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Third Class Operating Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI

JLL

Operating Engineer

Taylor, MI

$28.85 - $36.73/hr

The Operating Engineer supports operation, inspection and maintenance processes to mechanical, HVAC ... Third Class Refrigeration certification This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates ...

Jones Lang LaSalle IP, Inc.

Operating Engineer

Taylor, MI · On-site

$28.85 - $36.73/hr

The Operating Engineer supports operation, inspection and maintenance processes to mechanical, HVAC ... Third Class Refrigeration certification This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates ...

DTE Energy

Operating Engineer Level 4

Detroit, MI · On-site

$44.90/hr

Employees will be represented by the Operating Engineers Union, (I.U.O.E Local 324). Key ... Detroit First Class Refrigeration License * At least (5) years' experience in utility complex ...

Corewell Health

Operating Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$28.46 - $37.72/hr

... liaison, shift operator, who is responsible for operation, maintenance, installation and ... LIC- 1st class Stationary Engineer About Corewell Health As a team member at Corewell Health, you ...

DTE Energy

Operating Engineer Level 4

Detroit, MI

$44.90/hr

Employees will be represented by the Operating Engineers Union, (I.U.O.E Local 324). Key ... Detroit First Class Refrigeration License * At least (5) years' experience in utility complex ...

Spectrum Health

Operating Engineer

Dearborn, MI

$28.46 - $37.72/hr

... liaison, shift operator, who is responsible for operation, maintenance, installation and ... LIC- 1st class Stationary Engineer About Corewell Health As a team member at Corewell Health, you ...

JLL

Operating Engineer 5

Lake Orion, MI

$64K - $86K/yr

Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class ... Operating Engineer - JLL What this job involves: As an Operating Engineer specializing in hydronic ...

DTE Energy

Operating Engineer

Detroit, MI

$44.90/hr

The operator performs routine monitoring, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and ... First Class Refrigeration License * At least 5 years' experience in utility complex operations

DTE Energy

Operating Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$44.90/hr

The operator performs routine monitoring, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and ... First Class Refrigeration License * At least 5 years' experience in utility complex operations

Jones Lang LaSalle IP, Inc.

Operating Engineer 5

Lake Orion, MI · On-site

$64K - $86K/yr

Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class ... Operating Engineer - JLL What this job involves: As an Operating Engineer specializing in hydronic ...

Corewell Health

Operating Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$28.46 - $37.72/hr

... liaison, shift operator, who is responsible for operation, maintenance, installation and ... LIC- 1st class Stationary Engineer About Corewell Health As a team member at Corewell Health, you ...

Spectrum Health

Operating Engineer

Dearborn, MI

$28.46 - $37.72/hr

... liaison, shift operator, who is responsible for operation, maintenance, installation and ... LIC- 1st class Stationary Engineer About Corewell Health As a team member at Corewell Health, you ...

DTE Energy

Operating Engineer Level 4

Detroit, MI

$44.90/hr

Engineers will operate and maintain chillers, hot water generators and associated equipment which ... least a 3rd Class Steam license are required * Four years' experience in plant operations ...

DTE Energy

Operating Engineer Level 4

Detroit, MI · On-site

$44.90/hr

Engineers will operate and maintain chillers, hot water generators and associated equipment which ... least a 3rd Class Steam license are required * Four years' experience in plant operations ...

Tech Tammina

Maintenance Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

Maintenance Engineer Location: Detroit, MI Duration: 12 Months Qualifications: Mechanical ... Mandatory City of Detroit Third Class Refrigeration License or an Electrician Journeyman's status ...

Tech Tammina

Maintenance Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

Company Description Maintenance Engineer Location: Detroit, MI Duration: 12 Months Qualifications ... Mandatory City of Detroit Third Class Refrigeration License or an Electrician Journeyman's status ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsThird Class Operating Engineer JobsThird Class Operating Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI

Third Class Operating Engineer information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$35.6K

$96K

$147K

How much do third class operating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for third class operating engineer in Detroit, MI is $95,996.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,100.00 and $108,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a third class Engineer make?

A third class operating engineer typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the specific industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with certifications can earn higher wages, especially in unionized environments or with overtime opportunities.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

Third Class Operating Engineers typically earn between $4,000 and $8,000 per month, depending on experience and location. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $10,000 monthly without a degree include specialized trades like commercial pilots, real estate developers, or certain sales roles, often requiring technical skills, certifications, or extensive experience. These positions usually involve skilled labor, licensing, or entrepreneurial effort rather than formal college degrees.

What is a 3Rd class operating engineer?

A third-class operating engineer is a licensed professional responsible for operating and maintaining industrial equipment such as boilers, turbines, and HVAC systems in buildings or facilities. They typically require certification and have knowledge of safety protocols, mechanical systems, and controls to ensure efficient operation. This role often involves shift work and adherence to regulatory standards.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Senior roles requiring advanced skills, certifications, and extensive experience are typically associated with such high compensation levels.

What is the difference between Third Class Operating Engineer vs Second Class Operating Engineer?

AspectThird Class Operating EngineerSecond Class Operating Engineer
CredentialsRequires a Third Class license, often with specific experienceRequires a Second Class license, more extensive experience and testing
Work EnvironmentOperates boilers, pumps, and HVAC systems in buildings or facilitiesHandles larger or more complex systems, often in industrial or larger commercial settings
Employer & IndustryCommonly employed in commercial buildings, hospitals, and schoolsFound in industrial plants, large commercial facilities, and power plants

The main difference between a Third Class Operating Engineer and a Second Class Operating Engineer lies in their licensing requirements, scope of work, and the complexity of systems they operate. Second Class licenses permit handling larger and more complex equipment, often in industrial settings, while Third Class licenses are suitable for smaller systems in commercial buildings.

What are popular job titles related to Third Class Operating Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI? For Third Class Operating Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Third Class Operating Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Third Class Operating Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI are:
What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Third Class Operating Engineer jobs? Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Third Class Operating Engineer job openings:
Third Class Operating Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Third Class Operating Engineer job openings in Detroit, MI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,996 per year, or $46.2 per hour.
Engineer - Third Class

Engineer - Third Class

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

$29.39/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

242nd of 536 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Engineer - Third Class
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Engineer - Third Class at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
POSITION PURPOSE
To perform operation and maintenance of heating, ventilating and mechanical equipment in assigned area.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Check buildings to ensure proper temperatures are maintained. Access all public areas in buildings, including classrooms, offices, stairwells, hallways, restrooms, etc. to determine comfort level; set and/or reset thermostats as necessary; turn ventilation equipment on and off as appropriate.
Monitor all pumps, condensate tanks, valves, water heaters, reduction valves, swimming pool equipment, boilers and plumbing systems. Access equipment which may be at any height and in any location on campus; work with hand tools and at any angle. Clean all plenum chambers, fans, boiler rooms and other areas designated for heating and ventilation use.
Make running repairs on equipment as necessary. Replace stems and seats on all valves and traps up to one inch in size; control flow by opening and closing gate, globe and/or butterfly valves.
Clean and change air filters. Access filter chambers which may be located at any height and angle with cumbersome boxes containing replacement filters; adjust and replace belts on equipment. Respond to calls for service.
All Operating Engineers are considered to be "Essential Personnel," and are required to report during a university emergency closure period.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school graduate or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Training in Stationary Engineer Trade School or recognized apprentice program.
Possession of Third Class Steam Engineer's license from the City of Detroit.
Some related experience in pipefitting and general maintenance.
Refrigeration experience preferred.
Ability to access equipment which may be at any height and angle from below ground level to several stories high.
Ability to work in varying environmental and possible hazardous working condition utilizing appropriate safety precautions.
Must obtain security clearance.
School/College/Division:
H42 - Facilities Plan & Manage
Primary department:
H4241 - Facilities Operations Zone 1
Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Staff/Administrative
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Hourly Wage
  • Hourly rate: $29.39
  • Salary minimum: N/A
  • Salary hire maximum: N/A
Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 2
  • Reposted position: Yes
  • Reposted reason: Supercedes Previous Requisition
  • Prior posting/requisition number: Req751
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.
Equal employment opportunity statement:
Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, familial status, marital status, height, weight, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The university welcomes applications from persons with disabilities and veterans. Wayne State is an equal opportunity employer.

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