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Paving Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

County of DuPage

Equipment Operator II

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$76K/yr

Operates a variety of motor vehicles and heavy equipment (e.g. paver, loader, skid steer loader ... operating heavy equipment A valid Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with an air brakes ...

Oak Park

Equipment Operator

Oak Park, IL

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Operation and maintenance requirements of power-driven equipment for pavement maintenance ... of time - Operating assigned equipment. Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and ...

County of DuPage, CO

Equipment Operator II

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$76K/yr

Operates a variety of motor vehicles and heavy equipment (e.g. paver, loader, skid steer loader ... Three (3) years of experience operating heavy equipment * A valid Class A or B Commercial Driver ...

IMC Companies

Be Seen First

Yard Coordinator / Lift Operator

Elwood, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $23/hr

We are a growing intermodal trucking company operating an ocean container storage depot in Elwood ... pave the way for our team's career success.

Hub Group

CDL-A Truck Driver - Owner Operator

Berwyn, IL · On-site

$210K/yr

Hub Group is Now Seeking CDL-A Owner Operators! Average $210,000 Annually, Gross* - Home Most ... For over fifty-three years, we've been providing the best of the best for our customers and paving ...

Hub Group

CDL-A Truck Driver - Owner Operator

Elgin, IL · On-site

$210K/yr

Hub Group is Now Seeking CDL-A Owner Operators! Average $210,000 Annually, Gross* - Home Most ... For over fifty-three years, we've been providing the best of the best for our customers and paving ...

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All JobsPaving Operator JobsPaving Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Paving Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$5

$29

$50

How much do paving operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for paving operator in Chicago, IL is $29.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $29.76 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 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 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 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.

Paving Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paving Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,941 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Lowboy Operator

Plote Construction, Inc.

Hoffman Estates, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Application Instructions
Please review description and requirements and begin application.
Position Description
The Plote Family of Companies is a fine example of the American dream realized through over 60 years of hard work, sacrifice and a deep understanding of the value of focused individual effort, performed in concert, to achieve the goal of entrepreneurial success. At Plote we bring expertise, quality, depth of resources, and cutting-edge equipment and technology together to deliver exceptional services in excavation, aggregates, asphalt paving, concrete paving, civil heavy engineering, sustainable materials, commercial development, environmental services, and snow removal.
Primary Function: The Lowboy Driver/Operator is responsible for transporting heavy machinery, equipment, and materials to and from job sites using a Lowboy trailer. This role requires expertise in operating a variety of equipment, ensuring the safe and efficient transport of goods, and maintaining the lowboy truck and trailer.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Operate lowboy trucks and trailers to transport heavy equipment and materials to job sites.
  • Ensure that loads are secured properly and comply with safety regulations and company standards.
  • Plan and follow the IDOT permit required routes, considering load size, weight, and road conditions.
  • Load and unload equipment and materials using appropriate techniques and equipment, including winches and ramps.
  • Adhere to all federal, state, and local transportation regulations and safety standards.
  • Conduct pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections of the lowboy truck and trailer.
  • Maintain accurate logs of transportation activities, including vehicle inspection reports and delivery records.
  • Communicate effectively and take explicit directions from Dispatch, clients and job site personnel to coordinate deliveries and pickups.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements
Required Education & Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Valid Class A CDL Driver's License required.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience hauling heavy equipment with lowboy detachable trailers and flatbed trailers.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:
  • Knowledge of safe operating techniques of equipment being operated-loaded/unloaded
  • An emphasis on safety in both driving and loading/unloading is required.
  • Ability to climb into equipment being loaded and unloaded.
  • Instrumentation and warning devices of the equipment operating.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Why Plote
At Plote we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans, generous paid time off, retirement savings to support our team members in every aspect of their lives.
Plote has a fast-paced and dynamic environment where team members are committed to excellence and proud to be part of a growing and successful construction company.
BEFORE ALL ELSE, SAFETY FIRST.
Plote Construction, Northern Illinois' premier Excavating, Asphalt Paving and Concrete Contractor, is committed to conducting construction operations in the safest manner possible. With an industry leading safety record, and a robust safety program. At Plote you'll find a deep commitment and dedication to safety and team members' wellbeing.
Plote is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Plote will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Notice
Plote Companies may use artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology-assisted tools as part of the recruiting and hiring process. These tools may be integrated into recruiting platforms, applicant tracking systems, job boards, or business applications to help organize, summarize, compare, and evaluate job-related information submitted by applicants.
If AI-assisted technologies are used during an interview (such as transcription, recording, or note-taking), applicants will be informed before or at the start of the interview.
AI tools are used to support, not replace, human decision-making. Employment decisions are made by Plote Companies representatives after reviewing each candidate's qualifications, experience, and other job-related factors.
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