How to hire a heavy equipment operator

How to hire a heavy equipment operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step heavy equipment operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a heavy equipment operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new heavy equipment operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a heavy equipment operator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your heavy equipment operator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a heavy equipment operator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A heavy equipment operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, heavy equipment operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of heavy equipment operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Heavy Equipment Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Heavy Equipment Operator	Construction equipment operators drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures.	$12-27
   Crew Foreman	A crew foreman coordinates the daily activities in a construction site to ensure that operations adhere to deadlines, budgets, and quality standards. They serve as the point of contact for supervisors, clients, and construction workers... Show more	$19-30
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Loaders
   • Backhoe
   • CDL
   • Asphalt
   • Safety Regulations
   • Dump Truck
   • Load Trucks
   • Front End Loader
   • End Loaders
   • OSHA
   • Preventative Maintenance
   • Safety Standards
   • Bull Dozer
   • Equipment Operation

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage and cross-train subordinates in several job-relate tasks while promoting leadership.
   • Operate trucks and equipment such as backhoe, dump trucks, front-end loader, hydraulic excavator, skid steers and bulldozers.
   • Operate heavy equipment including, but limit to, backhoe, excavators, bobcats, forklifts, trucks and wheel loaders.
   • Operate equipment used for construction purposes such as tankers, cranes, bulldozers, loaders, compost mixers and excavators.
   • Put down mulch cut grass, plant and dig up.
   • Work with asphalt, cut down trees, and dig trenches.

   More heavy equipment operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the heavy equipment operator job description is a good way to get more applicants. A heavy equipment operator salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a heavy equipment operator in Florida may be lower than in New Jersey, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level heavy equipment operator. Additionally, a heavy equipment operator with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average heavy equipment operator salary

   $39,822yearly

   $19.15 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level heavy equipment operator salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 16, 2026

   Average heavy equipment operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	New Jersey	$65,145	$31
   2	Massachusetts	$54,745	$26
   3	Nevada	$51,751	$25
   4	Oregon	$50,979	$25
   5	Minnesota	$50,177	$24
   6	Wisconsin	$49,507	$24
   7	New York	$49,490	$24
   8	Mississippi	$46,438	$22
   9	Montana	$44,982	$22
   10	Colorado	$43,622	$21
   11	Indiana	$41,942	$20
   12	Ohio	$41,534	$20
   13	Utah	$41,216	$20
   14	Virginia	$40,519	$19
   15	Michigan	$39,417	$19
   16	Missouri	$39,382	$19
   17	Arizona	$38,427	$18
   18	Iowa	$38,231	$18
   19	West Virginia	$35,912	$17
   20	Texas	$34,708	$17

   Average heavy equipment operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Moody's	$64,066	$30.80
   2	Jacobs Engineering Group	$61,498	$29.57
   3	Newpark	$61,298	$29.47
   4	Schlumberger	$56,553	$27.19	7
   5	Mt. San Antonio College	$55,647	$26.75
   6	Coterra Energy	$54,752	$26.32	6
   7	Fluor Corporation	$54,025	$25.97	21
   8	Turner Construction	$53,977	$25.95	56
   9	Clean Harbors	$53,442	$25.69	122
   10	Black & Veatch	$52,674	$25.32	36
   11	MDU Resources	$52,129	$25.06	6
   12	Nabholz	$52,110	$25.05	3
   13	AECOM	$51,937	$24.97	5
   14	Mortenson	$50,924	$24.48	29
   15	Schnitzer Steel	$50,760	$24.40
   16	Wanzek Construction	$50,685	$24.37	1
   17	Kemp Technologies	$50,641	$24.35	29
   18	Republic Services	$50,513	$24.29	160
   19	Owens Corning	$50,432	$24.25	5
   20	Emory University	$50,306	$24.19	1

4. Writing a heavy equipment operator job description

   A heavy equipment operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a heavy equipment operator job description:

   Heavy equipment operator job description example

   Currently offering a $2500 sign on bonus and relocation fees!!
   
   About You
   You enjoy working with your hands and you don't mind doing the dirty work. You thrive in an ever-changing work environment where every day is different.
   
   Position SnapshotHeavy Equipment Operator candidates will have 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment safely, productively, and efficiently. This job could require pushing, compacting, grading, excavating, loading, or hauling waste or soil and could require working alone or teaming up with other heavy equipment operators.
   
   Essential Functions:
   The following duties are representative of those that Heavy Equipment Operators may be expected to perform. The actual duties required of this position will vary.
   Prioritize safety for themselves, coworkers, and all individuals on the jobsite.Pushing, compacting, grading, excavating, loading, or onsite hauling of waste and soil.Follow site grading and operations plans, read grade stakes, and operate in a medium to fine grade environment.Operate equipment including but not limited to, Excavators, Bulldozers, Loaders, and Backhoes for up to 10+ hours per day.Work independently or with other Heavy Equipment OperatorsQuickly and professionally adapt to shifting priorities, client requests, and business needs.
   
   Job Requirements
   Due to federal safety regulations, candidates must be at least 21 years of age. Receive and maintain OSHA 40HR HAZWOPER (prior to or upon hiring). Candidate must pass a pre-employment and annual physicals as required with US Ecology's Medical Surveillance Program, including but not limited to a DOT Physical. The candidate must successfully pass a pre-employment background check, drug, and alcohol screen, and driving record check. Regularly requires intermittent sitting, standing, walking, running, climbing, squatting, and kneeling. Physical strength and dexterity sufficient to perform the required task. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds or more with assistance.3+ years of related experience preferred (trenching, finish grade, digging around utilities, etc.)
   
   Work Environment
   Frequent travel, including extended out of town travel.Frequent work outside and in inclement weather conditions is required, including heat, cold, and humidity.May work in environments that contain fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration.Must be willing and able to wear Personal Protective Equipment as required by established Company Safety standards, including the occasional use of a respirator
   
   For your hard work
   Opportunity for professional growth Employer paid certifications and training Option for 100% employer paid Medically, Dental and Vision.401k with company match Paid Time OffCash Recognition ProgramsFind out more at www.usecology.com
   
   US Ecology is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status, among other factors.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find heavy equipment operators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your heavy equipment operator job on Zippia to find and attract quality heavy equipment operator candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as constructionjobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with heavy equipment operator candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new heavy equipment operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the heavy equipment operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new heavy equipment operator. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a heavy equipment operator?