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Vactor Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Vactor Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$20

$28

How much do vactor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for vactor operator in Michigan is $20.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $22.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Vactor Operators?

Vactor Operators are skilled professionals responsible for operating specialized vacuum trucks, commonly known as Vactor trucks, to clean and maintain sewer lines, storm drains, and catch basins. Their primary duties include removing debris, blockages, and waste materials using high-pressure water and vacuum systems. Vactor Operators play a crucial role in ensuring proper sanitation, preventing flooding, and maintaining the efficient operation of municipal wastewater and drainage systems. They must follow safety protocols and often work in various weather conditions and confined spaces.

What is the difference between Vactor Operator vs Sewer Cleaner?

AspectVactor OperatorSewer Cleaner
CredentialsDriver's license, CDL often preferredDriver's license, CDL may be required
Work EnvironmentOperate Vactor trucks for sewer and stormwater systemsClean and maintain sewer lines, often using similar equipment
Industry UsageCommonly used in municipal and industrial settingsPrimarily in municipal sewer maintenance
Job FunctionsVacuum and hydro-jet sewer lines, storm drainsClean, inspect, and repair sewer lines

Both Vactor Operators and Sewer Cleaners work in sewer maintenance, often using similar equipment. Vactor Operators typically operate specialized vacuum trucks for a variety of stormwater and sewer tasks, while Sewer Cleaners focus more on cleaning and inspecting sewer lines. The roles overlap in skills and environment but differ slightly in scope and specific duties.

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

To thrive as a Vactor Operator, you need a solid understanding of sewer and storm drain systems, a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), and experience with heavy equipment operation. Familiarity with Vactor trucks, vacuum excavation tools, and safety protocols is essential, and some employers may require certifications such as OSHA or confined space entry. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team are key soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operations and effective maintenance of municipal infrastructure.

What are some common challenges faced by Vactor Operators on the job, and how can they be managed?

Vactor Operators often encounter challenges such as working in confined or hazardous environments, dealing with unpredictable weather, and handling heavy equipment safely. Managing these challenges involves adhering strictly to safety protocols, maintaining clear communication with team members, and regularly inspecting and maintaining equipment. Additionally, operators must be adaptable and proactive in troubleshooting unexpected issues, such as equipment blockages or difficult-to-access work sites. Employers typically provide training and personal protective equipment to help operators manage these challenges effectively.
What are popular job titles related to Vactor Operator jobs in Michigan? For Vactor Operator jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Vactor Operator jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Vactor Operator jobs in Michigan are:
Vactor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vactor Operator job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $42,446 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Field Service Tech

Field Service Tech

Liquid Environmental Solutions

Wyoming, MI • On-site

$32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Liquid Environmental Solutions rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 88 rated recycling and waste

Job description

FIELD SERVICE TECHNICIAN
Company: Liquid Environmental Solutions - Dover Environmental Division
Location: Wyoming, MIPosition Type: Full-Time
Schedule: 5am to 5pm availability required. Start and end times vary daily; must be available for extended shifts, overtime, on-call rotation, and occasional night work as needed
Compensation: Starting at $32/hr
POSITION SUMMARY
The Field Service Technician is a key member of LES's Dover Environmental Division, responsible for safely operating vacuum equipment-including Vactor, Hydro-Vac, and pump/vac trucks-to perform environmental services for commercial, municipal, and industrial customers. This role supports a wide range of field operations including stormwater system cleaning, catch basin maintenance, oil/water separator (OWS) service, hydro-excavation, emergency response, and other environmental or industrial cleaning tasks.
The position requires a CDL-A, strong work ethic, the ability to work long hours, and comfort with physically demanding tasks in a fast-paced environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Safely operate Vactor, Hydro-Vac, and pump/vac trucks for environmental, industrial, and stormwater service work.
  • Perform tasks such as:
  • GREASE INTERCEPTOR MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTIONS
  • Storm water/catch basin and MS4 system cleaning
  • Oil/water separator (OWS) maintenance
  • Lift station cleaning
  • Emergency response vacuum operations
  • Conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections; maintain trucks and equipment in clean, proper working order.
  • Work independently and as part of a crew, overseeing laborers when assigned.
  • Safely enter and work in confined spaces (with proper certification or willingness to obtain).
  • Communicate professionally with dispatch, supervisors, co-workers, and customers.
  • Follow all LES safety standards, including PPE requirements, environmental compliance guidelines, and job-specific procedures.
  • Use tablet- or phone-based technology for routing, documentation, communication, and service reporting.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • CDL-A (tanker and air brake endorsements preferred).
  • Experience operating vacuum trucks and pump/vac equipment (preferred).
  • Experience with Hydro-Vac/Vactor trucks (preferred).
  • Ability to work long, variable hours with changing start and end times.
  • Ability to lift 75+ lbs., climb in and out of trucks, and work in all weather conditions.
  • Willingness to participate in on-call rotation and emergency response work.
  • Confined space certification or willingness to complete LES-provided confined space training.
  • Strong time-management skills and ability to work independently.
  • Comfortable using mobile devices, apps, and digital tools for work-related tasks.
  • Excellent safety record and commitment to following LES safety procedures.
  • Dependable with a strong attendance record.
  • Must be drug-free and able to meet all DOT/FMCSA requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Prior experience in environmental services, industrial cleaning, or stormwater system maintenance.
  • Previous confined space entry experience and/or certification.
  • Prior experience supporting tanker routes, OWS work, ER vacuum response, or catch basin programs.
  • Experience working both independently and as part of multi-person field crews.

BENEFITS
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Retirement plan options
  • Company-provided safety and technical training
  • Opportunities for cross-training and career advancement within LES and the Dover Environmental Division

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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