Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 22 Jobs

FORKLIFT OPERATOR - Corrugated Industry

  • Chicago, IL
  • 3 hours ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 3 hours 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 w Clamp - Nights (Hoist Operator 2)

  • Elk Grove Village, IL (18 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 15 hours ago
  • Elk Grove Village, IL (18 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 15 hours 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...

Crane Operator - 3rd Shift - $24.91/hour plus $1.00/hour shift differential

  • Harvey, IL (20 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 1 day ago
  • Harvey, IL (20 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 1 day ago

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...

94Y Integrated Family of Test Equipment Operator

  • North Riverside, IL (9 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 7 days ago
  • North Riverside, IL (9 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 7 days ago

It takes highly trained and skilled individuals to keep the Army National Guard's sophisticated weapons operating at top performance. The Integrated Family of Test Equipment (IFTE)...

Crane Operator-Loader

  • Chicago, IL
  • 7 days ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 7 days ago

Job Summary The Crane Operator/Loader is responsible for handling materials as related to the shipping and receiving of inventory and customer orders. This position reports directly to the...

Heavy Equipment Operator

  • Midlothian, IL (18 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 13 days ago
  • Midlothian, IL (18 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 13 days ago

equipment operator....

Machine Equipment Operator

  • Roselle, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 13 days ago
  • Roselle, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 13 days ago

Job Description: ITW Commercial Construction is a leading manufacturer with a proven history of creating innovative fastening solutions used by the professional commercial contractor in concrete...

Forklift Operator - Shipping - 1st Shift

  • Chicago, IL
  • 15 days ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 15 days ago

The following is a list of specific duties which are considered the essential functions of this job. The list is not exhaustive, as all positions at BWay are dynamic. The employee who occupies...

Heavy Equipment Operator

  • Bensenville, IL (14 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 15 days ago
  • Bensenville, IL (14 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 15 days 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 - 3rd Shift $20.65/hour

  • East Chicago, IN (20 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 16 days ago
  • East Chicago, IN (20 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 16 days ago

Apply now " Job Req ID: 4705 Date: Jun 16, 2025 Tradebe Site: Tradebe East Chicago Location: East Chicago, IN, US, 46312 Department: Operations Business Line: Environmental Services & Global...

Forklift Operator - Material Center - 1st Shift

  • Chicago, IL
  • 18 days ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 18 days ago

Forklift Operator - Material Center - 1st Shift Chicago, IL, United States JOB DESCRIPTION Drive and operate forklifts to move materials throughout designated locations. Essential Functions: The...

Heavy Equipment Operator

  • Chicago, IL
  • 19 days ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 19 days ago

Heavy Equipment Operator BRANDENBURG INDUSTRIAL SVC CO United States, Illinois, Chicago Jun 11, 2025 Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator System requires web browser Internet Explorer 10 or higher, Google...

Hiring Stand Up Forklift Operator /Can Start Asap/2nd Shift /Cold Environment

  • Franklin Park, IL (11 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 21 days ago
  • Franklin Park, IL (11 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 21 days ago

Forklift Operator Job Description We are seeking skilled Forklift Operators to join our dynamic team. This role involves operating stand-up forklifts, Crown Stand Up Reach trucks, and Reach Trucks...

1st Shift - Forklift Operator

  • Buffalo Grove, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 28 days ago
  • Buffalo Grove, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 28 days ago

Forklift Operator Job Description This position involves managing various warehouse tasks, ensuring accuracy in receiving and handling parts, and maintaining the cleanliness and order of the...

Kitting Specialist/ Forklift Operator

  • Carol Stream, IL (24 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 29 days ago
  • Carol Stream, IL (24 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 29 days ago

Kitting Specialist Job Description This position is responsible for accurately sorting, picking, and kitting inventory items and raw materials for customer-specific jobs to the proper facility and...

Demographic Data for Chicago, IL

Moving to Chicago, IL? Find some basic demographic data about Chicago, IL below.


Local
National
2,729,418
63,356
Large

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 Chicago, IL

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


Highest Education Level

Heavy Equipment Operators in Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL
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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