Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Illinois

A Heavy Equipment Operator in the construction industry operates large machinery, such as bulldozers, excavators, and cranes, which are utilized for construction projects. Their key responsibilities include maneuvering heavy equipment safely and efficiently, performing basic maintenance checks, and ensuring the machinery is in good working order. They are essential to the construction process as they clear and grade land, excavate earth, lift heavy materials, and perform other tasks that require specialized equipment. They also should have a thorough understanding of safety protocols and procedures to prevent accidents on the job site.

Potential Heavy Equipment Operators should possess excellent hand-eye coordination, physical stamina, technical skills, and mechanical knowledge. They should also understand how to read blueprints and topographic maps. It's crucial for them to have certification from a recognized heavy equipment operator training school, and some states may require a commercial driver's license (CDL). Before becoming a Heavy Equipment Operator, a person may have roles such as a Construction Laborer, Forklift Operator, or Truck Driver. These positions can provide valuable experience in the construction industry, and help individuals gain familiarity with different types of machinery.

1-15 of 91 Jobs

Agricultural Equipment Operator

  • Pembroke Township, IL
  • 9 hours ago
  • Pembroke Township, IL
  • 9 hours ago

This job was posted by : For more information, please see: DISCLAIMER: THIS JOB POSTING IS INTENDED ONLY FOR U.S. WORKERS LEGALLY AUTHORIZED TO WORK IN THE UNITED STATES. WE DO NOT SPONSOR VISAS...

Equipment Operator II Streets Division (Union - AFSCME)

  • Evanston, IL
  • 9 hours ago
  • Evanston, IL
  • 9 hours ago

Operates a dump truck or other equipment to plow snow and spread salt and other deicing materials....

Equipment Operator II (Recycling and Environmental) Union AFSCME

  • Evanston, IL
  • 9 hours ago
  • Evanston, IL
  • 9 hours ago

Equipment operated includes sanitation trucks, front end loaders, skid steers, dump trucks and other similar medium-heavy equipment....

Loader Operator

  • Montgomery, IL
  • 10 hours ago
  • Montgomery, IL
  • 10 hours ago

Join the Green Automotive Revolution at Fenix Parts About Fenix Parts: Fenix Parts isn't just a company; it's an essential part of the automotive recycling industry. As a leading force in the...

Heavy Equipment Operator

  • Morris, IL
  • 22 hours ago
  • Morris, IL
  • 22 hours ago

Hourly Wage: $23.45 - $26.95 per/hour *The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly...

Forklift Operator 2nd Shift

  • Henning, IL
  • 1 day ago
  • Henning, IL
  • 1 day ago

Shift: 5:00 PM-5:15 AM Hourly Rate: $20.24 an hour Do you have a taste for something big? If you're looking for the opportunity to reach your potential, consider Conagra Brands as your next career...

Mid shift - Forklift Operator, Non Formula

  • Pana, IL
  • 1 day ago
  • Pana, IL
  • 1 day ago

Apply Job ID: 121563BR Type: Other Salary: $20.00 Primary Location: Pana, Illinois Date Posted: 07/03/2025 Job Details: Company Description Start-to-finish manufacturing, packing, and distribution...

FORKLIFT OPERATOR - Corrugated Industry

  • Chicago, IL
  • 1 day ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 1 day ago

Forklift Operator Location: Hood Container – Chicago Box Plant Pay: Starting at $19.45/hour + shift differential Shift: 3rd shift (11:00 p.m. to 07:00 a.m.) Employment Type: Full-time | Hourly |...

Forklift Operator 1st and 2nd shift weekdays

  • Joliet, IL
  • 1 day ago
  • Joliet, IL
  • 1 day ago

DHL Supply Chain is Hiring! At DHL, you will play a part in one of the worlds most essential industries. There has never been a better time to join DHL Supply Chain. In a global business like...

Forklift Operator 1st Shift

  • Henning, IL
  • 2 days ago
  • Henning, IL
  • 2 days ago

Shift: 5:00 AM-5:15 PMHourly Rate: $0.00 an hour Do you have a taste for something big? If you're looking for the opportunity to reach your potential, consider Conagra Brands as your next career...

Forklift Operator w Clamp - Nights (Hoist Operator 2)

  • Elk Grove Village, IL
  • 2 days ago
  • Elk Grove Village, IL
  • 2 days ago

Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply chain solutions that elevate engagement across the complete customer journey. The company offers the...

MP Nexlevel, LLC, a leader in the utilities construction industry, is looking for Skilled Backhoe Operators....

Heavy Equipment Operator

  • Newark, IL
  • 2 days ago
  • Newark, IL
  • 2 days ago

**Heavy Equipment Operator** **Nearest Major Market:** Chicago...

Overnight Reach Forklift Operator - 2nd shift

  • Montgomery, IL
  • 3 days ago
  • Montgomery, IL
  • 3 days ago

We Deliver the Goods: Competitive pay and benefits, including Day 1 Health & Wellness Benefits, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 401K Employer Matching, Education Assistance, Paid Time Off, and much...

Crane Operator - 3rd Shift Who we are looking for: We are currently searching for an experienced Crane Operator to be based out of Harvey, IL, located approximately 30 miles south of Downtown...

Demographic Data for Illinois

Moving to Illinois? Find some basic demographic data about Illinois below.


Local
National
12,812,477
319,486

Heavy Equipment Operator Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireConstruction curates thousands of courses in order to recommend the best ones to help further your career. If you register for a course using the links on our site, we may receive a small commission.
Heavy Equipment Operator Certification
Heavy Equipment Operator Course: Excavator & Skid Steer CertificationOur comprehensive Heavy Equipment Operator Course offers online training and expert instruction on two essential pieces of...
Construction: Heavy Equipment Awareness
Working with or around heavy equipment is unavoidable on most construction sites. That's why it's important that you have an awareness of what's happening around you at all times, so you can react...
Heavy Metal 101
This is not a metallurgy class! Learn everything you ever wanted to know about heavy metal music. Topics of this video lecture series include musicology, history, metal culture, music theory,...

Title Synonyms

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Salary for Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Illinois

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireConstruction research efforts.


Highest Education Level

Heavy Equipment Operators in Illinois offer the following education background
High School or GED
48.5%
Vocational Degree or Certification
23.3%
Associate's Degree
10.7%
Bachelor's Degree
10.3%
Some College
2.9%
Master's Degree
2.1%
Some High School
1.8%
Doctorate Degree
0.4%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Heavy Equipment Operators in Illinois
2-4 years
36.6%
Less than 1 year
26.8%
1-2 years
19.9%
4-6 years
16.3%
None
0.4%


Other Career Titles

Here are some other career titles that require similar skills



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