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

Dycom Industries, Inc.

Laborer Telecom Underground

Tanner, AL · On-site

$15.50 - $19/hr

Perform construction tasks including loading, delivery, digging, and operating equipment * Install ... heavy machinery; squeeze, fine hand motion, bend, stoop, stand, walk, climb stairs, and lift up to ...

ITW Automotive

Press Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

$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 ...

Rogers Group

Heavy Truck Mechanic II/III

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Inspect machines for abnormalities or defects. * Perform routine scheduled maintenance on ... operating in 13 states with over 3,500 employees. Established in 1908, RGI is the largest privately ...

STEELSUMMIT HOLDINGS INC

CRANE OPERATOR

Trinity, AL · On-site

Crane Operators are responsible for safely maneuvering overhead cranes to transport raw materials ... Exposure to moving machinery, heavy equipment, and sharp objects. * Work areas may be subject to ...

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

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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 Sep 4, 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 a heavy machinery operator?

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.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a heavy machinery operator?

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 challenges do heavy machinery operators face, 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 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.

Are heavy machinery operators in demand?

Heavy machinery operators are in demand due to ongoing construction, infrastructure projects, and industrial development. Employment opportunities often require certifications and experience with equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators, and job growth is expected to remain steady in many regions.

What are popular job titles related to Heavy Machinery Operator jobs in Decatur, AL?

For Heavy Machinery Operator jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Heavy Machinery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Machinery Operator job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,244 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Machinist III - Sr Level

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Decatur, AL • On-site

$20.50 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 496 rated machine equipment manufacturers

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 fill a 1st shift Machinist III position.

Applicants must pass a pre-employment physical exam and drug screen.

Classification and base pay rate will be dependent upon skillset and prior experience.

Duties of the Machinist will be performed in-house and on location at customer site.

REQUIREMENTS –

  • Current, valid driver license.   
  • Ability to read and interpret measuring instruments.
  • Preferred candidates will possess previous industrial/mechanical maintenance experience.
  • Crane/Forklift Certification.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Forms and shapes material.
  • Operates lathes, drill presses, mills, routers, grinding machines, duplicating, and profile machines.
  • Works from drawings and written instructions to create replacement and new parts in making complex repairs to metal parts as well as for experimental apparatus or prototype equipment.
  • Work is diversified and machining is performed to ordinary tolerances.
  • 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.
  • Inspects machined work pieces to verify conformance to specifications.
  • May provide technical leadership and assist in training less experienced machinists.
  • Performs housekeeping of machine and work area.
  • Daily maintenance check of machine
  • Other work may be assigned at Management’s discretion.

TOOLS USED: Inside and Outside Micrometers, Depth Micrometer, Calipers, Bore Gages, other General Hand Tools

 

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:

Work is performed at ground level and above.

Frequent: Walking, standing, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying of twenty (20) lbs or less.

Occasional: Climbing, kneeling, crouching, lifting and carrying of fifty (50) – thirty (30) lbs.

Primetals Technologies offers a full range of benefits, including paid time off, and

    • Insurance – Medical – including an HSA option, dental, vision, accident, hospital indemnity, critical illness, life & accidental death
    • Financial – 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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