Trades

Heavy Equipment Operator

An Heavy Equipment Operator is a skilled professional responsible for operating and maintaining various heavy machinery and equipment in industries like construction, manufacturing, and transportation. They ensure the safe and efficient operation of machineries such as cranes, bulldozers, and forklifts while conducting routine inspections and repairs. Operating engineers play a crucial role in facilitating smooth operations in diverse industrial settings, contributing to the success and productivity of projects and processes.

Avg pay/year

low

Apprentice

$36,550

med

Journeyman

$51,050

high

Master

$92,390

Months apprentice

48

Number of jobs

483,300

Projected Yearly Job Openings

42,300

Figures based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Featured articles

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in AmericaIf you have a strong work ethic and an interest in machinery, you might want to explore how to become a heavy equipment operator...

Trade paths

18

General Heavy Equipment Operator

A general heavy equipment operator is a trained professional who operates various heavy machinery, such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, and loaders, to perform tasks like earthmoving, digging, lifting, and material handling in construction, mining, and other industries. They ensure safe and efficient operation of these equipment for diverse construction and industrial projects.

Building Maintenance Technicians

Building maintenance technicians are tasked with routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of equipment and systems within buildings. They play a crucial role in ensuring that the building's infrastructure operates smoothly.

Concrete Pump Operator

A concrete pump operator controls machinery that transfers liquid concrete from a mixer truck to specific locations, ensuring precise and safe placement on construction sites.

Construction Equipment Operator

A construction equipment operator handles machinery, such as bulldozers and excavators, used in construction projects to move, excavate, and grade earth or materials efficiently and safely.

Crane Operator

A crane operator controls cranes to lift, move, and place heavy objects or materials at construction or industrial sites, ensuring safety and precision.

Demolition Equipment Operator

A demolition equipment operator handles machinery used to dismantle structures or clear sites, ensuring safe and efficient removal of buildings or obstacles.

Dredge Operator

A dredge operator controls equipment that removes underwater sediments from waterways, ensuring navigable depths and collecting materials for land reclamation or other uses.

Drilling Operator

A drilling operator manages equipment that bores into the earth for purposes such as extracting resources, water, or creating foundations, ensuring accurate and safe operations.

Forestry Equipment Operator

A forestry equipment operator handles machinery used in logging activities, including felling trees, transporting logs, and clearing land, ensuring efficient and environmentally conscious operations.

Hoist and Winch Operator

A hoist and winch operator manages equipment that lifts or pulls loads, primarily in industrial, maritime, or construction environments, ensuring safe operations.

Mining Equipment Operator

A mining equipment operator controls machinery used to extract minerals, coal, or other resources from the earth, ensuring safe and efficient excavation and material handling.

Paver Operator

A paver operator manages machinery that lays asphalt or concrete on surfaces like roads, driveways, and parking lots, ensuring smooth and precise application.

Pile Driver Operator

A pile driver operator controls machinery that drives heavy beams into the ground to provide foundational support for structures, ensuring stability and safe installation.

Port Equipment Operator

A port equipment operator handles machinery for loading, unloading, and moving cargo at ports, ensuring efficient and safe transfer of goods between ships and shore.

Scraping Machine Operator

A scraping machine operator controls equipment that removes topsoil, dirt, or other materials to level ground for construction or other purposes, ensuring precise and safe land preparation.

Stationary Engineer

A stationary engineer is an experienced specialist responsible for managing and maintaining mechanical and electrical equipment in facilities like industrial plants, commercial buildings, and hospitals. They ensure the safe and efficient operation of systems such as boilers, chillers, HVAC, and generators to provide heating, cooling, and power supply. Stationary engineers conduct inspections, perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure equipment complies with safety standards to keep facilities running smoothly and efficiently.

Trenching Machine Operator

A trenching machine operator manages equipment that digs narrow excavations for utilities or foundations, ensuring accurate and safe trench formation.

Underground Equipment Operator

An underground equipment operator controls machinery used in subterranean settings, like mines or tunnels, ensuring safe excavation, transport, or support operations below the earth's surface.

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