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Operating Engineers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Ruhlin Company

Operating Engineers

Sharon Center, OH · On-site

$62K - $84K/yr

The Ruhlin Company is seeking to hire hard-working and reliable Operating Engineers to fulfill various field and supervisory positions for various construction projects located around NE Ohio and ...

Owens Community College

$61K - $83K/yr

Ohio Operating Engineers Miamisburg L#18 This posting is exclusively used to capture information for Ohio Operating Engineers Miamisburg L#18 Instructors in the skilled trades department.

Owens Community College

$77K - $105K/yr

Skilled Trades Outsourced - Ohio Operating Engineers This posting is exclusively used to capture information for Ohio Operating Engineers in the skilled trades department.

Owens Community College

Ohio Operating Engineers Cygnet L#18 This posting is exclusively used to capture information for Ohio Operating Engineers Cygnet L#18 Instructors in the skilled trades department.

American

Lead Operating Engineer

Campus, IL · On-site

$43 - $48/hr

Schedules work assignments, sets priorities, and directs the work of Operating Engineers and Assistant Operating Engineers. Identifies staff training needs and ensures training is obtained.

Igel

Operator

Columbus, OH

$17.25 - $23/hr

Operating Engineer Hours: 7-5 p.m.; weekend and evening hours as required. Job Location: Various Job Sites Summary: Our Operating Engineers operate a variety of different machinery and work on ...

American

Lead Operating Engineer

Campus, IL · On-site

$43 - $48/hr

Schedules work assignments, sets priorities, and directs the work of Operating Engineers and Assistant Operating Engineers. Identifies staff training needs and ensures training is obtained.

Igel

Operator

Columbus, OH · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

Operating Engineer Hours: 7-5 p.m.; weekend and evening hours as required. Job Location: Various Job Sites Summary: Our Operating Engineers operate a variety of different machinery and work on ...

F.H. Paschen

Union Operating Engineer

Chicago, IL

$71K - $96K/yr

Operating Engineers use different types of heavy equipment at construction sites. Please note that F.H. Paschen is signatory to a collective bargaining agreement that requires all Operating Engineers ...

F.H. Paschen

Union Operating Engineer

Lafayette, IN

$66K - $90K/yr

Operating Engineers use different types of heavy equipment at construction sites. Please note that F.H. Paschen is signatory to a collective bargaining agreement that requires all Operating Engineers ...

City of Norfolk

Operating Engineer II

Concord, NC

$48K - $55K/yr

The CEP is staffed by Operating Engineers who monitor and maintain boilers, chillers, pumps, and building automation systems to ensure continuous, safe, and efficient operations. The City of Norfolk ...

The Shed

Operating Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$53.01/hr

Communicate clearly with Lead Engineers and team members across shifts * Support a culture of ... of Operating Engineers Local 94. * All terms and conditions of employment, including wages ...

DTE Energy

Operating Engineer Level 4

Detroit, MI · On-site

$44.90/hr

Employees will be represented by the Operating Engineers Union, (I.U.O.E Local 324). Key Accountabilities * Ensure that the Company-owned utility assets are operated in a safe, efficient, and ...

DTE Energy

Operating Engineer Level 4

Detroit, MI

$44.90/hr

Employees will be represented by the Operating Engineers Union, (I.U.O.E Local 324). Key Accountabilities * Ensure that the Company-owned utility assets are operated in a safe, efficient, and ...

City of Norfolk, VA

Operating Engineer II

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$48K - $55K/yr

The CEP is staffed by Operating Engineers who monitor and maintain boilers, chillers, pumps, and building automation systems to ensure continuous, safe, and efficient operations. The City of Norfolk ...

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Operating Engineers information

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$36K

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How much do operating engineers jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineers in the United States is $85,029.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does the Operating Engineer do?

An Operating Engineer is responsible for operating and maintaining heavy machinery and equipment such as cranes, bulldozers, and elevators on construction sites or in industrial settings. They ensure equipment functions safely and efficiently, often requiring technical skills and certifications like a state license or union membership. Their work involves troubleshooting, routine inspections, and adhering to safety protocols.

What types of equipment do Operating Engineers typically work with, and how does this variety impact their daily responsibilities?

Operating Engineers commonly work with heavy machinery such as bulldozers, cranes, excavators, loaders, and graders. The type and size of equipment can vary depending on the project, which means Operating Engineers must be adaptable and prepared to switch between machines as needed. This variety adds to the complexity of their daily tasks, requiring strong technical skills, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to troubleshoot equipment issues quickly. Collaboration with site supervisors, maintenance teams, and other construction workers is also a key part of their routine to ensure smooth operation and project progress.

What are Operating Engineers?

Operating Engineers are skilled professionals who operate and maintain heavy machinery and equipment used in construction, infrastructure, and industrial projects. Their responsibilities commonly include handling cranes, bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and other heavy equipment. Operating Engineers play a crucial role in ensuring that these machines are used safely and efficiently on job sites. In addition to operating equipment, they may also be responsible for basic maintenance and troubleshooting to keep machinery in good working order.

What do operations engineers do?

Operations engineers are responsible for managing and maintaining industrial equipment, machinery, or systems to ensure efficient operation. They often troubleshoot issues, perform routine inspections, and may operate heavy machinery or control systems, requiring technical skills and safety certifications. Their work environment can include construction sites, manufacturing plants, or infrastructure facilities.

What is the difference between Operating Engineers vs Heavy Equipment Operators?

AspectOperating EngineersHeavy Equipment Operators
CredentialsCommercial driver’s license (CDL), certifications for specific machineryTypically require OSHA training, sometimes CDL
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial plants, power plantsConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projects
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, energy sectorsConstruction, mining, infrastructure

Operating Engineers and Heavy Equipment Operators often share similar roles, working with heavy machinery on construction and industrial sites. Operating Engineers usually have broader certifications and may operate a wider range of equipment, including complex machinery like cranes. Heavy Equipment Operators focus primarily on operating specific types of heavy machinery. Both roles are essential in construction and industrial projects, with overlapping skills but different certification requirements and scope of work.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Operating engineers typically do not earn $300,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in specialized fields like petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering. Senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles may reach or exceed this level, especially in high-demand industries or with additional bonuses and stock options.

What engineers make $500,000?

Operating engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in specialized fields like petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering. Senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles in high-demand industries may reach or exceed this level, often supplemented by bonuses and stock options.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operating Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operating Engineer, you need a solid understanding of machinery operation, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols, usually supported by a high school diploma, apprenticeship, or relevant trade certification. Familiarity with heavy equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and computerized control systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and precise operation of heavy machinery on construction sites or in industrial environments.
More about Operating Engineers jobs
What cities are hiring for Operating Engineers jobs? Cities with the most Operating Engineers job openings:
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Operating Engineers jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Engineers job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 13% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,029 per year, or $40.9 per hour.
Operating Engineers

Operating Engineers

The Ruhlin Company

Sharon Center, OH • On-site

$62K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

The Ruhlin Company is seeking to hire hard-working and reliable Operating Engineers to fulfill various field and supervisory positions for various construction projects located around NE Ohio and Columbus.
If you want to work in a fast-paced environment, take pride in your work, and working SAFELY is your TOP priority, APPLY TODAY!
The Ruhlin Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Participates in Ohio's Drug-Free Safety Program.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

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