Description:
Do you have an interest in operating dump trucks, bulldozers or other vehicles classified as heavy machinery? As a heavy equipment operator, you will learn how to safely use this type of equipment to move construction materials, dirt and other heavy objects at construction sites and mines. This occupation operates equipment that clears and grades land to prepare it for construction of roads, buildings and bridges, as well as airport runways, power generation facilities, dams, levees and other structures.
Education Options:
Technical School, Community College, Registered Apprenticeship Program, and Industry Training Program
Qualifications:
Mechanical aptitude, experience operating mobile equipment (such as farm tractors), good physical condition, good sense of balance, hand-eye-foot coordination. A commercial driver’s license is often needed to haul equipment to various jobsites.
Career Path for Heavy Equipment Operators
Scroll down to browse some of the different career options available to you
Average salaries provided do not include overtime or company incentives.
“I am proud to be a BAS Technician – a systems, sequence and building expert on the front line of the design and implementation of a BAS system. Seiberlich is a leader providing quality BAS & mechanical systems and has allowed me to grow and be a part of a great team with people who all have the same mission.”
Brian Ashman, Seiberlich Trane“This job means everything to me. This job has created a life for me and my family. This is a great place to work and I plan on staying and growing my career as fully as possible.”
Vinnie Rozell, M. Davis & Sons“This job is my life, my home. It’s where I live. It’s who I am. I’ve worked for Corrado for 23 years. I’ve grown with the family and the company. I make a good living, provide for my kids. Every day I’m challenged in different ways. When I get off work, I leave the site knowing I’ve contributed to the progress of the job.”
Frank DiSabatino, Corrado Construction“I love being able to make something from nothing. I love being able to see the process of something emerge from just a piece of land. The best thing about working for Nickle is the support for hardworking people through their electrical schooling. They also make safety a priority and do a very good job of keeping their employees safe every day.”
Samantha Pearlman, Nickle Electrical Companies“Going into the trades was the best decision I ever made.”
Hector Ortiz, Welder, RC Fabricators, Inc., Delcastle Technical High School“At vocational schools you are able to try different trades and find out what you like. Your training never ends, your experiences never end."
Jason Goodnight, Owner, mason, The Brick Doctor, Inc“Your employers are going to teach you everything you want to know. Everybody is looking for good hard workers. How can you not be happy about taking a straight line to success?”
Isaiah Lewis, Mechanical Engineer, M.Davis & Sons, Inc.“I was aware of the abundance of jobs that are available in the construction field, the advancement opportunities, good pay, and most importantly, training”
Brook Keen, Sobieski, Inc., Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning“Construction is a great industry and I encourage you to take advantage of everything it has to offer.”
Matt Miller, Carpentry, Nowland Associates“Unlimited number of job opportunities from laborer to Foreman to Project Manager.”
Angel Ayala, Carpentry, Nowland Associates“I was able to complete a four-year apprenticeship in only three years. Now I run the projects I used to work on. Opportunities for growth in construction are endless.”
John Harrison, Electrical, Nickle Electrical Companies, Inc.