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Heavy Machinery Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TerralRiver Service

The Loading and Heavy Machinery Operator is responsible for the unloading of various aggregates and other materials from barge to truck. Must possess skills in organization, time management ...

Cascade Custom Cutting Inc.

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Heavy Machine Operator

Weed, CA

Heavy Machine Operator Job Overview The Heavy Machine Operator is responsible for the safe and ... Operates and maintains heavy machinery for timber removal operations, ensuring it functions ...

Cascade Custom Cutting Inc.

Be Seen First

Heavy Machine Operator

Weed, CA

Heavy Machine Operator Job Overview The Heavy Machine Operator is responsible for the safe and ... Operates and maintains heavy machinery for timber removal operations, ensuring it functions ...

Grit One

Production & Heavy Machinery Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $29.50/hr

Equipment Operated: * -Material Loader * -Heavy machinery * -Sennibogan * -Wheel Loader * -Pneumatic Hoppers * -Blending System * -Wheel Bobcat * -Other Hoppers * -Conveyors * -Field Unloader Who ...

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Heavy Machinery Operator information

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How much do heavy machinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy machinery operator 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 Machinery Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectHeavy Machinery OperatorEquipment Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL), certifications for specific machineryBasic operator certifications, sometimes CDL
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, heavy industryConstruction, landscaping, industrial sites
Industry UsageHeavy construction, mining, infrastructure projectsGeneral construction, material handling

Heavy Machinery Operators typically handle large equipment like bulldozers and excavators in heavy industry settings, requiring specialized certifications. Equipment Operators may work with smaller or different machinery in various construction or industrial environments. While overlapping in skills, Heavy Machinery Operators focus on large-scale equipment in demanding settings, whereas Equipment Operators often work with a broader range of machinery in less intensive roles.

What is the highest paid heavy equipment operator job?

The highest paid heavy machinery operators typically work in specialized fields such as crane operation, pipeline construction, or mining, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles usually require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and operating complex or high-risk equipment in demanding environments.

What machine operator pays the most?

Heavy machinery operators such as crane, drill, and excavator operators tend to earn the highest wages within the field, especially those with specialized skills and certifications. Factors influencing pay include experience, industry, location, and the complexity of the machinery operated. Typically, crane operators and other high-skill equipment operators earn higher salaries due to the technical expertise required.

Can you make 100k as a heavy equipment operator?

Heavy equipment operators can earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries or locations. Factors such as certifications, union membership, and overtime can also influence earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Heavy Machinery Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Heavy Machinery Operator, you need a solid understanding of operating various construction equipment, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with specialized training or certification. Familiarity with equipment such as excavators, loaders, and GPS machine control systems is often required, along with OSHA safety certifications. Strong attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving skills help operators work efficiently and safely within team environments. These competencies are vital to ensure safe operation, prevent accidents, and maintain productivity on job sites.

What's the highest paid heavy equipment operator?

The highest paid heavy machinery operators are often those with specialized skills, extensive experience, and certifications in high-demand areas such as oil and gas, mining, or large-scale construction projects. Operators working in remote or hazardous environments tend to earn higher wages, with top earners making over $70,000 annually. Advanced training and operating complex or expensive equipment can also increase earning potential.

What are some common challenges Heavy Machinery Operators face on the job, and how can they be managed?

Heavy Machinery Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, managing equipment malfunctions, and maintaining safety in dynamic construction environments. To address these issues, operators are encouraged to stay current with safety training, perform regular equipment inspections, and communicate proactively with site supervisors and team members. Building strong situational awareness and adhering to established safety protocols are essential for minimizing risks and ensuring smooth operations.

What are Heavy Machinery Operators?

Heavy Machinery Operators are skilled professionals who operate large equipment and machinery used in construction, mining, agriculture, and other industries. They are responsible for safely maneuvering equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, and loaders to move earth, materials, or perform other tasks. These operators must be trained to handle complex controls, follow safety protocols, and maintain their machinery. Their work is essential for the completion of large-scale infrastructure and development projects.
More about Heavy Machinery Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Heavy Machinery Operator jobs? Cities with the most Heavy Machinery Operator job openings:
What states have the most Heavy Machinery Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Heavy Machinery Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Heavy Machinery Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Heavy Machinery Operator jobs are:
Heavy Machinery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Machinery Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 50% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Loading and Heavy Machinery Operator

Terral RiverService

Tallulah, LA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Position Summary:
The Loading and Heavy Machinery Operator is responsible for the unloading of various aggregates and other materials from barge to truck. Must possess skills in organization, time management, communications, and safety awareness. This position reports to the Unloading Operations Manager.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Operates unloading and loading equipment and heavy machinery including material handlers, Skid Steer Loader, Front-End Loader, etc.
  • Routinely consults personnel on machine specifications and safety procedures for specific job tasks to ensure efficient and safe site operations.
  • Conducts routine inspections before operating equipment to identify needed maintenance or repairs.
  • Performs or requests necessary repairs and adjustments to equipment.
  • Communicates and reports on site activities when required.
  • Effectively completes unloading and related tasks.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements
Skills and Expertise Desired:
  • Working knowledge of operating heavy machinery.
  • Knowledge of unloading/loading procedures and techniques.
  • Ability to follow instructions and communicate effectively to subordinates.
  • Ability to complete safety awareness training and lead by example.
  • Excellent mechanical and problem-solving skills.
  • Extremely detail oriented and timely when completing reports.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • Ability to oversee and coordinate a variety of people in different roles.
  • Ability to quickly identify problems and efficiently solve them.

Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • One to two years of related experience desired.
  • Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment background and drug screening.

Physical Requirements:
  • Able to complete physically demanding work.
  • Able to work in all types of weather as required.
  • Able to lift and carry heavy objects.
  • Good hand-eye-foot coordination and sense of balance.
  • Able to kneel, crouch, or crawl in awkward spaces to repair equipment.

Note: This job description provides a general overview of the typical responsibilities and qualifications for a Loading and Heavy Machinery Operator. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and industry standards.
About Terral RiverService, Inc:
Terral RiverService (TRS) is a Family-owned business with a continually growing footprint of boats and barges throughout most of the inland waterway system of the US. We specialize in bulk storage, material handling, river, road and rail logistics along the Mississippi River system, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the inland waterways of Louisiana and southern Arkansas. With our growing fleet of push boats, river barges, and modern dock operations strategically located throughout the Lower Mississippi River Valley, we are outfitted to transport, handle, and store virtually any commodity needed in the marketplace. TRS has over 550 employees and has operations in multiple states.

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