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Snow Removal Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Beverly Companies

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Diesel Mechanic

Markham, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

... snow removal operations. * Troubleshoot mechanical issues and complete repairs in a timely and cost-effective manner. * Perform DOT-related inspections and ensure vehicles are operating safely and ...

Kozak Custom Landscapes

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Shop Mechanic with CDL

Batavia, IL · On-site

$20 - $40/hr

Snow removal and shop work during winter months. Some what flexible as to part or full time. Also looking for equipment and truck operators for snow removal.

Pae

Heavy Equipment Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

Position Responsibilities All Heavy Equipment Operators: * Implements and maintains a safe ... Grading, 9,000lb knuckle boom crane operation, snow removal, traverse and equipment recovery ...

City of Chicago

AIRPORT OPERATIONS SUPVSR II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $143K/yr

... of snow removal operations. * Review Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) certification paperwork. * Take appropriate action to clear aircraft operating areas and airfield of wildlife hazards ...

Wind Creek Chicago

Grounds Tech I

East Hazel Crest, IL · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Participate in snow removal operations by operating a variety of general purpose, specialized, and heavy-duty vehicles such as pick-ups, stake beds, dump trucks, backhoes, loaders. * Ensure that ...

Elevations Landscaping

Landscape Crew Member

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Operating equipment including commercial zero-turn riding mowers, brake-controlled walk behind ... Perform snow removal in the winter months. * Follow all company policies and procedures. * Perform ...

Pae

Equipment Operator

Chicago, IL

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Movement, stockpiling, and loading of aggregate, snow plowing, snow removal, loading/unloading of ... Read and understand the manufacturers operating manual for each piece of equipment prior to ...

ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

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Landscape Technician - CDL

Elgin, IL · On-site

$35K - $43K/yr

Parking lot maintenance, crack sealing, pothole repairs, sidewalk salting, and winter snow removal ... Equipment Operated: Dump trucks, skid steers, wheel loaders, tractors, commercial mowers, brush ...

ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

GROUNDSKEEPER III

Elgin, IL · On-site

$35K - $43K/yr

Parking lot maintenance, crack sealing, pothole repairs, sidewalk salting, and winter snow removal ... Equipment Operated: Dump trucks, skid steers, wheel loaders, tractors, commercial mowers, brush ...

Oak Park

Equipment Operator

Oak Park, IL

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

... snow removal and ice control duties as required. * 6. Install and maintain variety of markings and signs including regulatory street signs, numbers, warning and construction sings; document signs ...

Pae

Heavy Equipment Operator Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

This is both a working and operating lead position with physical labor, and support tasking ... Grading, 9,000lb knuckle boom crane operation, snow removal, traverse and equipment recovery ...

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All JobsSnow Removal Operator JobsSnow Removal Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Snow Removal Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$23

$29

How much do snow removal operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for snow removal operator in Chicago, IL is $23.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $26.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a snow removal operator?

Snow Removal Operators are professionals responsible for clearing snow and ice from roads, parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks, usually using specialized equipment such as snow plows, blowers, and salt spreaders. They play a crucial role in maintaining safe and accessible transportation routes during winter weather conditions. Their work often involves early mornings, late nights, and being on-call during snowstorms to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions caused by snow accumulation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a snow removal operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Snow Removal Operator, you need a valid driver's license, knowledge of safe equipment operation, and experience with snow removal machinery such as plows, loaders, and salt spreaders. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, two-way radios, and maintenance logs is typically required. Reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to work long or irregular hours in harsh weather conditions are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure efficient, safe, and timely snow removal, which is crucial for public safety and minimizing disruptions.

What does a typical shift look like for a snow removal operator during peak winter months?

During the winter season, Snow Removal Operators often work irregular hours, including overnight shifts and weekends, to ensure roads and properties remain safe and accessible after snowfalls. A typical shift involves operating heavy machinery such as plows, salt spreaders, and loaders, performing routine equipment checks, and coordinating with dispatch or team supervisors to prioritize routes. Operators may also need to respond to emergency situations quickly, especially during severe weather events, requiring adaptability and a strong sense of responsibility. Collaboration with other operators and maintenance staff is common to ensure efficient coverage and minimize downtime.

What is the difference between Snow Removal Operator vs Snow Plow Driver?

AspectSnow Removal OperatorSnow Plow Driver
CredentialsDriver's license, sometimes specialized snow removal certificationsDriver's license, commercial driving certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on-site snow removal at commercial/residential propertiesOutdoor, operating snow plow vehicles on roads and parking lots
Employer & IndustryProperty management, municipal services, landscaping companiesMunicipalities, private snow removal services, transportation companies

Both roles involve outdoor winter work and driving skills, but Snow Removal Operators focus on manual and equipment-based snow clearing at specific sites, while Snow Plow Drivers operate large vehicles on roads and highways. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in work setting and equipment used.

How much money can you make doing snow removal?

Snow removal operators typically earn between $12 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the job. Seasonal contracts or working for commercial clients can also affect overall earnings, with some operators making additional income through tips or overtime during heavy snowfall periods.

What are popular job titles related to Snow Removal Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Snow Removal Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Snow Removal Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Snow Removal Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Snow Removal Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Snow Removal Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,354 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Snow Removal / Landscape Laborer and Foreman

Heartland Harvest Landscape

Glenview, IL

$13 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Looking for experienced and dependable laborer/foreman to preform snow removal and landscaping tasks, year round. Winter hours are dependent on snowfall. Spring, Summer, Fall hours are steady, all day, Monday-Saturday weather permitting.

We are a full service landscape company located in Glenview and Libertyville. We service the Chicago North Side, and North Suburbs up to Gurnee.

Company Description

Looking for landscape laborer/foreman to build a career while preforming many tasks suitable to your skill set. We will work with you, taking your skills to the next level.

Here is a summary of what we are expecting, and can help you become:

Landscape Laborer
-weekly lawn mowing and weeding
-spreading mulch
-spreading grass seed and sod
-installing trees/bushes/flowers
-operating landscape equipment (mowers, line trimmers, backpack blowers, etc.)
-moving topsoil, gravel, stone
-assisting Landscape Foreman with daily tasks

Landscape Foreman
-performing all tasks listed as Landscape Laborer
-overseeing Landscape Laborers
-driving company supplied vehicles
-time management
-picking up and delivering goods

Snow Removal
-be on call, ready to preform snow/ice removal
-push snow shovel
-push snow blower
-spread ice melt (salt, calcium chloride)