The primary qualifications you need to become an entry-level heavy equipment operator are a high school diploma and GED certificate. Depending on the type of machinery, additional licensure or certification may be required. Some employers prefer applicants who have on-site experience with building construction, machinery maintenance, or safety regulations. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of an entry-level heavy equipment operator requires communication skills and the ability to operate equipment in a variety of weather conditions.

If you are interested in a job related to Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Remote Heavy Equipment Operator
Salary range: $40,500 - $56,000
Remote Heavy Equipment Operator is a typical job search query Most salaries for Remote Heavy Equipment Operator jobs pay between $40,500 (25th percentile) and $56,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Remote Heavy Equipment Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Heavy Equipment Inspector
Salary range: $56,500 - $57,000
Heavy Equipment Inspector is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Heavy Equipment Inspector jobs pay between $56,500 (25th percentile) and $57,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Heavy Equipment Inspector job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Gangway Operator
Salary range: $35,000 - $46,000
Gangway Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Gangway Operator jobs pay between $35,000 (25th percentile) and $46,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Gangway Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Remote Excavator Operator
Salary range: $45,000 - $59,500
Remote Excavator Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Remote Excavator Operator jobs pay between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $59,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Remote Excavator Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Earthmoving Operator
Salary range: $37,000 - $52,500
Earthmoving Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Earthmoving Operator jobs pay between $37,000 (25th percentile) and $52,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Earthmoving Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Contract Excavator Owner Operator
Salary range: $45,000 - $59,500
Contract Excavator Owner Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Contract Excavator Owner Operator jobs pay between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $59,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Contract Excavator Owner Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Salary range: $40,500 - $56,000
Heavy Equipment Operator jobs require the safe and proper use of various types of heavy machinery in a large construction or demolition environment. The tasks of a Heavy Equipment Operator vary depending on the type of job and machinery. Examples of heavy equipment include bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and backhoes. Heavy equipment operators most commonly work in construction, oil and gas pipelines, and logging.
Remote Pipeline Operator
Salary range: $43,500 - $59,000
Remote Pipeline Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Remote Pipeline Operator jobs pay between $43,500 (25th percentile) and $59,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Remote Pipeline Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Remote Heavy Equipment
Salary range: $62,500 - $76,000
Remote Heavy Equipment is a typical job search query Most salaries for Remote Heavy Equipment jobs pay between $62,500 (25th percentile) and $76,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Remote Heavy Equipment job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Heavy Equipment Broker
Salary range: $62,500 - $76,000
Heavy Equipment Broker is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Heavy Equipment Broker jobs pay between $62,500 (25th percentile) and $76,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Heavy Equipment Broker job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

All Jobs Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in 2026