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Motor Grader Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Morris Inc

Motor Grader Operator

Pierre, SD · On-site

$25K/mo

Motor Grader Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating a motor grader to level, spread, and grade earth, gravel, asphalt, or other materials for road construction, maintenance ...

C.W. Matthews

Motor Grader Operator

Columbus, GA · On-site

Motor Grader Operator - Heavy Highway Construction Job Summary As a Motor Grader Operator at C.W. Matthews, you will play a critical role in the grading operations of heavy highway construction ...

Morris, Inc.

Motor Grader Operator

Fort Pierre, SD · On-site

$30/hr

Motor Grader Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating a motor grader to level, spread, and grade earth, gravel, asphalt, or other materials for road construction, maintenance ...

Albany County Wyoming

Motor Grader Operator

Laramie, WY · On-site

$47K/yr

Motor Grader Operator must have experience maintaining and constructing gravel roads as well as plowing snow, using a plow and wing. Operators must be able to safely operate several types of ...

Phillips, Inc.

Motor Grader Operator

Rockingham, NC

As a Motor Grader Operator, you will play a crucial role in our earthwork projects. You will be responsible for operating and maintaining motor graders to ensure the precise grading of construction ...

Phillips, Inc.

Motor Grader Operator

Fayetteville, NC · On-site

As a Motor Grader Operator, you will play a crucial role in our earthwork projects. You will be responsible for operating and maintaining motor graders to ensure the precise grading of construction ...

Lariviere Inc

Motor Grader Operator

Coeur D Alene, ID · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

The Finish Motor Grader Operator will be responsible for operating the motor grader and overseeing all equipment required to complete job tasks efficiently and safely. This role requires experience ...

Phillips, Inc.

Motor Grader Operator

Sarasota, FL

As a Motor Grader Operator, you will play a crucial role in our earthwork projects. You will be responsible for operating and maintaining motor graders to ensure the precise grading of construction ...

Phillips, Inc.

Motor Grader Operator

Orlando, FL

As a Motor Grader Operator, you will play a crucial role in our earthwork projects. You will be responsible for operating and maintaining motor graders to ensure the precise grading of construction ...

Phillips, Inc.

Motor Grader Operator

Angleton, TX

As a Motor Grader Operator, you will play a crucial role in our earthwork projects. You will be responsible for operating and maintaining motor graders to ensure the precise grading of construction ...

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Motor Grader Operator information

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How much do motor grader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for motor grader operator in the United States is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Motor Grader Operator do?

A Motor Grader Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery known as a motor grader to create a smooth, flat surface during road construction, maintenance, or other large-scale civil engineering projects. Their tasks include spreading and leveling materials such as gravel or asphalt, shaping roadways, and ensuring proper drainage. Operators must have a solid understanding of grading plans, safety protocols, and equipment maintenance to perform their job efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Motor Grader Operator vs Bulldozer Operator?

AspectMotor Grader OperatorBulldozer Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) often preferred, certification in equipment operationSimilar certifications, often CDL or specific heavy equipment licenses
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, road maintenance, grading projectsConstruction sites, land clearing, excavation projects
Industry UsageRoad construction, maintenance, landscapingEarthmoving, demolition, site preparation

Both Motor Grader Operators and Bulldozer Operators work in construction and earthmoving environments, often requiring similar certifications. The main difference lies in their equipment and tasks: Motor Grader Operators focus on precise grading and finishing surfaces, while Bulldozer Operators handle heavy pushing and land clearing. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some common challenges faced by Motor Grader Operators on construction sites?

Motor Grader Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, managing uneven or unstable terrain, and maintaining precise grading to meet project specifications. Operators must also coordinate closely with other crew members and equipment, ensuring safety and efficiency on busy job sites. Staying attentive to both machine maintenance and changing site conditions is key to preventing delays and ensuring high-quality results.

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

To thrive as a Motor Grader Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy equipment operation, grading techniques, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience or vocational training. Familiarity with motor grader controls, GPS grading systems, and adherence to safety regulations are essential technical requirements. Strong attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving skills help operators efficiently coordinate with team members and adjust to varying site conditions. These competencies ensure precise grading, safe work environments, and efficient project completion in construction and roadwork settings.

What Is a Motor Grader Operator?

A motor grader operator mixes materials and operates a grader and other heavy equipment to spread and level materials such as gravel, stone, and dirt to prep and construct roads. In this role, your responsibilities include meeting grade specs for freeways, public and temporary streets, airports, and more. You maneuver equipment to complete fine or rough grade finishing and adhere to all safety requirements when operating machinery, which can be self-propelled or drawn by a tractor. Other duties include cleaning and performing safety checks and maintenance on all equipment, training new employees, and completing other construction tasks as assigned. Some employers require your attendance at safety meetings as well.

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Motor Grader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Motor Grader Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 4% Full Time, 75% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,535 per year, or $17.1 per hour.
Motor Grader Operator

Motor Grader Operator

C.W. Matthews Contracting Co., Inc.

Columbus, GA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

C.W. Matthews rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Motor Grader Operator – Heavy Highway Construction
Job Summary
As a Motor Grader Operator at C.W. Matthews, you will play a critical role in the grading operations of heavy highway construction projects. You will be responsible for operating motor graders ranging from 120M to 14M models to spread dirt and aggregate base to finish grade, ensuring appropriate thickness and compliance with design specifications. Operators may also be expected to run other equipment, such as backhoes and loaders, as needed.
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Key Responsibilities
  • Operate motor graders to achieve precise grade and slope specifications.
  • Perform finish grading using GPS and manual methods.
  • Conduct daily maintenance checks and minor repairs on equipment.
  • Collaborate with site supervisors and other crew members to ensure efficient workflow.
  • Maintain safety standards and adhere to company and DOT regulations.
  • Assist in general job site operations when not operating equipment.
Qualifications
  • Minimum 2 years of experience operating motor graders in heavy highway or civil construction.
  • Familiarity with GPS grading systems preferred.
  • Ability to read and interpret construction plans and grade stakes.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
  • Ability to work in varying weather conditions and terrain.
What C.W. Matthews Offers You
  • A culture that values growth, development, and internal promotion
  • Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid holidays and year-end bonus
  • Guaranteed minimum of 35 hours per week
  • Childcare Assistance
  • C.W. Matthews is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/H

What C.W. Matthews employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

C.W. Matthews Contracting logo

About C.W. Matthews Contracting

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

C.W. Matthews Contracting Company is a leading heavy highway construction contractor operating throughout Georgia. We’re a team of more than 1,500 hard-working men and women committed to serving our communities. Together, we’re making a difference by building safe, reliable infrastructure to Get Georgia Home. For close to a century, C.W. Matthews has built state-of-the-art roads, bridges, airport runways, and more. Our projects are used by millions of people every day to get where they need to go—whether they’re driving their children to school in the morning, shopping for groceries to feed their families, or embarking on this year’s summer road trip. The work we do touches nearly every aspect of modern life, and we are committed to doing it to the best of our abilities.

Industry

Construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Marietta, GA, US

Year founded

1946

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