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Paving Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Hutch Paving is currently seeking experienced Heavy Equipment Operators to join our team. Responsibilities: * Operate excavators, skid steers, and dozers safely and efficiently. * Tear out and remove ...

Hutch Paving is currently seeking experienced Heavy Equipment Operators to join our team. Responsibilities: * Operate excavators, skid steers, and dozers safely and efficiently. * Tear out and remove ...

Asphalt Mill operator

Warren, MI ยท On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Hutch Paving does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran ...

Asphalt Mill operator

Warren, MI ยท On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Hutch Paving does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran ...

Service Truck Driver/Backhoe Operator

Pontiac, MI ยท On-site

$46K - $61K/yr

The service truck drivers with experience operating backhoe will assist the excavation crews Complete understanding of the excavation, grading, and paving process is necessary. Experience and Skills ...

Roller Operator

Pontiac, MI ยท On-site

$30 - $33/hr

Work alongside paving crews to ensure proper compaction density and smooth surface finishes ... Prior experience operating a roller, paver * Basic understanding of asphalt compaction techniques ...

Roller Operator

Pontiac, MI ยท On-site

$30 - $33/hr

Work alongside paving crews to ensure proper compaction density and smooth surface finishes ... Prior experience operating a roller, paver * Basic understanding of asphalt compaction techniques ...

Roller Operator

Pontiac, MI ยท On-site

$30 - $33/hr

Work alongside paving crews to ensure proper compaction density and smooth surface finishes ... Prior experience operating a roller, paver * Basic understanding of asphalt compaction techniques ...

Concrete Finisher

Warren, MI ยท On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Hutch Paving is currently looking for Concrete finishers to join our team growing team. Concrete ... Remove rough or defective spots from concrete surfaces by operating power grinder or chisel and ...

Concrete Finisher

Warren, MI ยท On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Hutch Paving is currently looking for Concrete finishers to join our team growing team. Concrete ... Remove rough or defective spots from concrete surfaces by operating power grinder or chisel and ...

Showing results 21-40

Paving Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$4

$24

$42

How much do paving operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for paving operator in Michigan is $24.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.96 and $25.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a paving operator?

Paving Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating machinery that lays asphalt or concrete on roads, parking lots, and other surfaces. Their main duties include controlling paving machines, monitoring the evenness and thickness of the material, and ensuring a smooth, safe finish. They also perform routine maintenance on equipment and may coordinate with other crew members to ensure projects are completed efficiently and to quality standards. Paving Operators play a vital role in infrastructure development and road maintenance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a paving operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Paving Operator, you need hands-on experience with heavy machinery, a solid understanding of paving materials and processes, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with operating asphalt pavers, rollers, and grade control systems, as well as safety certifications such as OSHA training, is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for producing smooth, high-quality surfaces and maintaining safety on site. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient operation, project quality, and a safe work environment in construction settings.

What are some common challenges faced by paving operators on a job site?

Paving Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining precise control over heavy machinery, and coordinating closely with ground crews to ensure a smooth, even surface. Tight project deadlines and unexpected equipment malfunctions can also require quick problem-solving and adaptability. Effective communication with the team is essential to address issues promptly and keep the project on track.

What is the difference between Paving Operator vs Asphalt Raker?

AspectPaving OperatorAsphalt Raker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, OSHA safety training, equipment operation certificationsHigh school diploma, basic safety training, manual asphalt spreading skills
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor, heavy machineryConstruction sites, outdoor, manual labor
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction companies, paving contractorsAsphalt paving crews, contractors

The main difference between a Paving Operator and an Asphalt Raker lies in their responsibilities and equipment use. Paving Operators operate heavy machinery like pavers to lay asphalt efficiently, requiring certifications and experience with machinery. Asphalt Rakers manually spread asphalt, focusing on manual labor and less machinery operation. Both roles are essential in asphalt paving projects, but Paving Operators typically handle more technical equipment and larger-scale tasks.

How much do paving operators make?

Paving operators typically earn a median annual wage of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, location, and union membership. Skilled operators who work with specialized equipment or in high-demand areas can earn higher wages, and many positions offer overtime opportunities and benefits.

How to become a paving operator?

To become a paving operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training or an apprenticeship to learn equipment operation. Certification in equipment operation or safety training can improve job prospects, and physical stamina is important for working outdoors in various weather conditions.
Infographic showing various Paving Operator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,520 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Replacement Heavy Equipment Operator (2026 Asphalt Paving Season)

Rieth-Riley Construction

Petoskey, MI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Join Rieth-Riley as a replacement worker and help our team Pave the Road to Success!ย  With over a century of providing products and services, Rieth-Riley's asphalt paving experience expands throughout the construction markets for highway, roadway, aviation, commercial, industrial, residential, and track paving projects.ย  Join a team of motivated, highly qualified individuals who are committed to the success of each and every project.

Summary

Operate heavy equipment in a safe, efficient and proper manner to achieve a quality finished product in the paving process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.ย  Other duties may be assigned.

  • Ability to operate various pieces of heavy equipment such as asphalt pavers, asphalt rollers, asphalt plants, front-end loaders, graders, dozers, excavators, and skid steers.
  • Perform general maintenance and inspection on the equipment.

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED equivalentย 
  • (3) to five (5) years of operating heavy equipment preferred
  • Clean driving record and ability to obtain a CDL.
  • Must have a "Safety First" attitude
  • Must follow all Safety Practices, Policies and Procedures
  • Ability to work outdoors in all seasons
  • Thrive in a fast-paced environment
  • Flexible to work nights, weekends and unexpected longer hours when necessary
  • Be a Team player

ย Compensation Package As Replacement Worker

  • Base Wageย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย $ 40.43 per hourย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย ย 
  • Vacationย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย $ย  ย 5.00 per hourย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย 
  • 401k (company contribution)ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  $ 11.60 per hourย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย ย 
    • Includes health care coverage for employee and family
    • Applies to all hours on all projects worked

Itย is the policy of Rieth-Riley to assure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their veteran status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, citizen status, and/or any other applicable legally recognized protected class under local, state or federal law. Such action shall include: employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and/or on-the-job training. Further, Rieth-Riley will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the religious observations and practices of employees, unless to do so would cause Rieth-Riley an undue hardship.

Individuals with disabilities that require reasonable accommodation in order to complete the application process should contact Rieth-Riley's Human Resources Department by phone 574-875-5183 or by email hr@rieth-riley.com.