What skills does a Heavy Equipment Operator need?
The specific technical skills needed will vary depending on the specific project where a heavy equipment operator works, but hands-on-experience with the following types of machinery will help you stand out as a candidate for most heavy equipment operator jobs:
- Loaders
- Bulldozers
- Backhoes
- Asphalt Pavers
- Dump Trucks
- Front End Loaders
- End Loaders
In addition to the technical skills to complete the job, the following soft skills are all incredibly valuable for heavy equipment operators:
- Hand-eye coordination - The ability to match what you see with your hand movements in order to properly reach and grab objects.
- Physical strength - Many heavy equipment operator jobs require being able to lift and carry large objects.
- Safety Knowledge - Construction equipment operators need to be aware of OSHA regulations and other safety guidelines in order to complete projects.
- Time Management - Heavy equipment operators are often required to complete tasks on tight deadlines and good time management is key.
What are the education requirements for a Heavy Equipment Operator?
There aren't any hard and fast rules when it comes to education requirements for a heavy equipment manager job, and according to data the majority of heavy equipment operators (54%) have only a High School Diploma or the equivalent. In addition to a high school diploma, attending vocational school or similar dedicated training programs can help you to stand out above the competition for heavy machinery jobs.
Vocational Training or an Apprenticeship Program, while not required to find a heavy equipment operator job, can certainly help increase your desirability as a candidate and raise your salary by giving you the hands-on-experience that employers find so valuable.
What certifications does a Heavy Equipment Operator need?
In addition to your years of experience on the job, certifications are one of the first things an employer will look at when reading your resume. Here are some helpful certifications that will help you stand out:
- Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
- OSHA Safety Certificate
- Operator Certification
- EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification
- Mobile Crane Operator Certification
- Certified Operator Class IV
- Certified Equipment Manager (CEM)
- Certified Environmental Professional: Environmental Operations
- Rigging Equipment Inspector
- Safety Trained Supervisor (STS)
- Certified Engineering Operations Executive (CEOE)
What is a Heavy Equipment Operator's average salary?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for heavy equipment operators is $48,290 per year or $23.22 per hour. The BLS also reports exciting growth and opportunity in the job outlook for heavy machinery operators. This field is expected to grow by 5% over the next several years. So now is a good time to enter the field of heavy machine operation if you are interested.
The highest paid industries for heavy equipment operators, according to median annual salary, are as follows:
- Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction - $58,440
- Construction of Buildings - $51,180
- Specialty Trade Contractors - $48,370
- Mining, Quarrying, and Oil & Gas Extraction - $47,860
- Local government, excluding Education & Hospitals - $46,730
