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Side Boom Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Side Boom Operator information

See California salary details

$15

$25

$38

How much do side boom operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for side boom operator in California is $25.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $26.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a side boom operator?

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.

How much do side boom operators get paid?

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 certifications. Skilled operators with specialized training and safety certifications tend to earn higher wages, especially in industries like construction and oil and gas.

How to get a job as a side boom operator?

To become a side boom operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience operating heavy equipment. Certification in crane or heavy equipment operation and a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) can improve job prospects, and on-the-job training is common in construction or industrial settings.

What is a side boom operator?

A side boom operator is a construction worker responsible for operating a side boom, a large crane used to lift and position heavy materials such as pipes or beams. They must understand crane operation, use hand signals or radios for communication, and often require certification and safety training. The role typically involves working outdoors in various weather conditions and adhering to strict safety protocols.

What are the most commonly searched types of Side Boom Operator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Side Boom Operator jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Side Boom Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Side Boom Operator jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Side Boom Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,583 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Miscellaneous Equipment Operator-Not Gas

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Pacific Gas and Electric Company rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

Requisition ID # 173756 

Job Category: Maintenance / Construction / Operations 

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Energy Delivery

Work Type: Onsite

Job Location: Bakersfield

Department Overview

The Electric Operations ensure the delivery of safe and reliable electric service to our customers. Electric Operations is responsible for every aspect of PG&E's electric distribution and transmission operations, including planning, engineering, maintenance and construction, asset management, business planning, restoration and emergency response.

Position Summary

This is an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1245 represented classification, which has over 100 years of experience representing employees at PG&E. This job is subject to collective bargaining.

The Miscellaneous Equipment Operator - GC (Electric) operates, maintains, and drives utility equipment such as line trucks, bucket trucks or cranes, for the purpose of installation, maintenance, and reconstruction of electric facilities.

Work is predominantly outdoors and in all weather conditions. The individual must be able to drive safely, work extended hours and wear company provided Personal Protective Equipment. The Miscellaneous Equipment Operator - GC is a General Construction position and individuals must be able to travel and transfer to a new headquarters upon request at any time; throughout the entire PG&E service territory with no guarantees as to how long you will be away from home.

This position is a DOT (Department of Transportation) covered classification and is subject to random drug and/or alcohol screening.

PG&E is providing the hourly rate range that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This compensation range is specific to the locality of the job.  The actual hourly rate paid to an individual will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, collective bargaining agreement, and internal equity. Although we estimate the successful candidate hired into this role will be placed towards the middle or entry point of the range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis related to these factors. 

Under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, the starting hourly rate range for this position is 58.90, subject to collectively bargained wage increases.

Job Responsibilities

  • Operates a Dozer smaller than D-4 or equivalent, with or without a side boom or equipment; Rough terrain crane Grove, Drott, Pettibone, up to and including 5 ton; Loader P.T., 1 1/2 thru 3 cu. yds., without sideboom; and Crane swing, self-propelled, up to and including 5 ton.
  • Operates a Hydrauger, Gas/electric hoist, Motor Patrol less than 115 HP, when not grading to stake or grade, Trencher Boom Type, Concrete Pump, Tensioners and Puller, Large Snow Cats, Drill Liner, self-propelled air track or equivalent, Cross Country Vehicles and Flume washer.
  • Operates a three-axle truck, truck with derrick and special body, boom truck without a personnel bucket under 10 tons.
  • Operates a transports truck and trailer engaged in loading, transporting, and unloading heavy construction equipment throughout a geographic area or the company system.
  • Setting and removing poles in close proximity to energized primary
  • Must be able to retain knowledge and learn new skills such as framing, construction standards and work procedures
  • Support crew daily in all aspects of underground and overhead electric line construction operations and maintenance
  • Able to take order and follow directions

Qualifications

Minimum

  • Must possess a High School diploma or GED
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Class A California Driver's License Permit by Day 1 of hire
  • Must possess and maintain a valid DMV Medical Card by Day 1 of hire
  • Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends and holidays
  • Ability to travel and transfer to a new headquarter upon request at any time; throughout the entire PG&E service territory with no guarantees as to how long you will be away from home.
  • Must be able to lift heavy loads of up to 100 pounds, utilizing ergonomic principles at least one time a day
  • Must be able to wear company provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Desired

  • Tanker endorsement.
  • Mechanical background
  • Familiar with trucks and components
  • Ability to read gauges and load charts
  • Class A California Driver's License Permit
  • Crane certification
  • Forklift certified
  • Class A California Driver's License
  • Relevant construction experience
  • Relevant PG&E, Hiring Hall or Canus experience
  • Ability to read and interpret job prints and instructions
  • Experience operating miscellaneous equipment such as drills, chainsaws, trucks, trackers, etc.
  • Graduate from an approved Power Pathway Program
  • To better represent the communities we serve, applicants who live within 30 miles of the headquarter location will be given preference

Pre-Employment Testing

PG&E Employees: You must have qualified on all prerequisite tests prior to submitting an application, and all secondary tests prior to interviewing. For more information on prerequisite and secondary exams, including study guides, please visit the Pre-employment testing program website.

  • Physical Test Battery
  • Work Orientation Inventory-Physical/Technical Driving

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