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Operating Engineers Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Crane Operator

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$34.41 - $68.18/hr

... Operating Engineer - Union (OE3) Friction/Conventional Job Summary: The Marine Crane Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of cranes on vessels, offshore rigs, or marine ...

... Operating Engineer - Union (OE3) Friction/Conventional Job Summary: The Marine Crane Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of cranes on vessels, offshore rigs, or marine ...

Operating Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Program TV's and perform general housekeeping and engineering-related inventory duties. Use the Lockout/Tagout system before performing any maintenance work. Perform repairs on interior and exterior ...

New

Lead Operating Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

Lead Operating Engineer Facility Operations What this role involves This position leads engineering operations within a large commercial facility, overseeing building systems performance, maintenance ...

Program TV's and perform general housekeeping and engineering-related inventory duties. Use the Lockout/Tagout system before performing any maintenance work. Perform repairs on interior and exterior ...

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Showing results 1-20

Operating Engineers information

See California salary details

$35.5K

$83.9K

$133.2K

How much do operating engineers jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 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.

How much do operating engineers make in the US?

Operating engineers in the US typically earn a median annual wage of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and specialization. Experienced operators with certifications and skills in heavy machinery can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually.

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 and safe operation. They often troubleshoot issues, perform routine inspections, and may operate heavy machinery or control systems, requiring technical skills and 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 among specialized or executive-level engineers in fields like petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering. These roles often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes management responsibilities. Most operating engineers' salaries are below this threshold, though top earners in certain industries or with significant overtime can approach high six-figure incomes.

What engineers make $500,000?

Operating engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized engineering roles like petroleum or software engineers with extensive experience and advanced skills. Most operating engineers earn a median salary significantly below that figure, though top earners in certain high-demand sectors or with extensive overtime and management responsibilities can approach higher six-figure incomes.

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 cities in California are hiring for Operating Engineers jobs? Cities in California with the most Operating Engineers job openings:
Infographic showing various Operating Engineers job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,915 per year, or $40.3 per hour.
Crane Operator

Crane Operator

Sealaska

Vallejo, CA • On-site

$34.41 - $68.18/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Crane Operator - Classification - Operating Engineer - Union (OE3) Friction/Conventional
Job Summary:
The Marine Crane Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of cranes on vessels, offshore rigs, or marine terminals. This role ensures the secure lifting, movement, and placement of cargo and equipment while adhering to strict safety protocols and operational standards. The position requires technical expertise, precision, and strong communication skills to coordinate with teams in dynamic marine environments.
Only local applicants will be considered, no relocation.
Duties/Responsibilities:
• Operate marine cranes safely and efficiently, manipulating controls to regulate speed and movement of loads.
• Monitor crane performance and ensure compliance with operational guidelines.
• Adhere to all safety procedures, regulations, and company policies.
• Conduct pre-lift briefings (toolbox talks) and maintain safe exclusion zones.
• Verify rigging and load charts are correctly followed for each lift.
• Perform daily inspections and preventive maintenance, including lubrication, cleaning, and function checks.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and report any mechanical issues or malfunctions.
• Conduct minor repairs as needed.
• Interpret and execute lift plans, ensuring load weights are within the crane's capacity.
• Assess environmental and operational conditions to confirm safe lifting conditions.
• Communicate with the vessel's bridge, deck crew, and/or rig teams via 2-way radio and visual signals.
• Work collaboratively to ensure smooth and precise lifting operations.
Required Skills/Abilities:
• Experience as a crane operator in marine, offshore, or industrial environments.
• Valid certifications/licenses as required by local or international maritime regulations (e.g., API, OPITO, or equivalent). NCCCO Certification required.
• Knowledge of lifting operations, load charts, and rigging practices.
• Ability to pass required medical and fitness-to-work examinations.
• Friction/Conventional crane experience required.
Education and Experience:
• Highschool diploma or equivalent.
• Crane Operation required, Marine experience preferred.
• NCCCO Certification required.
Working Conditions:
The physical and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Setting: Work aboard vessels, offshore rigs, and marine ports/terminals.
• Conditions: Exposure to variable weather and sea conditions. Will require rotating shifts, overtime, and extended periods of travel.
Physical Demands:
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to walk, use hands to finger, handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; bending or crouching; talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, and in physically demanding environments.
Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions and other elements prevalent at the time.
This description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. It is intended to accurately reflect the activities and requirements of the position, but duties may be added, deleted, or modified, as necessary. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
This position is a Union role - Operating Engineers Local 3 (OE3)
Hourly rate is based on current status in OE3 - Fringe Benefit details are additional and not listed below.
OE3 Apprentice rates are as follows: $34.41-$53.18
OE3 Operator rates are as follow: $58.04-$68.18
Review the Benefits associated with this position: https://www.sealaska.com/benefits/
Who is Sealaska? Established in 1972, Sealaska is the Alaska Native regional corporation for Southeast Alaska. Our 23,000 shareholders are Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people with more than 10,000 years of ancestral ties to the oceans, forests and communities of Southeast Alaska. We serve the twin goals of economic prosperity and environmental protection. CS Marine Constructors, Inc. is a subsidiary of Sealaska.
We are committed to providing the best possible climate for maximum development and goal achievement for all our employees. As a subsidiary of a Native-owned company, CS Marine Constructors, Inc. is proud to promote an inclusive and diverse workplace, with respect for the cultural traditions in the communities where we operate.
CS Marine Constructors, Inc, is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. However, preference may be extended to an enrolled member of a federally-recognized Indian Tribe.*
*"Indian Tribe" means an Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 668; 43 U.S.C. 1601) which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.