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Heavy Machinery Operator Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

ITW Automotive

Press Operator

Decatur, AL

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

... heavy maintenance and changeovers. · Support the replacement of hydraulic cylinders, pumps, air ... Previous experience with industrial print equipment and/or machine setup/operation is preferred.

Rusken

Production Worker

Cullman, AL · On-site

$13.75 - $16.25/hr

... heavy machinery. All applicants must meet the following required skills: * Ability to show up on ... Operating nineteen (19) facilities spread across ten (10) states, Rusken is one of the largest ...

Grayson Carter and Son Contracting

Concrete II

Athens, AL · On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Operate heavy machinery used to complete construction projects * Inspect finished products or ... Some experience as a finish operator * Ability to communicate and convey information effectively

City of Decatur, AL

Equipment Operator - Street

Decatur, AL · On-site

$35K - $53K/yr

Inclement weather and heavy traffic contribute to the complexity of the position. * The purpose of ... The employee is exposed to dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts. The work requires ...

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All JobsHeavy Machinery Operator JobsHeavy Machinery Operator Jobs in Decatur, AL

Heavy Machinery Operator information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$13

$22

$31

How much do heavy machinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy machinery operator in Decatur, AL is $22.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.24 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.
Heavy Machinery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Machinery Operator job openings in Decatur, AL 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 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,244 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Machinist I - Entry Level

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group

Decatur, AL

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Primetals Technologies USA, LLC is a leading partner for engineering, plant construction and lifecycle services in the metal industry. We provide innovative and practical solutions to support our customers with long-term sustainability goals and their increased competitiveness.  We believe the technical and economic know-how and of our employees is the key success factor of our company.

Our engineers apply their expertise and use our technologies to create, design and install complex technological products and plant solutions for the metals industry.  Our manufacturing teams build products our customers depend on for producing steel plants, and our service teams are ensuring that our customers are operating at the highest level.

Come join the 7,000 employees worldwide working at Primetals Technologies, a Group Company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Our Decatur, AL facility is currently seeking to a 3rd shift mid-level Machinist position.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Applicants must pass a pre-employment physical exam and drug screen.
  • Minimum of 2 years machining experience or equivalent certification.
  • Classification and base pay rate will be dependent upon skillset and prior experience.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

  • Performs setup, and operation of computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines
  • May also operate manual machines such as lathes, mills, and profile machines
  • Work is diversified, and machining is performed to ordinary tolerances
  • Monitors work to ensure that machine is operating properly
  • Works from drawings and written instructions to create replacement and new parts, and in making repairs to existing parts and equipment.
  • Requires extensive knowledge of various metals and of measurements used in machining processes
  • Determines dimensions and tolerances of piece to be machined, sequence of operations and machines required by studying specifications, such as blueprints, sketches, damaged parts, or descriptions of parts
  • Computes cutting speeds, feed rates and dimensions
  • Prepares and pre-sets all tools needed for machining operations
  • Responsible for rigging and transporting large parts and equipment by crane
  • Inspects machined work pieces to verify conformance to specifications
  • Performs housekeeping of machine and work area
  • Daily maintenance check of machine
     

This position requires no programming experience.  However, applicants possessing programming capabilities will receive priority consideration.

Primetals Technologies offers a full range of benefits, including paid time off, medical, dental, vision accident, hospital indemnity, critical illness, life & accidental death insurance as well as a tool purchase program, 401(k), flexible spending accounts, education reimbursement, quarterly bonus, and employee referral bonuses.

At Primetals Technologies, we value difference for the benefit of our Employees, our Customers, and our Community. Primetals Technologies is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or gender identity.   

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