Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Tacoma, WA

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 17 Jobs
MasTec Communications Group

Directional Drill Operator/Locator

Overview At MasTec Communications Group we build for the future. Yours and ours. As a Directional Drill Operator/Locator, you will develop new skills, work in a safety-minded environment, and join...

Heavy equipment operator/Laborer

  • Olalla, WA (13 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 3 hours ago
  • Olalla, WA (13 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 3 hours ago

Experience with heavy equipment primarily in excavation and earthwork General construction Heavy equipment transportation and hauling (backing a trailer!)...

Equipment Operator

  • Lakewood, WA (3 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 16 hours ago
  • Lakewood, WA (3 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 16 hours ago

MACNAK Construction is in need of motivated, technically and mechanically minded Equipment Operator. The Equipment Operator must be able to operate all types of heavy equipment safely,...

Forklift Operator

  • Federal Way, WA (9 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 2 days ago
  • Federal Way, WA (9 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 2 days ago

Material Handler Pay: $20-21/hour Job Description We are seeking a dedicated Material Handler to accurately provide inventory information for company-controlled material stock. This role involves...

Forklift Operator

  • Tukwila, WA (20 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 4 days ago
  • Tukwila, WA (20 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 4 days ago

Location Address: 6545 S Glacier Street, Tukwila, Washington 98188 Work Shift: 8hr-3rd Shift (United States of America) The Forklift Operator is responsible for operating a forklift truck to stack...

Forklift Operator (Lumber Yard)

  • Tacoma, WA
  • 6 days ago
  • Tacoma, WA
  • 6 days ago

Forklift Operator - Tacoma, WA Job Description Join a dynamic team where you will have the opportunity to work in both a lumber yard and warehouse environment. This role requires flexibility in...

Port Construction Services Construction Equipment Operator - (Operating Engineer Group 2)

  • Seatac, WA (14 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 8 days ago
  • Seatac, WA (14 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 8 days ago

You will excavate, break & remove paving and concrete, prepare earth for foundations, stairs, operate a reach forklift, loader, backhoe, Skid steer, Roller, etc. in support of construction operations...

Forklift Operator

  • Lacey, WA (22 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 9 days ago
  • Lacey, WA (22 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 9 days 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 (Warehouse)

  • Tacoma, WA
  • 9 days ago
  • Tacoma, WA
  • 9 days ago

Forklift Operator Pay: $19-21/Hour Location: Tacoma, WA Shift: 7AM-4:30PM Job Description We are seeking a dedicated and flexible forklift operator to join our team. This role involves working in...

Heavy Equipment Operator Journeyperson

  • Tacoma, WA
  • 26 days ago
  • Tacoma, WA
  • 26 days ago

Heavy Equipment Operator Journeyperson Matrix Service 401(k) United States, Washington, Tacoma Jun 05, 2025 Description Job Summary Operate backhoe, excavator, dozer, loader, grader, and trencher which...

Equipment Operator 1 - Auburn

  • Auburn, WA (9 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 26 days ago
  • Auburn, WA (9 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 26 days ago

Overview The Equipment Operator reports directly to the Plant Manager and is responsible for the safe and proper handling, loading and storage of aggregate materials; as well as the general...

Loader Operator - Red Dog

  • Tacoma, WA
  • 29 days ago
  • Tacoma, WA
  • 29 days ago

Description Twitter Linkedin Facebook Google+Pinterestemail Are you interested in a job supporting a marine transportation operation in the Pacific Northwest? Come join Foss Maritime team in...

Directional Drill Operator

  • Sumner, WA (10 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 30+ days ago
  • Sumner, WA (10 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 30+ days ago

Directional Drill Operator Potelco, Inc. Location Sumner Posted date a day ago Minimum level N/A Employment type Full-time Job category Production About Us Potelco, Inc., a subsidiary of Quanta...

Union Heavy Equipment Operator

  • Tacoma, WA
  • 30+ days ago
  • Tacoma, WA
  • 30+ days ago

Join Our Team at LRI - Sales Road Composting/ Recycling - a Waste Connections Company! We're looking for an Equipment Operator to join our team at the LRI Sales Road Composting/ Recycling in...

Heavy Equipment/Aggregate Loader Operator

  • Vashon, WA (9 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 45+ days ago
  • Vashon, WA (9 miles from Tacoma, WA)
  • 45+ days ago

equipment operator Knowledge and experience in the operation and maintenance of crushers, wash plants, conveyors, material washers, and various other types of fixed and mobile equipment used in the...

Demographic Data for Tacoma, WA

Moving to Tacoma, WA? Find some basic demographic data about Tacoma, WA below.


Local
National
352,224
7,865
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 Tacoma, WA

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


Highest Education Level

Heavy Equipment Operators in Tacoma, WA 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 Tacoma, WA
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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