8 of the Most Popular Types of Operator Engineer Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Operator Engineer jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Operator Engineer Jobs

• Excavator Operator

  Salary range: $45,000 - $59,500

  As an excavator operator, you control the heavy equipment that moves dirt, sand, and other materials on construction sites. In addition to operating the excavator machine, your job duties are to perform routine maintenance on your excavator and coordinate with your supervisor for major repairs. Since your heavy machinery will move earth, rubble, and debris around the construction sites at your jobs, you need to communicate with the site supervisor and other construction workers to ensure everyone’s safety while you’re operating the excavator.

• International Operating Engineer Union

  Salary range: $67,000 - $106,500

  International Operating Engineer Union is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for International Operating Engineer Union jobs pay between $67,000 (25th percentile) and $106,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for International Operating Engineer Union 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.

• Engineering

  Salary range: $116,500 - $173,000

  Engineering jobs encompass a range of positions in a variety of technical fields, including mechanical, chemical, electrical, aeronautic, and civil engineering. Some engineering jobs are in research and design, while others focus on the construction and manufacturing industry. In this career, you need a mix of design, project management, and research skills. You can work in numerous industries, including construction, manufacturing, agriculture, medical, aviation, and natural resource extraction. Some jobs are based primarily in an office or lab setting, while others require you to travel to field sites to make surveys and assessments.

• Heavy Equipment Operator Union

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

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

• Ingeniero

  Salary range: $104,000 - $134,500

  Ingeniero is a common job search query. Most salaries for Ingeniero jobs pay between $104,000 (25th percentile) and $134,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Ingeniero job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• 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.

• Iuoe

  Salary range: $31,500 - $64,000

  Iuoe is a common job search query. Most salaries for Iuoe jobs pay between $31,500 (25th percentile) and $64,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for Iuoe job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.