10 of the Most Popular Types of Operator Jobs in 2026

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

Top Types Of Operator Jobs

• Skid Steer Operator

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

  A skid steer is a smaller, engine-powered loader, usually used to assist with construction projects. As a skid steer operator, your exact duties may vary according to the project at hand, but include digging holes, moving large objects around a construction site, digging trenches, moving dirt or earth, assisting with laying pavement, and plowing snow. Skid steer operator jobs can be either normal employment or contract positions and can range from full-time to part-time. As a skid steer operator, you need a general knowledge of common tasks and responsibilities at construction sites, an understanding of proper construction safety procedures, and several hours of experience working with a skid steer.

• 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.

• Entry Level Lease Operator

  Salary range: $53,000 - $70,000

  Entry Level Lease Operator is a typical job search query Most salaries for Entry Level Lease Operator jobs pay between $53,000 (25th percentile) and $70,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Entry Level Lease 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.

• 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.

• Lease Operator

  Salary range: $53,000 - $70,000

  As a lease operator in the oil and gas industry, your primary duties are to monitor how much oil or gas is being extracted from a well or oilfield and keep your supervisors updated on the progress of extraction. Your other responsibilities include routine maintenance and inspection of extraction equipment and operations, and to ensure that the site complies with all regulatory rules and laws. There may be significant travel for the job as oil and gas operations are typically spread over vast distances and include pipelines that may stretch hundreds of miles. It is your job to ensure that all areas are operating smoothly.

• No Experience Excavator Operator

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

  No Experience Excavator Operator is a typical job search query Most salaries for No Experience Excavator Operator jobs pay between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $59,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for No Experience Excavator Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• No Experience Operator

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

  No Experience Operator is a typical job search query Most salaries for No Experience Operator jobs pay between $35,000 (25th percentile) and $46,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for No Experience Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Operador De Equipo Pesado

  Salary range: $43,500 - $70,000

  Operador De Equipo Pesado is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Operador De Equipo Pesado jobs pay between $43,500 (25th percentile) and $70,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Operador De Equipo Pesado job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Entry Level Machine Operator

  Salary range: $32,500 - $39,500

  Entry Level Machine Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Entry Level Machine Operator jobs pay between $32,500 (25th percentile) and $39,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Entry Level Machine Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.