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Side Boom Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$23.45 - $28.60/hr

Position Description General Summary An equipment operator operates a variety of equipment including; tractor, scraper, forklift, bobcat, backhoe, excavator, frontend loader, side boom, semi-tractor ...

Side Boom Operator information

See California salary details

$15

$25

$38

How much do side boom operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 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.

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.
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:
Infographic showing various Side Boom Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,583 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
Miscellaneous Equipment Operator-Not Gas

Miscellaneous Equipment Operator-Not Gas

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Fresno, CA • On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


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

3rd of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

Requisition ID # 173092 

Job Category: Maintenance / Construction / Operations 

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Energy Delivery

Work Type: Onsite

Job Location: Fresno

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 50 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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