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Operating Engineers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

JLL

Operating Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$88K - $100K/yr

Operating Engineers license (SMA) or equivalent (if required by jurisdiction) * Proven background in troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of commercial HVAC equipment * Hands-on experience in a ...

F.H. Paschen

Union Operating Engineer

Detroit, MI

Operating Engineers use different types of heavy equipment at construction sites. F.H. Paschen is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color ...

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Operating Engineers information

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$135K

How much do operating engineers jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 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.

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.
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Operating Engineers jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Engineers job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,029 per year, or $40.9 per hour.
Union Operating Engineer

Union Operating Engineer

F.H. Paschen

Chicago, IL

$71K - $96K/yr

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

F.H. Paschen has over 115 years of experience in the construction industry. You've driven on highways we paved, you've travelled through airports we modernized, you've commuted through rail stations we constructed, and your children learn in schools we built. But we are MORE than that. We offer MORE Versatility-as we work in any industry, offering any delivery method and service. We operate with MORE Tenacity-as we maneuver through tight schedules, spaces, and budgets. We provide MORE Ingenuity-by creating solutions to solve your greatest challenges. And we perform with MORE Pride-in focusing on safety and quality, and in offering more opportunities for our communities and diverse populations to build with us. We deliver far more than just on time and on budget-we deliver with MORE Paschen.

F.H. Paschen is regularly looking for Union Laborers.

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 to be dispatched from the union hiring halls. In order to be considered for the position, applicants should contact the appropriate Operators Union to apply.

F.H. Paschen is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

If you require an accommodation in order to complete this application, please contact Tracy Tesnow at 773-444-3474.

Please visit the link provided for updated wage and benefits information.

https://www.cisco.org/wages/

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About F.H. Paschen

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Come build with us – at F.H. Paschen we foster a collaborative environment in the office and in the field. Whether your passion is in project management, operations, design-build, or the trades – F.H. Paschen will support you in discovering your career. We provide our employees with the tools, mentoring, and projects needed to make sure they are developing their own unique set of skills and abilities. Working at F.H. Paschen means you will be able to grow professionally, transform communities with our work, and enjoy rewarding challenges.

Industry

Construction

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1975

Social media

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