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Side Boom Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kinder Morgan

Pipeline Specialist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Perform all phases of mobilizing, operating and maintaining heavy excavation equipment (hydrovac truck, backhoe, track hoe, side boom, dozer, and maintainers) to include excavation frequently on ...

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How much do side boom operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for side boom operator in the United States is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a side boom operator make?

A side boom operator typically earns between $20 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $60,000. Compensation depends on experience, location, and the complexity of the equipment operated, often requiring certifications and safety training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Side Boom Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Side Boom Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience operating heavy equipment, and a valid equipment operator's license or certification, often with a focus on pipeline construction. Familiarity with side boom cranes, load charts, rigging procedures, and adherence to safety regulations such as OSHA standards is crucial. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help operators coordinate effectively on busy job sites. These abilities ensure safe, precise handling of heavy loads and successful collaboration in dynamic construction environments.

What does a Side Boom Operator do?

A Side Boom Operator operates a side boom tractor, commonly used in pipeline construction and heavy lifting applications. They are responsible for safely lifting, moving, and positioning heavy materials, such as pipes, using the machine's side-mounted boom. Operators must follow safety protocols, maintain equipment, and coordinate with ground crews to ensure efficient operations. Strong knowledge of load limits, equipment maintenance, and operational procedures is essential for this role.

What do boom operators make?

Side boom operators typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often work full-time in construction, oil and gas, or heavy lifting environments, requiring certifications and safety training.

What is a sideboom operator?

A sideboom operator is a construction worker who operates a sideboom crane, a specialized piece of equipment used to lift and position large pipes or heavy materials, often in pipeline or heavy construction projects. The role requires knowledge of crane operation, safety procedures, and often involves working in outdoor environments with long or irregular hours.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Side Boom Operator on a pipeline construction site?

As a Side Boom Operator, your primary duties involve maneuvering side boom cranes to lift, move, and position sections of pipeline or other heavy materials according to project requirements. You’ll regularly inspect your equipment, ensure rigging is properly secured, and work closely with riggers, welders, and other crew members to maintain site safety. Operators also need to follow instructions from supervisors and signalers to execute precise movements, particularly in challenging terrain or weather conditions. This role requires strong situational awareness and a commitment to maintaining safe practices at all times.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Side Boom Operators can earn around $4,000 or more per week, especially with overtime, experience, and working in high-demand construction or drilling environments. These roles typically require specialized training, certifications, and physical stamina but do not usually require a college degree.
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Side Boom Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Side Boom Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,294 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Pipeline Specialist

Pipeline Specialist

Kinder Morgan

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Kinder Morgan rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 92 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 52 rated energy and utility

Job description

What We Are Looking For
As a Pipeline Specialist you will coordinate and complete pipeline operations and maintenance tasks and projects in support of plant, pipeline, corrosion, measurement, controls, pipeline maintenance, mechanical maintenance, machine shop, and project management. Daily responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Assist with hot tapping and stopple equipment, perform valve maintenance, pigging operations, pipe cleaning (internal and external), hydrostatic testing and perform leak surveys using flame ionization equipment. Incumbent may be required to lead others, train, develop training, ensure compliance, supply financial input, scope projects and oversee the supervision of contractors and contract workers.
  • Perform all phases of mobilizing, operating and maintaining heavy excavation equipment (hydrovac truck, backhoe, track hoe, side boom, dozer, and maintainers) to include excavation frequently on loaded natural gas pipelines.
  • This position reports to a Pipeline Crew Leader to ensure consistency and assurance of work performed in compliance with governmental and company policies and procedures.

What You Will Do
  • Perform excavation spotter tasks and manage excavation crossings of lines.
  • Perform troubleshooting and valve maintenance on DOT mainline isolation valves.
  • Launch, monitor and receive pipeline pigs and develop pipeline pigging plans.
  • Disassemble meter tubes and perform internal meter tube cleaning.
  • Operate large truck and trailer hauling equipment required to transport heavy work equipment or project materials to job site.
  • Calibrate and maintain a holiday detector for coating application inspection.
  • Perform pressure tests of pipelines and fabrications.
  • Locate and mark pipelines with line detection, pipeline locating equipment or probe rods using drawing and alignment sheets for reference.
  • Repair shorted pipeline casings and install CP test points on pipelines.
  • Prepare pipelines for full encirclement sleeves for anomaly repairs.
  • Evacuate, purge and load pipelines; operate pipeline air-movers to evacuate gas lines during hot work operations.
  • Perform basic acetylene cutting and beveling operations - The position level will be commensurate with the skill level of the successful candidate.
  • This individual will be responsible for administrative tasks including ordering and receiving required replacement parts, completing personal time sheets and expense accounts, and maintaining a company vehicle.
  • Acting as a company representative when interacting with contractors and vendors.
  • Promote and embody Kinder Morgan Core Values.
  • Identify, report and correct safety and environmental concerns.
  • This position may perform other related duties as assigned.

What You Need
Education:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.

Required Qualifications:
  • Must follow all safety, environmental and regulatory policies so tasks and assignments are completed in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, ensuring proper handling and disposition of hazardous waste.
  • Strong mechanical skills and knowledge of heavy equipment maintenance procedures.
  • Ability to operate heavy pipeline excavation equipment including large trucks.
  • Ability to read and interpret various company policies and procedures, Operations & Maintenance (O&M) manual and blueprints.
  • Ability to respond in a timely manner to any emergency or after-hours calls.
  • Good communication skills - must be able to interface effectively with others.
  • Basic computer skills (knowledge of MS Office, operating systems, company software if applicable), trainable in custom software applications.
  • Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals).
  • Focused on internal and external customer service.
  • Ability to work with a team, take direction from supervisors and construction inspectors, with focused attention on details, work rules, and adherence to required project work schedules.
  • Must have or acquire and maintain a valid CDL driver license and maintain a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Two or more years of experience in all phases of Pipeline construction. This includes maintenance and repair to include equal experience in operating and maintaining heavy excavation equipment including hydrovac truck, backhoe, track hoe, side boom, dozer, and maintainer.
  • Knowledge of both OSHA safety regulations and DOT pipeline regulations.

Working Conditions:
  • Will normally be working outdoors, in a pipeline construction type of environment.
  • Work frequently requires the ability to work on uneven ground, including loose dirt.
  • Must use all required PPE including wearing the proper protective clothing (FR).
  • Must be available for call outs 24/7, except during company sponsored paid time off.
  • Typical work schedule is Monday through Thursday, 10 hours per day and will likely involve overtime.
  • Work schedule during construction can be 10-12 hours per day at times and could be 6 or 7 days a week.
  • The position requires a significant amount of overnight travel upwards of 70% or more.
  • Position is subject to work outside of normal hours, overtime, schedule changes, and responding to emergency callouts.
  • Must live or relocate to live (by position start date) within 60 miles of reporting location.
  • As a Safety-Sensitive position both pre-employment and post-employment screenings include but are not limited to drug testing as outlined by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and motor vehicle record (FMCSA and DOT Clearinghouse) checks are required.
  • Manual dexterity.
  • Acute sense of sight and hearing (corrected or uncorrected) and strong sense of smell.
  • Lift, pull, push, and carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Exert up to 100 lbs. of physical force.
  • Stand, walk, kneel, bend, and squat for extended periods of time.
  • Twist head and back for extended periods of time.
  • Work in areas classified as confined space.
  • Climb and work from ladders, catwalks, staging, and platforms.
  • Ascend and descend slopes and ditches.
  • Work with hands above head, lying on back.
  • Work in adverse weather and/or extreme temperature conditions.

Why Join Kinder Morgan
Kinder Morgan is a large energy infrastructure company operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for improving lives around the world. We are committed to providing energy transportation and storage services in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of the people, communities, and businesses we serve.
Kinder Morgan provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, family status, status as an individual authorized to work in the U.S., or any other status protected by law.
For more information about Kinder Morgan, our culture, opportunities available, and to join our Talent Community, please visit our careers site at www.kindermorgan.com.

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About Kinder Morgan

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kinder Morgan is moving the fuels of today for the energy of the future. From the natural gas that heats your home to the gasoline that fuels your vehicle, our pipeline and terminal assets provide the necessary infrastructure to meet today's growing global energy demand and play a key role in the low-carbon energy transition of the future.

Industry

Oil and gas extraction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1997

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