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How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia?

Heavy Equipment Operator in New Glasgow – $41,600 to $76,960 annually.

Average base salary

$27.00 /hour

Pays below New Glasgow Average Weekly : $1,080 Monthly : $4,680 Yearly : $56,160

National Average $32.50 /hour Salary & tax breakdown

Average cost of living

$3,789 /month

for a single person who rents in New Glasgow

Cost of living breakdown

Last Updated: November 19, 2025

What does a Heavy Equipment Operator do?

As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you play a crucial role in shaping the world around us, from building roads and bridges to maintaining essential infrastructure. You'll handle powerful machinery to construct and maintain everything from airports to pipelines, ensuring projects run smoothly and safely. Your expertise is vital in industries like construction, mining, and public works, where precision and skill make all the difference. Whether you're working with construction companies or public departments, your work lays the foundation for communities to thrive.

Related Skills:

Physical Stamina Equipment Maintenance Attention to Detail Problem Solving Time Management Show all skills (10)

Core Skills

Physical Stamina Safety Procedures

Technical Skills

Equipment Maintenance Heavy equipment operation Mechanical Skills

Foundational Skills

Attention to Detail

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Resource Management

Time Management

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills Teamwork

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Heavy Equipment Operator's jobs in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia.

Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia

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Machine Operator and Maintenance - Seasonal

Oxford Frozen Foods

Debert, NS

Temporary

Seasonal

Entry Level

3 days ago

Heavy equipment operator

Birt and Mackay Construction

Charlottetown, PE

$24.00 - $28.00 / hour

Temporary

Entry Level

4 days ago

Roller Operator

Advantage Personnel

Saint John, NB

Full-time

Experienced

5 days ago

Highest paying cities for Heavy Equipment Operator

Halifax, NS

$52,000 per year

Browse Jobs

Charlottetown, PE

$49,920 per year

Browse Jobs

Wolfville, NS

$52,000 per year

Browse Jobs

Port Hawkesbury, NS

$56,160 per year

Browse Jobs

Bas, Saint, Laurent, QC

$67,496 per year

Browse Jobs

Baie, Comeau, QC

$74,880 per year

Browse Jobs

Saint, Georges, QC

$81,016 per year

Browse Jobs

Québec City, QC

$80,205 per year

Browse Jobs

How much do similar professions as Heavy Equipment Operator get paid in Nova Scotia?

Public Transit Operator

Browse Jobs

$48,880 per year

Truck Driver

Browse Jobs

$49,920 per year

General Repair Technician

Browse Jobs

$46,904 per year

Building Maintenance Supervisor

Browse Jobs

$49,920 per year

Installation and Service Technician

Browse Jobs

$52,000 per year

Professional Painter

Browse Jobs

$45,760 per year

Roofer

Browse Jobs

$52,000 per year

Mail and Parcel Sorter

Browse Jobs

$56,160 per year

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary responsibilities of a heavy equipment operator?

Heavy equipment operators are responsible for operating machinery such as backhoes, bulldozers, loaders, and graders to excavate, move, load, and grade earth, rock, gravel, or other materials during construction and related activities. They also conduct pre-operational checks on equipment and perform maintenance tasks like cleaning, lubricating, and refilling equipment.

What is the typical salary range for heavy equipment operators?

The salary for heavy equipment operators typically ranges from $20.00 to $37.00, depending on experience, location, and the specific employer.

What educational background is required to become a heavy equipment operator?

Some secondary school education is required. Additionally, completion of a one- to two-year apprenticeship program or some high school, college, or industry courses in heavy equipment operating combined with on-the-job training is necessary.

What skills are essential for a heavy equipment operator?

Key skills for heavy equipment operators include attention to detail, communication skills, equipment maintenance, mechanical skills, physical stamina, problem-solving, safety procedures, teamwork, and time management.

In which industries do heavy equipment operators typically work?

Heavy equipment operators are employed by construction companies, heavy equipment contractors, public works departments, and companies involved in pipeline, logging, cargo-handling, and other related activities.

What is the job outlook for heavy equipment operators?

The job outlook for heavy equipment operators is generally positive, with opportunities for progression to supervisory positions with experience. The Red Seal endorsement also allows for interprovincial mobility, enhancing job prospects.

Is remote work possible for heavy equipment operators?

Remote work is generally not feasible for heavy equipment operators, as the nature of the job requires physical presence on construction sites or other locations where heavy machinery is operated.

How can a heavy equipment operator increase their salary over time?

Heavy equipment operators can increase their salary by gaining experience, obtaining additional certifications such as the Red Seal endorsement, and progressing to supervisory positions.

What is the population of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia?

New Glasgow has a population of 9,471 as of 2021, which represents a 4% increase since 2016. [ Explore demographics in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia ]

What is the average income in New Glasgow?

The average employment income in 2020 was $39,920, while the median for full-time, full-year workers was $52,400. [ Explore demographics in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia ]

What are housing costs like in New Glasgow?

The median monthly shelter cost for owned dwellings is $840, compared to $765 for rented dwellings. [ Explore demographics in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia ]

What is the unemployment rate in New Glasgow?

The unemployment rate in 2021 was 11.9%. [ Explore demographics in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia ]

How many people in New Glasgow own their home?

56.4% of households in New Glasgow are owner-occupied, while 43.5% are renters. [ Explore demographics in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia ]

20,000 Canadian salary reported, updated November 19, 2025 (data source: open.canada.ca).