ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Light Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Town of Oxford

Light Equipment Operator

Oxford, MA · On-site

$20.40 - $28.83/hr

Light Equipment Operator Requisition Code: DPWLEO Classification: Non-Exempt - Hourly Grade/Level/Pay Range: Grade 9-1; Levels1-15; Range $20.40- $28.83 Reports to: Division Superintendent Date:

Signal Energy

Light Equipment Operator

Brashear, TX · On-site

We are seeking a skilled and reliable Light Equipment Operator to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for operating a variety of light construction equipment to assist in the ...

Signal Energy

Light Equipment Operator

Brashear, TX · On-site

We are seeking a skilled and reliable Light Equipment Operator to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for operating a variety of light construction equipment to assist in the ...

RR Donnelley

Light Equipment Operator

Osage, IA

$20.50 - $23/hr

Light Equipment Operator Starting min rate of $20.50hr Schedule: -Monday - Friday -7:00am - 11:00pm -Occasional overtime may be required including weekends * Operate offline and auxiliary binding ...

Signal Energy

Light Equipment Operator

Elm Mott, TX · On-site

We are seeking a skilled and reliable Light Equipment Operator to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for operating a variety of light construction equipment to assist in the ...

Cameron County

LIGHT EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

San Benito, TX · On-site

$34K/yr

LIGHT EQUIPMENT OPERATOR PAY GRADE: 110 - $ 34,175.00 minimum salary Purpose of Classification Performs technical work in the maintenance, repair, or construction of road and drainage infrastructure.

Apply Early

RR Donnelley

Light Equipment Operator

Osage, IA · On-site

$20.50 - $23/hr

Light Equipment Operator Starting min rate of $20.50hr Schedule: -Monday - Friday -7:00am - 11:00pm -Occasional overtime may be required including weekends * Operate offline and auxiliary binding ...

Town of Smyrna

Light Equipment Operator

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $625/hr

Pay begins at $46,157.91 annually for Light Equipment Operator (Streets) and is dependent upon applicable experience. In addition to the base salary, this full-time position is eligible for an annual ...

RR Donnelley

Light Equipment Operator

Osage, IA · On-site

Light Equipment Operator Starting min rate of $20.50hr Schedule: -Monday - Friday -7:00am - 11:00pm -Occasional overtime may be required including weekends * Operate offline and auxiliary binding ...

Apply Early

Laurens County, SC

Light Equipment Operator

Laurens, SC · On-site

$31K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB This position is responsible for operating a variety of light equipment to maintain department facilities as well as county roads and rights-of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLight Equipment Operator Jobs

Light Equipment Operator information

See salary details

$12

$21

$32

How much do light equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for light equipment operator in the United States is $21.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Light equipment operators in specialized industries such as construction, mining, or oil and gas can sometimes earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and working in high-demand environments or on large projects. These roles often require operating heavy machinery, adherence to safety standards, and working long or irregular hours.

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

To thrive as a Light Equipment Operator, you need hands-on experience with operating light machinery such as forklifts, loaders, and small excavators, often supported by a high school diploma and a valid equipment operator’s license or certification. Familiarity with safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and sometimes GPS or telematics systems is typically required. Attention to detail, good communication, and reliability are important soft skills for effective teamwork and job site safety. These skills ensure efficient, safe operation of machinery and help prevent accidents, leading to successful project outcomes.

Can you make 100k as a heavy equipment operator?

Heavy equipment operators can potentially 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 is the difference between Light Equipment Operator vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectLight Equipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsValid driver’s license, safety certificationsValid driver’s license, heavy machinery certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, landscaping, utility workLarge-scale construction, mining, infrastructure projects
Industry UsageConstruction, landscaping, municipal workConstruction, mining, heavy infrastructure

Light Equipment Operators typically handle smaller machinery like skid steers and mini-excavators in construction or landscaping. Heavy Equipment Operators work with larger machinery such as bulldozers and cranes on major construction or mining sites. Both roles require safety certifications and licenses, but Heavy Equipment Operators often need additional specialized training. The roles differ mainly in the size and scope of machinery operated and the project scale.

What is the highest paid equipment operator job?

The highest paid equipment operator jobs are often in specialized fields such as crane or heavy construction equipment operators, especially those with extensive experience, certifications, and operating large or complex machinery. These roles typically command higher wages due to the skill level, safety requirements, and physical demands involved.

What is a light equipment operator?

A light equipment operator is a worker who operates small construction or landscaping machinery such as skid steers, mini excavators, and compact loaders. They are responsible for safely handling equipment, often requiring certification or training, and work in construction, landscaping, or maintenance environments.

What are some common challenges Light Equipment Operators face on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Light Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as operating machinery in varying weather conditions, managing tight project deadlines, and ensuring equipment is well-maintained to prevent breakdowns. Adaptability and strong communication with supervisors and team members are crucial for overcoming these obstacles. Regular safety training and proactive equipment checks can also help minimize operational issues and maintain a safe work environment.

What are light equipment operators?

Light equipment operators are skilled workers who operate smaller construction machinery such as skid steers, mini-excavators, backhoes, and loaders. They are responsible for safely maneuvering equipment to move materials, dig trenches, grade surfaces, and perform other site preparation tasks. Light equipment operators play a crucial role in construction, landscaping, roadwork, and municipal maintenance projects. They must be knowledgeable about equipment operation, safety protocols, and routine maintenance.
More about Light Equipment Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Light Equipment Operator jobs? Cities with the most Light Equipment Operator job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Light Equipment Operator jobs? The top employers for Light Equipment Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Light Equipment Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Light Equipment Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Light Equipment Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Light Equipment Operator jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Light Equipment Operator jobs? For Light Equipment Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Light Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Light Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 5% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,747 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Light Equipment Operator

City of College Station

College Station, TX • On-site

$17.25 - $25.87/hr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Operate a variety of light motorized equipment including pickup trucks, front end loaders, skid loaders, rollers, forklift, tractors, and riding mowers.

  • Perform general labor, maintenance, and cleanup work such as trimming trees, mowing park grounds, maintaining turf areas, cleaning culverts, scraping and painting, picking up brush and trash, and preparing athletic fields.

  • Perform routine maintenance and minor mechanical adjustments and repairs of motor equipment operated, and assist with repairs of play units and park structures.

City Of College Station rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

338th of 668 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Description Under general supervision of the Parks Operations Supervisor, the Light Equipment Operator operates and maintains a wide variety of hand and power tools and other equipment related to the work to include operating light motorized equipment, such as tractors and front-end loaders, and performing manual laboring tasks in the Parks & Recreation Department. This position is distinguished from that of Heavy Equipment Operator by the size, weight and complexity of the equipment operated. Principal Duties Operate a variety of light motorized equipment including pickup trucks, front end loaders, skid loaders, rollers, forklift, tractors, riding mowers and the like.

May occasionally operate medium sized equipment such as backhoes, sweepers, larger mowers, and the like. Perform general labor, maintenance, and cleanup work as assigned, to include but not limited to performing manual tasks, such as trimming trees, mowing City properties and park grounds, maintaining turf areas, cleaning culverts, scraping and painting, picking up brush and trash, and assisting work crews with preparation of the athletic fields. Perform routine maintenance and minor mechanical adjustments and repairs of motor equipment operated, as well as repair play units and other park structures Assist with preparations for special events and recreational programs, to include transporting equipment and machinery to and from work sites.

Perform some horticulture work with flowers, trees, and shrubs. Perform other duties as assigned and/or as needed, to include assisting with the supervision of crews as needed. Qualifications Required: High School Diploma or G.E.D., and up to one (1) year experience related to area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job

Possess a valid Class "C" driver license issued by the State of Texas. Some knowledge of safety standards and precautions pertaining to the use and operation of motorized equipment and hand and power tools. Ability to operate light motorized equipment and use hand and power tools in a safe and effective manner.

Knowledge of applicable tools and equipment utilized in assigned area of responsibility. Available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays. Supplemental Information SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Drug Screening: Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this position, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy.

Position posted until filled or closing date. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- An Equal Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT: www.cstx.gov/careers recruiting@cstx.gov

What City Of College Station employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply