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

* 2022 NCCER Construction Craft Survey Results

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.

* Bureau of Labor Statistics

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.

* Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Job Outlook *

About 51,500 openings for construction equipment operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

* Bureau of Labor Statistics

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.