Joining the field of heavy equipment operators offers an array of benefits, including the opportunity to specialize in a variety of industries, types of equipment, and jobs.
Joining the field of heavy equipment operators offers an array of benefits, including the opportunity to specialize in a variety of industries, types of equipment, and jobs.
“I first started as a laborer and worked my way up. I operate all of the equipment we have here. I like what I do, it’s. interesting. You can make a lot of money. It’s challenging and we’re always moving around from job to job doing different things. And it’s fun…It’s always changing. You’re always outside.”
– Mike, Operator
2022 Average Annual Salary *
Heavy Equipment Operator: $62,910
Education *
Workers may learn equipment operation on the job after earning a high school diploma or equivalent, through an apprenticeship, or by attending vocational schools.
Work Environment *
Construction equipment operators work outside and it is most often a full-time job. Some operators work in remote locations on large construction projects, such as highways and dams, or in factories.
Job Outlook *
About 51,500 openings for construction equipment operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Heavy equipment operators usually specialize in one of three areas:
- Construction equipment operators, also called operating engineers, handle loading and excavation machines. They use these machines to dig and lift sand, gravel, or earth.
- Paving and surface equipment operators use machines to spread concrete and asphalt during the construction of roadways.
- Pile-driver operators control equipment to hammer heavy beams of wood, concrete, and steel, called piles, into the ground.
Explore Current Openings
- Companies currently hiring
- NH Employment Security, Job Match System
- Indeed search for “construction” sorted by date
- LinkedIn search for “construction” by state