How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator:
Definitive Guide + Step-by-Step Instructions


If you’re interested in outdoor work, love the idea of being in control of something important, and are a-okay with long, demanding hours for the satisfaction of project completion, then becoming a heavy equipment operator might just be a career in your wheelhouse.

If you’re in the process of considering a career that’s punctuated by cranes, bulldozers, excavators, forklifts, moving parts designed to transport materials and more, then a heavy machine operator could be the perfect fit.

This job is characterized by long days and tough hours, lots of outdoor work (typically) and often part-time work, although full-time is certainly available if you look hard enough.

If you’re hoping to build a skills-heavy career in a booming industry, this might be the perfect place to start.

Being a heavy equipment operator offers you a certified pathway toward employment, higher wages, a flexible career, and opportunities that previously might have felt unavailable to you.

Are you the type of person who rejects the typical 9-5?

Are you looking for good pay, a great job outlook, and high satisfaction?

Heavy equipment operators have access to all of that and more, depending on the state they work in the jurisdiction of the establishment they plan to work, and other factors.

If you’re curious about the detail of this position, want to know the process of becoming an operator, or want to know more employment requirements, keep reading!

We’ve got all the answers you’re looking for.

Read on to learn about becoming a heavy equipment operator below:


What Does a Heavy Machine Operator Do?

If you’re mostly just asking yourself “what does a heavy machine operator even do?” then you’ve come to he right place.

You’d likely see a heavy equipment operator on the side of the road, at a construction site, on farms, or building up or tearing down structures and other obstructions.

A heavy machine operator is the person who is in charge of paving, surfacing, pile driving, moving materials, forklift operating, and other related tasks.

Heavy machine operators are required to operate these machines in order to complete a specific task, care for these machines, and often repair and maintain these machines as well.

Heavy machine operators are also required to keep themselves, the machine, and other working on the project safe around these heavy machines, so they’re required to abide by strict guidelines and procedures in order to accomplish this.

The key responsibilities of heavy equipment operators at work is to control and operate the various machines that move earth, freight, or other materials, and operate construction equipment according to safety standards.

Heavy equipment operators typically prepare sites for construction or maintenance, using machinery.

As defined by the International Union of Operating Engineers can include things like compressors, cranes, dredges, drills, hoists, pumps, and rollers.

You will be expected to inspect, clean, lubricate, and refill equipment.

Even more, you’ll be expected to do all of these tasks under trying work conditions, such as situations that require long hours, strenuous work, and physical stamina.

You might work long night hours, early morning hours, hot and dusty days, freezing conditions, and any other variety.

Duties

  • orchestrating heavy machines to accomplish tasks
  • keeping equipment clean
  • making minor repairs to equipment
  • coordinating safety
  • notify supervisors about mechanical malfunctions
  • coordinate activities with all other members of the crew
  • operating heavy equipment such as back-hoes and bulldozers to lift, move, or place equipment
  • mechanical skills that include familiarity with power tools and hand tools, as well as equipment care
  • mathematical skills that include the ability or perform calculations based on weight and mass.
  • communication skills that are both written and oral to work effectively with employers, clients, and coworkers safely
  • clear or level land
  • have accurate hand, eye, foot, coordination that’s required to operate equipment with precision
  • physical strength to lift over 50 ponds
  • pick up earth, rock, sand, gravel, snow, then move and dump it
  • control height and angle of grader blades to spread earth and other materials
  • use attachments to dump materials, dig trenches, load materials, break rocks, concrete, and more

Let's Talk Salary

According to Salary.com, heavy equipment operators can make a median annual salary of about $63,601.

With a spread of about $55,311 to about $74,827, heavy equipment operators have a wide range of salary due to the part time versus full time availability of the positions.

The lowest 10 percent of heavy equipment operators make about $29, 710 while the top 10 percent of heavy equipment operators can make about $81,640.

This range varies on the type of tasks being performed, the equipment being used, and the certifications you have as an operator.

Other reports state that heavy equipment operators made a median annual salary of about $45,040, which is about $8,000 more than the median annual wage for all occupations combined.

The highest paid 10 percent of construction equipment operators are also reported to make $79,000.

  • Annually
  • Monthly
  • Hourly

Annually National Average Salary: $56,280

$36K
$38K
$56K
$62K
$85K
10%
25%
50%
75%
90%

Average Annual Salary by State

StateAvg. Annual Salary
Alabama$41,740
Alaska$68,290
Arizona$51,430
Arkansas$39,200
California$78,320
Colorado$52,380
Connecticut$69,570
Delaware$47,860
District of Columbia$58,150
Florida$44,250
Georgia$41,830
Hawaii$78,360
Idaho$48,000
Illinois$77,250
Indiana$60,760
Iowa$55,250
Kansas$46,680
Kentucky$51,580
Louisiana$46,230
Maine$47,220
Maryland$55,260
Massachusetts$72,850
Michigan$58,460
Minnesota$66,940
Mississippi$40,610
Missouri$61,280
Montana$54,320
Nebraska$47,190
Nevada$63,920
New Hampshire$52,150
New Jersey$83,230
New Mexico$49,990
New York$81,840
North Carolina$43,030
North Dakota$59,890
Ohio$59,770
Oklahoma$43,940
Oregon$61,840
Pennsylvania$54,950
Rhode Island$63,010
South Carolina$42,060
South Dakota$48,460
Tennessee$42,960
Texas$45,430
Utah$51,500
Vermont$48,140
Virginia$47,690
Washington$74,600
West Virginia$50,000
Wisconsin$65,320
Wyoming$62,300
Guam$39,270
Puerto Rico$23,970
Virgin Islands$51,450

Annual Average Salary: Top 5 States

The top earning state in the field is New Jersey, where the average salary is $83,230.

These are the top 5 earning states in the field:

New Jersey - $83,230
New York - $81,840
Hawaii - $78,360
California - $78,320
Illinois - $77,250
*Salary information based on the May 2021 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey.
Conducted by: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

How to Become a Heavy Machine Operator

Step 1High School Diploma

Obtaining you high school diploma or GED equivalency is a (most of the time) necessary first step in becoming a heavy machine operator.

Although this is not a hard and fast rule, it’s a pre-req that will be necessary if you plan to continue your heavy machinery operation education at colleges and technical schools, and also might be a requirement to get into a union of construction association apprenticeship program.

This is almost might be a requirement for vocational training.

Step 2Research What You Need To Know

Ensure that you’ve thoroughly researched the requirements for your state and establishment you plan to work with.

Do you need a CDL license?

Do you need to have your high school diploma?

Are you qualified and prepared for the demanding job you’re setting yourself up for?

Do your research before you do anything else.

It’s also to take time to research the job expectations and how they line up with your life an family goals — do long hours make sense for you goals and the life you see laid our for yourself?

Do your research before you invest time, money, and effort into this career path.

Step 3Consider a Heavy Equipment Operator Education Program

In the past, all you needed to enter the industry was to get hired on the spot and have some on-the-job-training, but the industry has adapted since then.

Now, operators might need to attend college or technical school programs in order to become heavy machinery experts.

If you’d like to spend months or years taking these courses, that’s fine and good, but if not, there are private heavy equipment operator training schools that are a widely accepted alternative.

Step 4Obtain the Necessary Licenses and Certifications

Some states require different licenses and certificates in order to become a heavy machine operator.

For example, some might need you to posses a valid commercial driver’s license while others might need you to hold special crane licenses.

Some states might require that you have a specific license to operate backhoes, dozers, and loaders, while others don’t require any experience or specialized license at all.


What Education Do You Need to Become a Heavy Machine Operator?

In the past, a simple high school degree and willingness to learn on the job could have landed you a successful positions as a heavy machine operator, but now, things are a bit different.

The industry encourages, but doesn’t always require, a GED or high school diploma, as well as community college, college, or technical college course completion in heavy machinery courses.

Vocational courses as well as privately-owned heavy equipment operator schools are highly encouraged as well.

The offerings, course structure, and lengths of each program will vary from school to school, some only taking a few weeks to complete and others taking up to a year to complete.

In these courses, you’ll learn hands-on training for common types of equipment, learn the education curriculum necessary to become a heavy machine operator, and learn what’s required to pass any certification exams you might need.

Program costs will range depending on what type of program and where you plan to attend.

It’s likely that these programs will range anywhere from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars.

Again, if not interested in spending nearly a year in programs, you can enroll in privately-owned heavy equipment operator training schools as an alternative.

These types of schools can be found throughout the United States.

One of the best examples of this is the Heavy Equipment Colleges of America which operates on 8 different campuses.

Many offer three week programs in heavy equipment operation and include things like classroom study, in-the-field learning, and hands-on training.

Video About The Career


What Certifications Do You Need to Become a Heavy Machine Operator?

The certification requirements will vary from state to state.

For example, some states will only require a commercial drivers license, while other states will require a special license for specific vehicles such as backhoes, dozers, and loaders.

Several other states will require that you have heavy equipment professional certifications from places like the National Association of Heavy Equipment training Services as well as the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators.

CCO certifications are offered for several different types of heavy equipment, including things like boom trucks, pile driver operators, tower crane operators, and more.

Certifications typically last about 5 years each and must be renewed by passing a re certification exam and having about 1,000 hours of heavy machinery experience.

Heavy machine operators are also required to pass substance tests that adhere to NCCCO substance abuse, ethical, and medical guidelines.

Certification Example:

heavy machine operator certificate example

Average Training Program Duration: 0-1 Year

The average training program duration will range anywhere from 3 weeks (if you choose to take on a privately-owned training course) to about a year if you enroll and invest in a vocational or community college education.

This will vary from state to state and from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

Popular Programs


What is the Job Outlook for Heavy Machine Operators?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of construction equipment operators is projected to grow by about 12 percent from 2016 to 2026.

This employment growth is considered incredibly fast compared the average of occupations, and can be credited to the projected increase in spending infrastructure.

Employment opportunities will be best available in urban, metropolitan areas where large commercial industries are centralized.

 

Employment Growth Projection: 5%

408,500
2020
430,700
2030

That's a higher than average projected growth of 22,200 jobs.

Heavy Equipment Operator: Interest Over Time


Should You Become a Heavy Machine Operator?

Overall Satisfaction: High

Overall Satisfaction

Overall, the satisfaction that goes hand-in-hand with this career is high scoring.

It has its general perks — good pay, job availability, and a constant demand for more and better heavy machine operators.

That being said, it has its downsides, too.

Heavy machine operators must be prepared to work long, seasonal hours that start early in the morning and reach well into the night.

You will often be working the most extreme conditions — whether you’re experience hot dusty days or cold, freezing, snowy nights, the work never stops (unless it’s incredibly dangerous).

The job is rarely glamorous and the responsibilities and duties are enormous.

There also can be some difficulty finding a full-time job when there’s so much part-time employment in this field.

But in general, this is listed as a career with a high satisfaction rating.

According to research from Payscale.com, it was found that of 600 heavy machine operators interviewed, 4 out of 5 workers were high satisfied with their jobs despite laboring and demanding hours.

Average Salary: High

Average Salary

The average median salary for a heavy machine operator is about $63,000, with a range of $55,000 to about $74,800.

Job Growth Outlook: High

Job Growth Outlook

The job growth outlook is high, with BLS reporting that from 2016 to 2026, this industry will boom by about 12 percent.

Education Duration: 0-1 Year

Education Duration

The education duration could take anywhere from a few weeks of vocational or private training to a few years of college education.

Personal Skills Needed

Personal Skills Needed

To be successful in this field, you’ll need personal skills like:

  • organization
  • communication
  • mental toughness
  • endurance
  • problem-solving
  • people skills
  • willingness to take direction
  • willingness to give direction

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How Much Does it Cost to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator?

It can cost anywhere from $4,000 to about $15,000 depending on the program you’re enrolling in or the apprenticeship you’re hoping to land.

Q. How Much Does a Heavy Equipment Operator Make a Year?

There’s a reported median salary of about $63,000 for heavy machine operators.

Q. What Education Do You Need?

This will vary. Some states and jurisdictions will require nothing more than a high school education, others will require college courses completed or vocational training completed.

Q. Do You Need a Special License?

This will vary.

Some jurisdictions require nothing more than a valid commercial drivers’ license.

Others will require specific licenses through specific agencies.

Q. What Do You Do as a Heavy Equipment Operator?

As an operator, you will be in charge of accomplishing set tasks with your machine, keeping it clean, reporting big issues, fixing minor problems, and keeping the crew, and yourself, safe.


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10 Comments
  1. Avatar for Edward Molosiwa Edward Molosiwa

    Good day Team,
    Kindly assist me on how can i enroll on Diploma program for Heavy Equipment Operator Program. I have basic Operations on the list of equipment:
    . Hydraulic Shovels.
    .Loaders.
    .Excavators.
    .Haul Trucks
    .Track Dozers &Rubber tyre Dozer.
    I am currently working as a Senior Training Officer in Diamond Open Cast Mine specializing on training earthmoving equipment.

  2. Avatar for Jacob Lohnap Jacob Lohnap

    I am Excavator Operator for Nigeria, I need more training.

  3. Avatar for Mumba Gift Mumba Gift

    Am an Dump truck operator having a certificate and driving commercial license permit

  4. Avatar for omar maldonado omar maldonado

    please send me a brochure on how to become certified heavy machine operator thank you

  5. Avatar for John B LaPlace John B LaPlace

    This is for my son. Thanks for the info shown here.

  6. Avatar for Larry Cole Larry Cole

    My state actually requires a special license for vehicles like dozers but I don’t have that. I actually have the passion for the job, have taken a machinery course and have a GED but it’s frustrating to know that I have to still go acquire a license before I can land any apprenticeship.

  7. Avatar for Thomas Thomas

    Yup. It’s very difficult finding a full-time job when there’s so much part-time employment in this field. So if you’re out to have it full time, I think you should reconsider. But be rest assured that the job has its general perks and this should keep you going.

  8. Avatar for Miguel Hood Miguel Hood

    Hmmmmm. Working in extreme conditions? hot dusty days or cold, freezing, snowy nights, the work never stops?! I’m beginning to have a rethink. Truly the job is rarely glamorous and the responsibilities and duties seem just too enormous.

  9. Avatar for Anthony Anthony

    Yeah, taking classes for this is really expensive. When I applied for a program in the field, I spent close to $12,000 but I don’t regret that. In all, the career has a high satisfaction rating and you’ll get your money back before long.

  10. Avatar for Johnny Johnny

    Well, to be honest, the job isn’t that easy but it’s great for those who have a passion for it. As an operator, you’re the one in charge of accomplishing set tasks with your machine, keeping it clean, reporting big issues, fixing minor problems, and keeping the crew, and yourself safe. This I must say is hard work but you’ll definitely enjoy it if you are into it.

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