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How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador?
Heavy Equipment Operator in St. John's – $47,840 to $93,600 annually.
Average base salary
$32.00
/hour
Pays around
St. John's
Average
Weekly : $1,280
Monthly : $5,547
Yearly : $66,560
National Average $32.50 /hour Salary & tax breakdown
Average cost of living
$3,253 /month
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 jobs in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
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Heavy equipment operator - tractor-loader-backhoe
Heavy equipment operator - tractor-loader-backhoe
Heavy equipment operator - tractor-loader-backhoe
Heavy equipment operator - tractor-loader-backhoe
Pardy's Waste Management & Industrial Services
Mount Pearl, NL
$24.57 - $28.10 / hour
Temporary
Experienced
8 days ago
Road grader operator
Road grader operator
Road grader operator
Road grader operator
Harbour Construction Limited
Witless Bay, NL
$25.00 - $35.00 / hour
Temporary
Experienced
10 days ago
Excavator operator
Excavator operator
Excavator operator
Excavator operator
Harbour Construction Limited
Witless Bay, NL
$25.00 - $35.00 / hour
Temporary
Experienced
10 days ago
Highest paying cities for Heavy Equipment Operator
How much do similar professions as Heavy Equipment Operator get paid in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
The salary for heavy equipment operators typically ranges from $23.00 to $45.00, depending on experience, location, and the specific employer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Heavy equipment operators can increase their salary by gaining experience, obtaining additional certifications such as the Red Seal endorsement, and progressing to supervisory positions.
St. John's has a population of 110,525 as of 2021, which represents a 2% increase since 2016.
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St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador ]
The average employment income in 2020 was $51,850, while the median for full-time, full-year workers was $66,000.
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St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador ]
The median monthly shelter cost for owned dwellings is $1,290, compared to $950 for rented dwellings.
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St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador ]
The unemployment rate in 2021 was 11.5%.
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St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador ]
60.7% of households in St. John's are owner-occupied, while 39.3% are renters.
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St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador ]
20,000 Canadian salary reported, updated November 19, 2025 (data source: open.canada.ca).
