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Motor Grader Operator Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Granite

Finish Motor Grader

Fairbanks, AK · On-site

Ability to operate motor grader in a safe and efficient manner per company safety standards. * Aligning machine, cutterhead or depth gauge marker with reference stakes and guidelines on the ground

Granite

Finish Motor Grader

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Ability to operate motor grader in a safe and efficient manner per company safety standards. * Aligning machine, cutterhead or depth gauge marker with reference stakes and guidelines on the ground

City of Kodiak

Equipment Operator I, II, or III

Kodiak, AK · On-site

$29.89 - $34.79/hr

The Equipment Operator is responsible for providing repair and maintenance services for these ... motor grader, backhoe and a variety of hand and power tools. Utilize various heavy equipment to ...

Colas

Secon | Operator - Southeast AK

Juneau, AK · On-site

Secon | Operator - Southeast AK Company: COLASKA Job Location: JUNEAU, ALASKA, USA Type of Contract ... motor graders, shovels, and derricks. * May also be responsible for running large pumps or air ...

Colas

Secon | Operator - Southeast AK

Juneau, AK · On-site

... motor graders, shovels, and derricks. * May also be responsible for running large pumps or air ... Heavy equipment operators drive heavy construction equipment and control their attachments, such as ...

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Motor Grader Operator information

See Alaska salary details

$10

$18

$32

How much do motor grader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for motor grader operator in Alaska is $18.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.40 and $21.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 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.

How much do motor grader operators make?

Motor grader operators in North Carolina typically earn an average hourly wage of around $20 to $25, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $52,000. Wages can vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the equipment operated. Skilled operators with certifications and experience tend to earn higher wages and may work longer or more specialized shifts.
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Motor Grader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Motor Grader Operator job openings in Alaska as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,269 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Finish Motor Grader

Fairbanks, AK • On-site

Granite Construction, Inc.
Construction • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Granite Construction, Inc.external

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Granite Construction rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 80 rated construction

Job description

Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do...
Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we have with our employees. Our people are our most valued asset and the foundation of Granite's century-old success. We're building more than infrastructure; we are building your future.
General Summary
Operates tractor equipped with blade attached across front to level subgrade preparatory to constructing roads.
*This is a union-represented position*
Essential Job Accountabilities
  • Ability to operate motor grader in a safe and efficient manner per company safety standards.
  • Aligning machine, cutterhead or depth gauge marker with reference stakes and guidelines on the ground
  • Attaching different blades or attachments to equipment
  • Experience with GPS is a plus
  • Grading experience is preferred
  • Ability to read and understand plans and specifications.
  • Conduct equipment inspections, grease, and oil daily to maintain proper working condition.

Education
  • High School Diploma, GED or equivalent years of experience

Certification
  • Proper certification required

Work Experience
  • Appropriate training and experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Workers should be able to:
  • Read engineering drawing
  • Practice good safety habits
  • Work in dusty or dirty surroundings
  • Follow instructions and meet set standards
  • Judge distances and slopes accurately
  • Make decisions based on verifiable standards.

Physically, workers must be able to:
  • Stoop, bend, and crouch
  • Use hands, arms, and legs fully
  • See well (either naturally or with correction)
  • Lift up to 50 pounds, with frequent lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

About Granite Construction Incorporated
Granite Construction Incorporated is a member of the S&P 400 Index and is the parent company of Granite Construction Company, one of the nation's largest heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers. Granite is a Drug-Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws.
For additional information on applicant/employee rights please click here.
Notice to Staffing Agencies
Granite Construction, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Granite") will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Granite, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Granite mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Granite employees, or to Granite's resume database will be considered Granite property. Granite will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Granite will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Granite's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully-executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening. Granite will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such agreement in place. Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Granite's Human Resources Representative or his/ her designee. No other Granite employee is authorized to bind Granite to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Agencies.

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