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Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skillforce

Heavy Equipment Operator

Winchester, VA · Remote

$25 - $28/hr

As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will be responsible for operating excavators, dozers, loaders, or backhoes on active job sites and keeping the grade and dirt work moving. You will work Monday ...

Harwell & Company

Heavy Equipment Operator

Mobile, AL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator Job Summary We have an immediate opening for a Heavy Equipment Operator. Candidates should have at least one year of experience operating a variety of heavy equipment ...

Skillforce

Heavy Equipment Operator

Front Royal, VA · Remote

$25 - $28/hr

As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will be responsible for operating excavators, dozers, loaders, or backhoes on active job sites and keeping the grade and dirt work moving. You will work Monday ...

City of Tacoma

Heavy Equipment Operator

Tacoma, WA

$41.99 - $44.10/hr

Are you skilled in operating heavy equipment and passionate about making an impact in your community. The City of Tacoma is looking for dedicated and experienced professionals to join our team as a ...

AtWork

Heavy Equipment Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator Put your skills to great use with a company that can truly appreciate you and a place where you can grow! AtWork is now hiring experienced Heavy Equipment Operators in the ...

City of Tacoma, WA

Heavy Equipment Operator

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$41.99 - $44.10/hr

Are you skilled in operating heavy equipment and passionate about making an impact in your community? The City of Tacoma is looking for dedicated and experienced professionals to join our team as a ...

Kanawha Stone Company

Heavy Equipment Operator

Poca, WV · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator REPORTS TO: Superintendent JOB OVERVIEW The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment in a safe, effective and appropriate manner. Heavy equipment ...

3 Forks Services

Heavy Equipment Operator

Williston, ND · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

We are currently seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to join our growing organization. In this position, you will be responsible for operating equipment to help build roads, oil field locations ...

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How much do heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Heavy Equipment Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often complemented by specialized training or certification. Familiarity with machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and loaders, as well as safety protocols and GPS or telematics systems, is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills that set top operators apart. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and precise operation of heavy equipment, minimizing risk and maximizing productivity on job sites.

What are common challenges heavy equipment operators face on the job, and how are they addressed?

Heavy Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, operating machinery on uneven or unstable terrain, and managing tight project deadlines. Safety is a top priority, so operators must be vigilant and adhere to strict protocols to prevent accidents. Many employers provide ongoing training, regular safety briefings, and support from supervisors to help operators tackle these challenges and maintain a safe, efficient work environment.

What is the difference between Heavy Equipment Operator vs Crane Operator?

AspectHeavy Equipment OperatorCrane Operator
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) often required, OSHA safety certificationsCrane operator certification, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, roadwork, heavy machineryConstruction sites, industrial settings, operating cranes
Industry UsageConstruction, mining, infrastructure projectsConstruction, shipping yards, industrial facilities

Both Heavy Equipment Operators and Crane Operators work in construction and industrial environments, requiring safety certifications. While Heavy Equipment Operators handle various machinery like bulldozers and loaders, Crane Operators specialize in operating cranes for lifting heavy loads. Their roles often overlap in construction projects, but each requires specific skills and certifications tailored to their equipment.

Which heavy equipment operator job pays the most?

Heavy equipment operators working in specialized fields such as mining, oil and gas, or demolition tend to earn the highest wages due to the complexity and risks involved. Certifications like NCCCO and experience with advanced machinery can also lead to higher-paying opportunities, especially in remote or high-demand areas.
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What are popular job titles related to Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?

For Heavy Equipment Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

heavy equipment operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Junction City, KS • On-site

Crossland Heavy Contractors
Construction • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Crossland Heavy Contractorsexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Get to Know Us:
If you are looking for a career in construction then you've come to the right place!
Crossland Construction is a leader in the industry and we are growing-right here in the Midwest-with opportunities for hard working, dedicated men and women to join our team. Crossland works year round and offers top pay, great benefits including health and dental insurance, a 401k retirement plan, paid time off, paid education to allow you to move up, and much more! You would join a team of people with a passion for construction who love to build and who know that their hard work will pay off.
Whether you have several years of experience under your belt or you are new in the industry you can have a career at Crossland!
Crossland Benefits:
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401 (k) retirement plan with guaranteed match
  • Paid time off
  • Holiday pay
  • Paid education opportunities

Job Qualifications:
We are currently accepting applications for Heavy Equipment Operators for Junction City, KS. Candidates for Heavy Equipment Operator must have at least 3-5 years of experience on bulldozers, loaders, backhoes, excavators, scrapers and graders. Must have own transportation, be highly motivated, and willing to travel. Drug screen, physical and criminal background check are required of successful candidates.
Essential Responsibilities:
Performs any combination of the following duties on construction projects, usually working in a utility capacity and by transferring from one task to another.
Activities included but not limited to:
*Operating heavy equipment including excavators, dozers and backhoes.
*Operate routinely used tools and equipment
*Perform routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment
*Load and unload equipment from vehicles and trailers
*Complete required paperwork, forms and records as required
*Coordinate machine actions with crew members in response to hand or audio signals
*Ability to work without close supervision once directed on task
*Obeys and follows all safety rules on the job site and encourages others to do the same
*Maintains a good relationship with co-workers and works well with others to accomplish a task.
*Must have water, sewer and drain experience
Physical demands of this position include lifting up to 70 pounds occasionally; 40-50 pounds frequently and carrying same along with constant sitting, grasping and reaching, frequent climbing, walking and standing. Must be able to work year-round outdoors and travel as needed.
EOE/M/F/D/V
Equal Opportunity Employer
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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