The qualifications that you need to get a grading job include the skills to operate heavy machinery and knowledge of construction safety practices. Since your responsibilities involve working at construction sites, you spend almost all your workday outside. You need the physical stamina to withstand less than ideal weather conditions. Heavy equipment operators may need to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and complete some training with the grading equipment that they use. Some employers hire general laborers and provide on-the-job training in the use of machinery that does not require a specific license. Grading supervisors and foremen typically have years of experience in the construction industry.

If you are interested in a job related to Grading, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Grading Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Grading positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Laser Grading
Salary range: $64,500 - $161,500
Laser Grading is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Laser Grading jobs pay between $64,500 (25th percentile) and $161,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Laser Grading job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
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.
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.
Mass Excavation
Salary range: $37,000 - $57,500
Mass Excavation is a typical job search query Most salaries for Mass Excavation jobs pay between $37,000 (25th percentile) and $57,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Mass Excavation job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator
Salary range: $40,500 - $56,000
The job of an entry-level heavy equipment operator is to operate and perform maintenance on machinery used in building construction, like excavators, haul trucks, or snowcats. Someone in this role should follow all safety regulations on a construction site. An entry-level heavy equipment operator often works under direct supervision, although they may take on small building projects as they gain experience and demonstrate skills. Qualifications include a high school diploma and on-the-job training, although additional licensure or certification may be required for certain types of machinery.
Dirt Grading Foreman
Salary range: $62,500 - $76,000
Dirt Grading Foreman is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Dirt Grading Foreman jobs pay between $62,500 (25th percentile) and $76,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Dirt Grading Foreman job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Full Time International Heavy Equipment Operator
Salary range: $40,500 - $56,000
Full Time International Heavy Equipment Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Full Time International Heavy Equipment Operator jobs pay between $40,500 (25th percentile) and $56,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Full Time International Heavy Equipment Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Jackhammer Operator
Salary range: $35,500 - $47,500
Jackhammer Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Jackhammer Operator jobs pay between $35,500 (25th percentile) and $47,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Jackhammer Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Excavator Operator Mining
Salary range: $45,000 - $59,500
Excavator Operator Mining is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Excavator Operator Mining jobs pay between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $59,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Excavator Operator Mining job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Full Time Bulldozer Operator
Salary range: $36,500 - $56,000
Full Time Bulldozer Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Full Time Bulldozer Operator jobs pay between $36,500 (25th percentile) and $56,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Full Time Bulldozer Operator 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 Grading Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Grading Jobs in 2026