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Union Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Schnabel

Equipment Operator

Cary, IL · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

ROLE: Schnabel is seeking an Equipment Operator to assist with the building of specialty ... Pay Ranges $35.00 - $50.00+ per hour Schnabel is a union contractor and as such, your benefits are ...

Trees, LLC

Equipment Operator - NON-UNION

Goldsboro, NC · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

" Equipment Operator This position operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lines. Pay : Competitive, Hourly Benefits: * Benefits Available and ...

Trees, LLC

Equipment Operator - NON-UNION

Raeford, NC

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

" Equipment Operator This position operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lines. Pay : Competitive, Hourly Benefits: * Benefits Available and ...

Trees, LLC

Equipment Operator - NON-UNION

Asheboro, NC · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

" Equipment Operator This position operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lines. Pay : Competitive, Hourly Benefits: * Benefits Available and ...

Trees, LLC

Equipment Operator - NON-UNION

Sanford, NC

$16.75 - $22.75/hr

" Equipment Operator This position operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lines. Pay : Competitive, Hourly Benefits: * Benefits Available and ...

KGM Contractors Inc

Equipment Operator

MN · On-site

$19 - $26.25/hr

UNION SCALE to / Hourly overtime Available Willing to Travel Must be Authorized to Work in the US ... This equipment provides each individual operator the capability of meticulous work accuracy within ...

Trees, LLC

Equipment Operator - NON-UNION

Raleigh, NC

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

" Equipment Operator This position operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lines. Pay : Competitive, Hourly Benefits: * Benefits Available and ...

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All JobsUnion Equipment Operator Jobs

Union Equipment Operator information

See salary details

$13

$22

$31

How much do union equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for union equipment operator in the United States is $22.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Union Equipment Operator vs Non-Union Equipment Operator?

AspectUnion Equipment OperatorNon-Union Equipment Operator
CredentialsTypically requires union certifications and training programsMay require similar certifications but often less formal or union-based
Work EnvironmentWorks on unionized job sites with collective bargaining agreementsWorks on non-union sites, possibly with different work conditions
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by unionized construction or industrial companiesEmployed by private companies or contractors without union affiliation

Union Equipment Operators are part of organized labor with union certifications and benefits, working on unionized sites. Non-Union Equipment Operators may have similar skills but work in non-union environments with different employment terms. The choice often depends on the employer and project type.

What union is for equipment operators?

The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) is the primary union representing equipment operators. It offers training, certifications, and collective bargaining for workers in construction, maintenance, and industrial sectors involving heavy equipment operation.

What is the highest paying union job?

Union equipment operators, especially those working in specialized sectors like oil and gas or heavy construction, tend to have the highest salaries among union jobs. Experienced operators with certifications and skills in operating large machinery can earn higher wages, often supplemented by overtime and benefits. Salary levels vary by industry, location, and experience, but union roles generally offer competitive pay and strong benefits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Union Equipment Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Union Equipment Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy machinery operation, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent along with union membership. Familiarity with equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, and cranes, as well as certifications like OSHA safety training, are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring safe, efficient, and coordinated operations on construction sites.

What are Union Equipment Operators?

Union Equipment Operators are skilled workers who operate heavy machinery such as bulldozers, cranes, excavators, and forklifts at construction sites or industrial facilities. They are members of a labor union, which helps negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions on their behalf. Their responsibilities include safely handling equipment, performing routine maintenance, and following safety regulations. Union Equipment Operators often receive specialized training and certifications, ensuring a high level of expertise and safety on the job.

Is being a union operator worth it?

Being a union equipment operator can offer higher wages, better benefits, and job security due to union representation. However, it may also involve mandatory union dues, strict work rules, and a need for certifications or training. Overall, many find union status advantageous for long-term stability and improved working conditions.

What is the highest paid equipment operator?

The highest paid equipment operators are often those who operate specialized machinery such as crane, bulldozer, or excavator operators with extensive experience and certifications. In general, crane operators tend to earn the highest wages among equipment operators, especially when working on large-scale projects or in high-demand industries. Salaries can vary based on location, industry, and level of expertise.

What are some typical challenges Union Equipment Operators face on a job site, and how are they addressed?

Union Equipment Operators often face challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or hazardous spaces, and coordinating with multiple crews on site. Safety is a top priority, so operators must remain vigilant about protocols and communicate closely with supervisors and other team members. Ongoing training provided by the union helps operators stay current with equipment technology and safety practices, ensuring they can handle these challenges effectively while maintaining productivity and safety standards.
More about Union Equipment Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Union Equipment Operator jobs? Cities with the most Union Equipment Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Equipment Operator jobs? The most popular types of Equipment Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Union Equipment Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Union Equipment Operator jobs include:
Union Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 23% Full Time, 64% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,279 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
Equipment Operator - NON-UNION

Equipment Operator - NON-UNION

Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC

Cabool, MO • On-site

$16.75 - $22.75/hr

Full-time

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

Asplundh Tree Expert rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 238 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 18 rated forestry and logging companies

Job description

"

Equipment Operator 

This position operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lines.

Pay: Competitive, Hourly

Benefits:

  • Benefits Available and Vary per position and location

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

  • Plans, assigns, directs, checks, and coordinates work.
  • Operates and services equipment such as gasoline, hydraulic tools, power saws, power winches, mower deck, weed whacker, chipper, and sprayers.
  • Cleans up and disposes of all debris.
  • Uses hand-tools, such as axes, hand-lines, saws, block and tackle, pruners and other equipment as required.
  • Sprays brush and stumps, making proper and selective application of herbicides.
  • Responsible for quality and quantity of production.
  • Performs all aspects of labor as necessary to keep crew operation flowing.
  • Ensures the overall safety, quality and production requirements of the crew are met.
  • Obtains written or oral permission from property owners to trim or remove trees or perform other work on property.
  • Arranges with customer or property owner to obtain access, advises of interruption, explains work to be done, etc.
  • Promotes and maintains good customer and public relations through the effective accomplishment of assigned work and the appropriate behavior of employees on the crew.
  • Safeguards employees and the public from hazards in and around work area.
  • Sets up barriers, warning signs, flags, markers, etc. to protect employees and public.
  • Trains new personnel.
  • Keeps informed on new equipment, specifications, standard practices, operating procedures, and customer and company employee relations policies and practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Possesses working knowledge and be able to identify tree and shrub species.
  • Familiar with electrical hazards.

Education & Experience

  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

Pre-Screen

  • Upon offer, employees may be required to complete and pass a pre-employment drug screen, background, and/or MVR check.

License & Certifications:

  • Driver License Required.

Travel Requirements:

  • Must have transportation to and from the show up location.

Physical Requirements:

  • RARE (less than 10%): sitting, kneeling, crawling, color vision, climbing stairs.
  • OCCASIONAL (up to 33%): stooping, squatting, climbing on/off truck, reading, pushing, climbing ladders, lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • FREQUENT (up to 66%): walking, body twisting, manual dexterity, speaking clearly, hearing-speech range, lifting, carrying, pulling, balancing, lifting up to 10 lbs.
  • CONTINUOUS (up to 100%): standing, sense of touch, seeing distant, climbing, gripping, lifting over 10 lbs. to 50 lbs., seeing, reaching, range of motion, depth perception.

 Individuals with a disability who desire a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 1-833-222-3066. We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e-Verify all newly hired employees.

"

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