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Heavy Equipment Telehandler Jobs in Rochester, NY

Heavy Equipment Telehandler information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$18

$33

$43

How much do heavy equipment telehandler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment telehandler in Rochester, NY is $33.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.66 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do telehandlers make?

Heavy equipment telehandlers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled operators with specialized training or certifications can earn higher wages, especially in construction or industrial settings where safety and efficiency are prioritized.

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

AspectHeavy Equipment TelehandlerCrane Operator
CredentialsOSHA certification, equipment-specific trainingCrane operator certification, licensing
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, warehouses, industrial settingsConstruction sites, shipyards, industrial facilities
UsageMaterial handling, lifting loads horizontally and verticallyPrecise lifting and placement of heavy loads at height

Both roles require specialized certifications and are commonly found in construction and industrial environments. While a heavy equipment telehandler is used for versatile lifting and moving tasks, a crane operator specializes in lifting heavy loads at height with precision. Understanding these differences helps employers and workers choose the right role for specific project needs.

Are telehandler jobs in high demand?

Heavy equipment telehandler jobs are in high demand in the construction, manufacturing, and logistics industries due to ongoing infrastructure projects and material handling needs. Employers seek certified operators with safety training and experience operating telehandlers, which are essential for lifting and moving heavy loads efficiently on job sites.

What is the highest paying heavy equipment operator?

Heavy equipment telehandlers are among the higher-paid roles in heavy equipment operation, especially when working in specialized industries like construction, mining, or logistics. Salaries increase with experience, certifications, and the complexity of the equipment operated, with some operators earning over $70,000 annually in high-demand regions.

What jobs pay 700 a day?

Heavy equipment telehandlers can earn around $700 per day, especially with experience, certifications, and working in high-demand construction or industrial projects. Such roles often require operating skills, safety training, and sometimes overtime or long shifts to reach this pay level.
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Heavy Equipment Telehandler jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Heavy Equipment Telehandler job openings:
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Telehandler job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,530 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Commercial Heavy Equipment Operator

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENTS INC

Rochester, NY • On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Join one of Rochester's Top Workplaces!

We would love to welcome you to the team!


Loyal to People. Loyal to Planet.


GreenSpark Solar, loyal to people and planet, creates fiercely local, cost-effective, clean energy options in the Greater Rochester Community. We feel a huge responsibility to succeed at GreenSpark. As a B Corporation, success is directly tied to honoring our triple bottom line of commitments to people, the planet, and profits (providing capital to grow, revenue to share among our employees, and a return to our investors). It is important work that directly impacts our employees and their families, our customers, and the residents of the communities where we do business, along with our local and broader global environment, but we have fun doing it. Our workplace reflects our values — our office is directly powered by onsite wind turbines and solar panels, our fleet includes all-electric and hybrid vehicles, dogs roam the office, and we strive to be an unabashedly inclusive, diverse workplace.

Our Core Values

Believe in People

Keep it Real

Find Joy

Be a Leader

Work Together


We are seeking a skilled and motivated Commercial Heavy Equipment Operator to join our dynamic Self-Performance team. The Commercial Heavy Equipment Operator plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of heavy construction equipment crucial for the installation of PV systems. Operating various heavy machinery is integral to tasks such as excavation, backfilling, material handling, loading, and unloading. This position demands outdoor work in diverse weather conditions, utilizing both manual and power tools.

The Commercial Heavy Equipment Operator day to day responsibilities include:

  • Operate heavy equipment at large-scale PV solar sites, including but not limited to skid steer, telehandler, and excavator.

  • Perform general maintenance on heavy equipment, trailers, etc., including greasing, fluid checks/fills, fueling, and conducting regular inspections for wear and tear.

  • Maintain records of equipment maintenance in Fleetio or other approved databases.

  • Interpret construction plans to plan trench paths and pad work effectively.

  • Collaborate with site foremen and pod leaders to execute tasks efficiently.

  • Prepare equipment pads for concrete by digging and stoning.

  • Backfill trenches and grade areas as required.

  • Restore excavation sites to their original condition.

  • Coordinate with external vendors to order necessary materials and arrange equipment repairs.

  • Develop expertise in electrical code relevant to underground work.

  • Ensure safe loading/unloading of machines and equipment onto trailers for transportation.

  • Set up safety boundaries and adhere to trench and equipment safety protocols.

  • Mobilize and demobilize job sites as needed.

  • Assist in maintaining SWPPP compliance on job sites (SWPPP certification preferable).

  • Repair and maintain job site roads as required.

  • Provide assistance to the installation crew during periods of low operator-specific tasks.

  • Demonstrate flexibility by performing various tasks, including material procurement on-site, as directed by the supervisor.

  • Train fellow employees on safe equipment operation as requested.

  • Uphold a positive and sober work ethic, adhering to the company's zero-tolerance policy regarding substance use.


These are our education & qualification requirements:

  • High School Diploma or Vocational training in a closely related field

  • Minimum of 2-4 years of Heavy Equipment Operation experience

  • Previous experience loading and unloading equipment

  • OSHA 10 certification

  • Ability to travel up to 75% of time, with flexible hours inclusive of weekends and holidays

  • A background in PV installation is preferred, but not required.

  • Heavy equipment certifications preferred

  • CDL preferred, but not required

  • Clean driving record

  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.

  • Commitment to safety protocols and regulations.

  • Willingness to learn and adapt to the GreenSpark work culture.

  • Physical Requirements:

    • Capable of lifting up to 75 pounds from the ground.

    • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.

    • Strong visual acuity to discern between sounds typical of construction sites.


Here’s a peek of our perks & benefits!


  • Competitive Base hourly rate: $25-$35+ per hour (Eligible employees may earn prevailing wage compensation on designated projects, which may increase the regular hourly rate by approximately 80–90%, depending on the project location and applicable county wage requirements.)

  • Weekly pay

  • Quarterly bonus potential based on company performance.

  • Per Diem allowance/mileage reimbursement when applicable

  • Company vehicle

  • Provision of necessary tools, gear, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for job tasks.

  • Medical & Dental Insurance

  • 401(k) option

  • Up to 3 weeks (120 hours) of paid time off (PTO) annually

  • 12 days (96 hours) of paid Sick Leave

  • Eight Paid Company-Wide Closure Days

  • Professional development opportunities

  • Annual company retreat

  • Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support and counseling services.


GreenSpark Solar is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind and seek to remove barriers and increase opportunities, access, and advancement for all people. Do not let historical barriers prevent you from jumping on this life-changing opportunity – reach out and ask questions if you have them – we are here!