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Labor Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Laborer/ Equipment Operator

Shadyside, OH · On-site

$13.75 - $17/hr

... Equipment Operator, Flex Labor & Dirt Work We are seeking motivated individuals for full-time positions involving heavy to light equipment operation, labor, and dirt work. This role offers ...

Laborer/ Equipment Operator

Wheeling, WV · On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

... Equipment Operator, Flex Labor & Dirt Work We are seeking motivated individuals for full-time positions involving heavy to light equipment operation, labor, and dirt work. This role offers ...

Laborer/ Equipment Operator

Moundsville, WV · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

... Equipment Operator, Flex Labor & Dirt Work We are seeking motivated individuals for full-time positions involving heavy to light equipment operation, labor, and dirt work. This role offers ...

Laborer/ Equipment Operator

Cameron, WV · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

... Equipment Operator, Flex Labor & Dirt Work We are seeking motivated individuals for full-time positions involving heavy to light equipment operation, labor, and dirt work. This role offers ...

Laborer/ Equipment Operator

Wheeling, WV · On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

... Equipment Operator, Flex Labor & Dirt Work We are seeking motivated individuals for full-time positions involving heavy to light equipment operation, labor, and dirt work. This role offers ...

Laborer/ Equipment Operator

Shadyside, OH · On-site

$13.75 - $17/hr

... Equipment Operator, Flex Labor & Dirt Work We are seeking motivated individuals for full-time positions involving heavy to light equipment operation, labor, and dirt work. This role offers ...

Laborer/ Equipment Operator

Shadyside, PA · On-site

$15.50 - $19/hr

... Equipment Operator, Flex Labor & Dirt Work We are seeking motivated individuals for full-time positions involving heavy to light equipment operation, labor, and dirt work. This role offers ...

Laborer/ Equipment Operator

Cameron, WV · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

... Equipment Operator, Flex Labor & Dirt Work We are seeking motivated individuals for full-time positions involving heavy to light equipment operation, labor, and dirt work. This role offers ...

Laborer/ Equipment Operator

Cameron, WV · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

... Equipment Operator, Flex Labor & Dirt Work We are seeking motivated individuals for full-time positions involving heavy to light equipment operation, labor, and dirt work. This role offers ...

Laborer/ Equipment Operator

Moundsville, WV · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

... Equipment Operator, Flex Labor & Dirt Work We are seeking motivated individuals for full-time positions involving heavy to light equipment operation, labor, and dirt work. This role offers ...

Laborer/ Equipment Operator

Wheeling, WV · On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

... Equipment Operator, Flex Labor & Dirt Work We are seeking motivated individuals for full-time positions involving heavy to light equipment operation, labor, and dirt work. This role offers ...

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Labor Equipment Operator information

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How much do labor equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for labor equipment operator in the United States is $18.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a labor equipment operator?

Labor Equipment Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating and maintaining heavy machinery used in construction, mining, roadwork, or other industrial projects. Their duties often involve driving and controlling equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and cranes to move materials, dig trenches, or perform other physical tasks essential to project completion. They are also responsible for conducting safety checks, basic maintenance, and ensuring equipment operates efficiently and safely. Labor Equipment Operators must follow strict safety protocols and may work in various weather conditions and challenging environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a labor equipment operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Labor Equipment Operator, you need experience operating heavy machinery, a high school diploma or equivalent, and often a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or specific equipment certifications. Proficiency with equipment such as excavators, loaders, forklifts, and safety protocols is essential. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work well in a team are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and productive operations on construction or industrial sites.

What are some common challenges faced by labor equipment operators on construction sites, and how can they be managed?

Labor Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in unpredictable weather, navigating tight or uneven terrain, and coordinating with multiple teams on busy construction sites. Managing these challenges requires strong communication skills, strict adherence to safety protocols, and staying up-to-date with equipment maintenance routines. Being proactive in identifying potential hazards and collaborating closely with site supervisors and fellow crew members helps ensure smooth operations and reduces downtime.

What is the difference between Labor Equipment Operator vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectLabor Equipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, heavy machinery certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial settings, outdoor environmentsConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projects
Employer & IndustryConstruction, landscaping, utility companiesConstruction, mining, transportation

Both roles require safety training and equipment certifications, often overlapping in construction and industrial settings. The main difference lies in the type of equipment operated: Labor Equipment Operators typically handle smaller, specialized machinery, while Heavy Equipment Operators work with larger, more complex machinery. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and job seekers identify the right role based on skills and work environment.

What cities are hiring for Labor Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Labor Equipment Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Labor Equipment Operator jobs?

For Labor Equipment Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Labor Equipment Operator I

Middletown, RI • On-site

$24.08 - $29.34/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate a variety of smaller highway and public works-related equipment in construction, repair, and maintenance tasks.

  • Assist in digging trenches, loading and unloading materials, and supporting highway, sewer, and other public works projects.

  • Perform equipment maintenance, inspect work sites for safety, and assist with snow plowing and road sanding as needed.


Job description

TOWN OF MIDDLETOWN, RI
POSITION DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Labor Equipment Operator I
DEPARTMENT: Department of Public Works
REPORTS TO: Public Works Foreman
SUPERVISES: N/A
JOB GRADE: Labor Equipment Operator I
JOB CLASSIFICATION: Labor Equipment Operator I/ Teamsters Local Union No. 251
POSITION SUMMARY:
The work in this position involves the operation of a variety of smaller highway and other public works - related equipment in the construction, operation, repair, and maintenance of Town facilities, grounds and infrastructure. The employee may also be assigned to other duties such as driving trucks, cutting grass, cleaning storm drains and ditches or performing manual labor as required. Performs all duties in conformance with appropriate safety and security standards. This position works under the general supervision of the Public Works Foreman, or an Equipment Operator II and/or III.
I ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions/duties and/or responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties and/or responsibilities does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Essential duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Assists in the digging of trenches for the purpose of laying drainage or sewer pipe; assists in the digging of drainage system ditches.
2. Assists in the loading and unloading of bulk materials.
3. Assists in highway projects, beach preservation projects, sewer projects, and other public works projects as required.
4. Operates a tractor-mower, drives trucks of various sizes and weights for the purpose of loading, hauling, and unloading of equipment, gravel, sand and other construction materials.
5. Assists in snow plowing and the sanding of roads when needed.
6. Performs the proper maintenance of equipment and tools by cleaning and checking equipment and tools before and after they are used.
7. Assists in minor recreational field repairs and adjustments, reports defects or needed repairs to the appropriate supervisor.
8. Inspects work sites to ensure all job-related safety procedures are in place and reports all safety issues to the appropriate supervisor. Performs all duties in conformance with appropriate safety and security standards.
9. Performs other related duties as required.
II NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the position and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties:
1. Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools, equipment and techniques used in the construction field.
2. Knowledge of the operating principles of gasoline and diesel engines.
3. Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety and security standards required for the position.
4. Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
5. Ability to perform medium to heavy manual labor for extended periods and under unfavorable weather conditions.
6. Ability to operate listed tools and equipment.
7. Ability to work safely.
8. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
9. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with fellow employees, other departments, and the general public.
III MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
1. Must be 18 years of age or older;
2. Must possess a High School Diploma or GED certificate.
3. Must possess a valid Driver's License at the time of appointment. Must be able to obtain a Rhode Island Commercial Driver's License within one year of appointment. (In compliance with the Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Safety Administration (DOT/FHSA) regulations (C.F.R. Part 382), pertaining to Drug and Alcohol testing of personnel who are required to possess a Commercial Driver's License and perform safety sensitive functions, all public works employees are members of the Trust consortium and will be subject to drug and alcohol testing).
4. Must have previous experience in public works related work; must possess 2 years of experience in the construction or related field.
5. Must be skilled in the operation of small construction equipment
6. Must be able to perform medium to heavy manual labor (all weather conditions)
7. Must be able to complete work with and/or without supervision.
8. Must be able to perform a variety of tasks with skill and dexterity.
9. Must successfully pass a background investigation.
IV PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear. The employee is required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel crouch, crawl, and smell.
2. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
3. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to extreme weather conditions and high noise levels.
4. Candidate must be physically qualified to perform the assigned duties as evidenced by a physician's certificate (pre-employment physical exam).
V EQUIPMENT USED: Equipment used includes but is not limited to the following:
1. Motorized vehicles, including but not limited to medium to heavy equipment, including 1 ton dump truck, pickup truck, utility truck, snowplow, sander, tractor/mower, saws, pumps, common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches, mobile radio, telephone.
The Town of Middletown is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Pay Range: $24.08 - $29.34 per hour