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Operating Engineers Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

California State University

Operating Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$64K - $93K/yr

Operating Engineers work shifts, day, swing, and/or graveyard, including weekends, providing continuous twenty-four-hour coverage, seven days per week. This position is Night Shift, Saturday through ...

California State University

Operating Engineer

Chico, CA

$64K - $93K/yr

Operating Engineers work shifts, day, swing, and/or graveyard, including weekends, providing continuous twenty-four-hour coverage, seven days per week. This position is Night Shift, Saturday through ...

California State University

Operating Engineer

Chico, CA

$64K - $93K/yr

Operating Engineers work shifts, day, swing, and/or graveyard, including weekends, providing continuous twenty-four-hour coverage, seven days per week. This position is Night Shift, Saturday through ...

WHB Engineers

Surveyor/Party Chief

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$64.75/hr

Must be meticulous about the work you produce Benefits are provided through the Operating Engineers Local Union 3. The hourly rate for this position is $64.75 . Only qualified candidates that meet ...

KASA Construction Inc.

Operating Engineer

Chino, CA · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Operating Engineer Full KASA Construction Inc., one of Southern California's leading heavy-civil construction engineering companies, is seeking a skilled and experienced heavy equipment operator to ...

cam

Operating Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Operating Engineer Overview: CAM Industrial Solutions, a leader in industrial services and one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in Canada and the United States, is seeking a skilled ...

JLL

Assistant Chief Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

This is an International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Stationary Engineers, Local 39, position. What your day-to-day looks like: * Equipment Operations & Maintenance - Monitor and maintain ...

JLL

Operating Engineer

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$50/hr

Operating Engineer - JLL What this job involves: Operating Engineer, supports operation, inspection, and maintenance processes to mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment and systems within the ...

Jones Lang LaSalle IP, Inc.

Operating Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$73K - $99K/yr

Operating Engineer JLL What this job involves: As an Operating Engineer with JLL, you'll be at the forefront of maintaining and operating mission-critical infrastructure in research and specialized ...

JLL

Operating Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$73K - $99K/yr

Operating Engineer JLLWhat this job involves: As an Operating Engineer with JLL, you'll be at the forefront of maintaining and operating mission-critical infrastructure in research and specialized ...

Teichert

Underground Foreman

Fresno, CA · On-site

Position Description OPERATING ENGINEER - UNDERGROUND FOREMAN Must be a Member of the Operating Engineers Union, Local 3 Compensation is in accordance with the applicable Collective Bargaining ...

Careers at Teichert

Grading Foreman

Fresno, CA

OPERATING ENGINEER - UNDERGROUND FOREMAN Must be a Member of the Operating Engineers Union, Local 3 Compensation is in accordance with the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement CONSTRUCTION ...

Teichert

Grading Foreman

Fresno, CA · On-site

Position Description OPERATING ENGINEER - UNDERGROUND FOREMAN Must be a Member of the Operating Engineers Union, Local 3 Compensation is in accordance with the applicable Collective Bargaining ...

Careers at Teichert

Underground Foreman

Fresno, CA

OPERATING ENGINEER - UNDERGROUND FOREMAN Must be a Member of the Operating Engineers Union, Local 3 Compensation is in accordance with the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement CONSTRUCTION ...

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All JobsOperating Engineers JobsOperating Engineers Jobs in California

Operating Engineers information

See California salary details

$35.5K

$83.9K

$133.2K

How much do operating engineers jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineers in California is $83,915.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,600.00 and $92,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.
What are popular job titles related to Operating Engineers jobs in California? For Operating Engineers jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating Engineers jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Operating Engineers jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Operating Engineers jobs? Cities in California with the most Operating Engineers job openings:
Operating Engineers jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Engineers job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 40% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,915 per year, or $40.3 per hour.
Union Position-Operating Engineer Local 3 All Levels

Union Position-Operating Engineer Local 3 All Levels

Syblon Reid

Folsom, CA • On-site

$25.75 - $31.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Union Affiliation: Operating Engineers Local 3 (OE3)
Job Locations: Northern CaliforniaOverview
Operating Engineers in Local 3 are skilled heavy equipment operators, mechanics, and technicians who build and maintain essential infrastructure across public works, commercial, industrial, and energy projects. Members operate, maintain, and troubleshoot a wide range of equipment with a focus on safety, productivity, and craftsmanship, while upholding union standards of training, solidarity, and fair working conditions.Key Responsibilities
  • Equipment Operation: Safely operate heavy machinery such as excavators, loaders, dozers, graders, cranes, compactors, and forklifts to perform earthmoving, lifting, grading, paving, and related tasks.
  • Site Preparation & Civil Work: Perform excavation, trenching, backfilling, grading, paving support, and materials handling to meet project specifications.
  • Setup & Controls: Conduct pre-operation inspections, understand machine controls and load charts, and set up equipment per job requirements and safety plans.
  • Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform routine maintenance, minor repairs, and diagnostics; report mechanical issues; coordinate with mechanics to keep equipment in safe operating condition.
  • Safety & Compliance: Follow all OSHA/Cal/OSHA requirements, traffic control plans, environmental protections, and contractor safety policies; participate in tailgate meetings and hazard assessments.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with forepersons, survey crews, laborers, carpenters, teamsters, and other trades to maintain efficient workflow and meet schedules.
  • Documentation: Maintain accurate equipment logs, daily reports, and inspection records; communicate clearly with supervisors.
Qualifications
  • Proven experience operating heavy equipment or completion of a recognized apprenticeship/training program.
  • Knowledge of safe operating procedures, soil conditions, rigging basics (for crane-related work), load charts, and signaling.
  • Ability to read grade stakes, project plans, and follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Strong situational awareness and commitment to jobsite safety and union principles.
  • Valid driver's license; CDL may be required for certain positions/equipment.
  • Certifications as applicable (e.g., NCCCO or equivalent for crane operation, OSHA 10/30, First Aid/CPR).
Physical & Work Conditions
  • Ability to sit, stand, and operate controls for extended periods.
  • Work in outdoor conditions (heat, cold, dust, noise) and on active jobsites.
  • Lift and handle tools/parts; climb on/off equipment; maintain dexterity for precise control.
Union Commitment
As a proud Local 3 member, you:
  • Uphold union values of safety, skill, and solidarity.
  • Participate in continuing education and skills advancement through union training programs.
  • Represent the craft with professionalism on and off the jobsite.

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