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Union Operator Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

F.H. Paschen

Union Operating Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

H. Paschen is regularly looking for Union Laborers. Operating Engineers use different types of heavy equipment at construction sites. F.H. Paschen is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate ...

Eaton Steel Corporation

Machine Operator

Oak Park, MI · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Permanent Union/Non-Union Union Position Summary Machine operators prepare the machine for each production order. These activities include verifying setup before processing material, verifying ...

Toebe Construction

Equipment Operator

Wixom, MI · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

We take pride in being a union-based heavy civil contractor that self-performs a wide range of work, partnering with local trade unions to employLaborers, Carpenters, Equipment Operators, Cement ...

Toebe Construction

Equipment Operator

Wixom, MI · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

We take pride in being a union-based heavy civil contractor that self-performs a wide range of work, partnering with local trade unions to employ Laborers, Carpenters, Equipment Operators, Cement ...

DSP Constructors

Operator

Novi, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

We are seeking an Operator to join our team! At DSP, we're a vibrant community of people who place ... DSP is a Union Contractor DSP is an Equal Opportunity Employer

DSP Constructors

Operator

Novi, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

We are seeking an Operator to join our team! At DSP, were a vibrant community of people who place ... DSP is a Union Contractor DSP is an Equal Opportunity Employer

CA Hull

Heavy Equipment Operator

Commerce, MI · On-site

C.A. Hull is proud to be a union-based heavy highway contractor employing a variety of skilled ... Operating various pieces of heavy equipment such as excavators, and loaders. * Loading and ...

CA Hull

Heavy Equipment Operator

Walled Lake, MI · On-site

C.A. Hull is proud to be a union-based heavy highway contractor employing a variety of skilled ... Operating various pieces of heavy equipment such as excavators, and loaders. * Loading and ...

Ferndale Pharma Group

Packaging Operator

Ferndale, MI · On-site

$20/hr

The starting wage is $20.00/hour with scheduled increases per the union contract. Schedule is ... Responsibilities may include: set-up, change-over and operating label and packaging equipment. Job ...

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All JobsUnion Operator JobsUnion Operator Jobs in Detroit, MI

Union Operator information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$10

$18

$27

How much do union operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for union operator in Detroit, MI is $18.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges union operators face on the job site, and how can they prepare for them?

Union Operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing project demands, working in various weather conditions, and coordinating with multiple trades on busy job sites. To prepare, it's important to stay up-to-date with safety protocols, maintain strong communication with supervisors and team members, and continually refresh equipment operation skills through union training programs. Being adaptable and proactive in addressing potential issues can help Union Operators excel and contribute effectively to their team.

What is a union operator?

Union Operators are skilled workers who operate heavy machinery and equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, or forklifts, typically as members of a labor union. They are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of this equipment on construction sites, in warehouses, or in industrial settings. Being part of a union means that these operators have specific protections, benefits, and negotiated wages. Union Operators often must complete specialized training and certification to ensure they meet safety standards and operational requirements.

What is the difference between Union Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectUnion OperatorMachine Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, union certificationHigh school diploma, technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, manufacturing plants, industrial settingsFactories, manufacturing plants, industrial facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUnionized construction and industrial companiesManufacturing and production industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Union Operator and Machine Operator roles share similarities in industrial settings, requiring safety training and technical skills. However, Union Operators are typically part of unionized construction or industrial teams, focusing on heavy equipment and site operations, while Machine Operators work mainly in manufacturing environments operating specific machinery. Both roles are essential in their industries and often compared by job seekers seeking similar industrial or manufacturing careers.

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

To thrive as a Union Operator, you need a strong background in operating heavy machinery, understanding safety protocols, and relevant union apprenticeship training or certification. Familiarity with equipment such as cranes, bulldozers, and excavators, as well as knowledge of OSHA regulations and computerized control systems, is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating with crew members and maintaining a safe work environment. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure efficient, safe operations and compliance with industry standards on construction or industrial sites.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Detroit, MI? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Detroit, MI are:
What are popular job titles related to Union Operator jobs in Detroit, MI? For Union Operator jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Union Operator jobs in Detroit, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Union Operator jobs in Detroit, MI are:
What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Union Operator jobs? Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Union Operator job openings:
Union Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Operator job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,386 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Union Operating Engineer

F.H. Paschen

Detroit, MI • On-site

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

F.H. Paschen has over 115 years of experience in the construction industry. You've driven on highways we paved, you've travelled through airports we modernized, you've commuted through rail stations we constructed, and your children learn in schools we built. But we are MORE than that. We offer MORE Versatility-as we work in any industry, offering any delivery method and service. We operate with MORE Tenacity-as we maneuver through tight schedules, spaces, and budgets. We provide MORE Ingenuity-by creating solutions to solve your greatest challenges. And we perform with MORE Pride-in focusing on safety and quality, and in offering more opportunities for our communities and diverse populations to build with us. We deliver far more than just on time and on budget-we deliver with MORE Paschen.

F.H. Paschen is regularly looking for Union Laborers.

Operating Engineers use different types of heavy equipment at construction sites. 

F.H. Paschen is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

If you require an accommodation in order to complete this application, please contact Tracy Tesnow at 773-444-3474.

F.H. Paschen logo

About F.H. Paschen

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Come build with us – at F.H. Paschen we foster a collaborative environment in the office and in the field. Whether your passion is in project management, operations, design-build, or the trades – F.H. Paschen will support you in discovering your career. We provide our employees with the tools, mentoring, and projects needed to make sure they are developing their own unique set of skills and abilities. Working at F.H. Paschen means you will be able to grow professionally, transform communities with our work, and enjoy rewarding challenges.

Industry

Construction

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1975

Social media

Facebook

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