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.

• 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.

• Production Operator

  Salary range: $33,500 - $40,500

  As a production operator, your main responsibilities are to work on an assembly line and to maintain the machine that performs a specialized task at your workstation. Your job duties involve working with metal, plastic, or other consumer goods materials. You need a solid understanding of industry standards and safety protocols, and the patience to perform repetitive tasks throughout your shifts. One of the qualifications for a career as a production operator is a high school diploma or GED certificate. Your employer will provide on-the-job training. Detail-oriented skills are essential for production operator jobs.

• Online Operator

  Salary range: $35,000 - $46,000

  Online Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Online Operator jobs pay between $35,000 (25th percentile) and $46,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Online 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Local 49

  Salary range: $32,000 - $41,000

  Local 49 is a common job search query. Most salaries for Local 49 jobs pay between $32,000 (25th percentile) and $41,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Local 49 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

  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.