10 of the Most Popular Types of Heavy Lifting Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Heavy Lifting jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Heavy Lifting Jobs

• No Degree

  Salary range: $38,000 - $53,500

  No Degree is a popular job search query. Most salaries for No Degree jobs pay between $38,000 (25th percentile) and $53,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for No Degree job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Fly In Fly Out Heavy Equipment Operator

  Salary range: $40,500 - $56,000

  Fly In Fly Out Heavy Equipment Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Fly In Fly Out Heavy Equipment Operator jobs pay between $40,500 (25th percentile) and $56,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for Fly In Fly Out Heavy Equipment Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Crane Rigger

  Salary range: $49,000 - $66,500

  A crane rigger is responsible for lifting and moving large or heavy load objects with the use of a crane. These skilled professionals are certified to safely operate this heavy machinery. In this career, you typically works on construction sites such as tall buildings, ships, bridges, and roads. Since the size of the load you are moving with the crane can be dangerous, you must comply with all safety standards as outlined in your certified training. Your job duties include operating the crane equipment and making sure the crane is assembled properly.

• 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.

• Forklift Operator

  Salary range: $34,000 - $40,000

  Forklift operators operate forklifts and other equipment to distribute, store, and move goods and cargo. This job combines operating heavy machinery while driving through tight spaces, moving freight, and making sure the whole operation is completed safely and efficiently.

• Rigger

  Salary range: $48,000 - $62,000

  A rigger uses ropes, pulleys, and other tools to move heavy objects. Riggers are especially needed in tight construction spaces where heavy machinery cannot always fit. Riggers utilize cranes to move bulky items, securing their load with heavy chains, cables, or straps to securely move items from place to place. Riggers also use a system of pulleys and chain motors to maneuver items.

• Heavy Equipment

  Salary range: $62,500 - $76,000

  Heavy equipment jobs are typically within the construction or industrial maintenance industries. The two main categories of heavy equipment jobs are heavy equipment operator and heavy equipment mechanic. As a heavy equipment operator, you are in charge of running large pieces of equipment to help build or maintain roads, bridges, large structures, and tunnels or pipelines. Your job duties may include operating bulldozers, front-end loaders, or backhoes responsibly during large projects. Heavy equipment mechanics, on the other hand, help to keep this equipment in working order for the operators by working on engines and other moving parts of the machinery.

• 10 Lb Lifting Restriction

  Salary range: $34,000 - $49,000

  10 Lb Lifting Restriction is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for 10 Lb Lifting Restriction jobs pay between $34,000 (25th percentile) and $49,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for 10 Lb Lifting Restriction job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Most Physically Demanding

  Salary range: $20,000 - $30,000

  Most Physically Demanding is a common job search query. Most salaries for Most Physically Demanding jobs pay between $20,000 (25th percentile) and $30,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Most Physically Demanding job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Crane Operator

  Salary range: $45,000 - $69,000

  A Crane Operator is a professional heavy machine operator, specializing in cranes. Cranes are a unique kind of heavy equipment that uses pulley systems to move around, raise, and lower large items, such as shipping containers and steel beams. A Crane Operator is in charge of moving these things where they need to go, safely and efficiently. The also log their work, discuss and plan with their team, and perform basic maintenance on their machine.