of all procedures and programs.
  • Safely operate all assigned equipment.
  • Complete all pre-operational checklists and basic PM activities.
  • Confirm incoming scrap meets appropriate specifications.
  • Abide by all Finkl policies and procedures.
Education:
  • High School diploma or GED required.
Experiences & Skills:
  • Ability to operate heavy equipment required.
  • Previous experience operating a front-end loader required.
  • Hot pit front-end loader experience strongly preferred.
  • Previous experience operating a mobile crane/hydraulic material handler preferred.
  • Experience operating haul trucks, water trucks, or other industrial mobile equipment is a plus.
  • Ability to perform basic equipment inspections, pre-operational checklists, and basic preventative maintenance.
  • Previous experience in a steel mill, foundry, scrap yard, or other industrial environment is preferred.
Benefits: 
  • Extra $0.30 for working 2nd shift & extra $0.40 for working 3rd shift
  • Medical, Dental and Vision benefits
  • 401k Match & Profit Sharing
  • STD and Life Insurance
  • 10 paid holidays/PTO 
  • Quarterly Gainsharing Bonuses
  • Union membership
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Overtime and Double Time