10 of the Most Popular Types of Operating Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Operating jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Operating Jobs

• 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.

• Power Plant Operator

  Salary range: $62,500 - $122,000

  As a power plant operator, your duties are to operate and maintain equipment that generates power and regulate these generators to control the output and storage of energy. You also manage the proper flow of electricity and voltage based on consumer demands. At a nuclear power plant, for example, you adjust control rods which generate power, and monitor the reactors, wind turbines, and cooling systems to ensure they operate within specified parameters. At a solar installation, your responsibilities are to monitor heat transfer and position and adjust solar panels or mirrors based on meteorological conditions.

• Field Operator

  Salary range: $37,000 - $52,500

  A field operator handles large machinery and operates them on site. Depending on the industry, field operators may drive cement trucks to construction sites, or operate waste trucks to load and unload at disposal sites. Their primary duties include following all company operating procedures to set up new machines and equipment, running the machinery in accordance to guidelines, and troubleshooting any problems that arise. The career requires basic mechanical aptitude and familiarity with all company safety rules and regulations.

• Island Operating

  Salary range: $32,000 - $57,500

  Island Operating is a typical job search query Most salaries for Island Operating jobs pay between $32,000 (25th percentile) and $57,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Island Operating job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Oilfield Operator

  Salary range: $36,000 - $47,000

  Oilfield Operator is a typical job search query Most salaries for Oilfield Operator jobs pay between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $47,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Oilfield Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Oil Field Heavy Equipment Operator

  Salary range: $52,000 - $72,500

  Oil Field Heavy Equipment Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Oil Field Heavy Equipment Operator jobs pay between $52,000 (25th percentile) and $72,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Oil Field 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.

• Test Operator

  Salary range: $36,500 - $45,000

  Test Operator is a typical job search query Most salaries for Test Operator jobs pay between $36,500 (25th percentile) and $45,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Test Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Machine Operator

  Salary range: $34,000 - $40,500

  Machine operators are skilled in operating machinery, often specializing in one type of machinery or industry to become an expert. Machine operators also have a general skillset, knowing how to operate a wide range of industrial machinery. Since there are numerous industries and sectors that use a multitude of machinery, there is always room to learn more.

• Oil Field

  Salary range: $40,000 - $59,500

  Oil Field is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Oil Field jobs pay between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $59,500 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Oil Field job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Berwick Pa

  Salary range: $57,000 - $82,000

  Berwick Pa is a common job search query. Most salaries for Berwick Pa jobs pay between $57,000 (25th percentile) and $82,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Berwick Pa job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.