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Side Boom Operator Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Fusion Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

... boom forklift fusion machines for installation of HDPE piping at the project sites. As a Fuse ... Operate off road trucks on side slopes. * Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.

Side Boom Operator information

See Houston, TX salary details

$12

$21

$32

How much do side boom operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for side boom operator in Houston, TX is $21.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.13 and $22.36 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 Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Side Boom Operator jobs in Houston, TX are:

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For Side Boom Operator jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Side Boom Operator jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Side Boom Operator jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Side Boom Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Side Boom Operator job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,055 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Fusion Technician

APTIM

Houston, TX • On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


APTIM rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Overview:
As a Fusion Technician with APTIM, you will be required to operate off road truck skid loader, man lift and extend a boom forklift fusion machines for installation of HDPE piping at the project sites. As a Fuse Technician, you will play a critical role in ensuring proper pipe fusing operations while adhering to project specifications, safety standards, and deadlines.
Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities:
  • Operate and maintain fusion equipment to fuse pipes.
  • Perform pipe preparation, welding, and joining tasks in compliance with processes and specifications.
  • Inspect and verify fused joints to ensure integrity, quality, and adherence to project requirements.
  • Collaborate with team members to ensure seamless operations on-site and meet project deadlines.
  • Follow all safety protocols and regulatory standards while working in hazardous or confined environments.
  • Document fusion activities, including measurements, quality checks, and other project-related records.
  • Conduct routine maintenance and troubleshooting of fusion equipment to ensure optimal performance by
    repairing or replace defective parts of machinery, such as rotary drill rigs, water trucks, air compressors, and
    pumps using hand tools.
  • Operate off road trucks on side slopes.
  • Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
  • Install well heads and valves.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Proficiently operates hand and foot levers to insure proper operation of assigned equipment.
  • Strong knowledge of safely operating assigned equipment.
  • Uses time effectively; anticipates obstacles, adjusts priorities as needs change and keeps others informed of progress.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, be self-motivated, and be adaptable in a fast paced, dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
  • Strong written and oral communication.
  • Strong time management and organizational skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Strength: Standing 50% Walking 20% Sitting 30% Lifting 35 lb. Carrying 35 lb. Pushing 0 ft-lb. Pulling 0 ft-lb. 2. Climbing O Balancing O 3. Stooping O Kneeling O Crouching O Crawling O Reaching Handling C Fingering C
Explanation for Symbols: NP=Not Present, O=Occasionally (0-33%), F= Frequently (34-66%), C=Constantly (67-100%)
About APTIM
APTIM enhances the quality of the environment, wellbeing of people, resilience of communities, and opportunity for employees to make a difference, not just a living. A leading professional solutions firm, we specialize in environmental, sustainability, resilience, and infrastructure solutions. Our team of experts provide these integrated solutions for forward-thinking government agencies, commercial and industrial clients, and energy customers. Together, we create sustainable and resilient communities for all.
What you can expect from APTIM:
  • Work that is worthy of your time and talent
  • Respect and flexibility to live a full life at work and at home
  • Dogged determination to deliver for our clients and communities
  • A voice in making our company better
  • Investment into your personal and professional development

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay range for this position is $22 to $26 per hour. Compensation depends on several factors including: experience, education, key skills, geographic location of the position, client requirements, external market competitiveness, and internal equity among other employees within APTIM.
Employee Benefits
APTIM Envir & Infra LLC is committed to providing an extensive range of benefits that protect and promote the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families through the APTIM Benefits Marketplace https://aptim.makeityoursource.com/.
  • Medical, vision, and dental insurance: Through the marketplace, our employees can choose benefits from five metallic levels and several carriers to find the right benefits that work for them in their location.
  • Company paid and optional Life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity coverage
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave (eligibility based on company policy and applicable law)
  • 401(k) APTIM offers three 401k plans through the Aon Pooled Employer Plan (PEP). The specific plan you are eligible for depends on the business unit you are in. The details of the largest plan are found here:
    • APTIM 401(k) Guide
    • APTIM - Helpful Documents

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