Heavy Equipment Operator Career Guide

Heavy Equipment Operators are trained to safely operate and maintain a variety of large heavy construction equipment used in the construction of roads, highways, bridges and other large structures. For example, an experienced construction operator can operate a forklift, bulldozer, front end loader, excavator and other large construction equipment. These workers are busy during the summer months working on large infrastructure and construction projects. For this reason, they can work irregular hours and a significant amount overtime. The work of a Heavy Equipment Operator is diverse and constantly changing. This career field is in demand and employers are constantly looking to hire workers that are willing to learn an exciting and challenging career.

Heavy equipment operators working at a construction site.

Job that is in demand
Large construction projects, repairing and replacing aging infrastructure has created significant demand for Heavy Equipment Operators. Furthermore, many workers are beginning to retire. Therefore, there are many great career opportunities for people interested in becoming a Heavy Equipment Operator.
Interesting and Challenging
Heavy Equipment Operators are always learning new skills to safely complete large challenging construction projects. The work is very diverse and constantly changing.
No College Degree Required
You do not need an expensive college degree to work as a Heavy Equipment Operator. Many workers have acquired their training through apprenticeships, the military or on the job training with an employer.

Where you can work as a Heavy Equipment Operator

Construction- Roads/Bridges/Large Structures

Heavy Equipment Operators are trained to operate a variety of large construction equipment used in the construction of roads, highways, bridges and other large structures. For instance, an operator can use an excavator for a project building a road and on the next project operate a front end loader. These workers frequently operate a variety of large construction equipment to get projects done safely and on time. Heavy Equipment Operators work outside in all kinds of weather. However, these workers are typically very busy during the summer months and can work a significant amount of overtime.

Paving Equipment Operator

Crane Operator

Crane operators are trained to safely hoist large and heavy materials. These workers are trained to safely rig and attach loads to be hoisted. They assemble and set up the crane for lifting operations. Crane operators are trained in OSHA and other regulations to ensure safety while hoisting various loads. These workers also perform maintenance, cleaning, inspection and minor repairs on their equipment.

Equipment Operator Career Progression Idea's

Here are some career progression idea's for Heavy Equipment Operators that have several years of experience and training.

Foremen/Superintendent

Heavy equipment operators that have several years of experience and training can progress to a leadership position and lead crews of construction equipment operators on various construction projects. Equipment operators that are foremen or superintendents ensure that projects are completed safely, according to construction blueprints and specifications, on time and address any concerns or hazards that may come up during the construction process.

Inspector

How much money you can make as a Heavy Equipment Operator and how to get started

Compensation

A great website to get an idea of how much money you could possibly make as an Construction Equipment Operator is The Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides some excellent compensation information for various occupations throughout the United States.

The Occupational Employment Statistics program provides compensation information for various occupations. Click here for more information on Construction Equipment Operators- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472073.htm

Apprenticeships

A great way to get started in a Heavy Equipment Operator career is an Apprenticeship program through a local Union. As an apprentice you will work for a union contractor and also attend classes at a union training facility. Apprenticeship programs typically last 3-4 years and apprentices receive pay increase as they progress throughout the program. Check out the following Union for more information regarding Apprenticeship programs in your area.

International Union of Operating Engineers-https://www.iuoe.org/

Another good website to check out for information regarding apprenticeship programs is ResumeBuilder.com. Not only do they have great information on creating resumes they also have apprenticeship information for each state. Visit https://www.resumebuilder.com/apprenticeship-resources-by-state/

Community College/Trade School

Community College:

Many Community Colleges have HVAC/R programs that teach service, maintenance and installation of heating and cooling equipment. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate or an Associates degree upon completion. Some Community College's, may also help students connect with employers. Check with your local Community College on what HVAC/R programs are available.

Trade Schools:

There are many schools that specialize in training HVAC/R technicians. Many areas across the country have trades schools that teach Skilled Trades careers. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate upon completion. However, its important to research the training quality and how successful previous students have been at finding jobs. It's important to talk to local heating and cooling contractors on what their experience has been with students from a local trade school.

In short, Community Colleges and trade schools are a great way to get started in the HVAC/R field. Its important to research the quality of training and how successful previous students have been at finding and retaining jobs. Some Community Colleges and trade Schools may have programs to connect students with employers. Talk to local heating and cooling contractors on what their experience has been with these schools.

Military

There are many skilled trades and construction occupations throughout the United States Armed Forces. Each military branch has personnel that are highly trained to service, maintain and install anything that exist on a military base. Enlisted members of the Armed Forces, complete a basic training course then they must complete additional training before they begin working in their occupation. Members of the Armed Forces get 30 days of vacation each year, food and housing, medical, dental and many other important benefits. Educational benefits are available during your enlistment period and upon completion. Joining the military can be a great way to learn a skilled trades or construction occupation.

Always contact a Military Recruiter to learn more detailed information on job opportunities, training, benefits and other important information for employment within the Armed Forces.

Air Force:

Click here for more information on Construction Equipment Operators employed by the Air Force-https://www.airforce.com/careers/detail/pavements-and-construction-equipment

Navy:

Click here for more information on Seabees employed by the Navy-https://www.navy.com/careers/construction

Army:

Click here for more information on Horizontal Construction Engineer employed by the Army-https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/construction-engineering/construction-equipment-operator.html

Marine Corp:

Contact a recruiter for additional information on Engineer Equipment Operator (MOS 1345). Click here for more information-https://www.marines.com/

Explore our career resources for other Skilled Trades jobs that are in demand today

The Trades are in demand and hiring today! View our career resources for other skilled trade careers and learn how to get started in a rewarding skilled trade job. Learn what trades are most in demand today, how to get started and how much money you can make in the trades. It's a great time to Go Skilled Trades!

Skilled Trades Career Resources

Many Skilled Tradesmen have acquired their training through an apprenticeship program, trade school, the military or while working on the job. You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the Skilled Trades, facility maintenance or Construction field.

No College Degree Required

You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the skilled trades field. Many skilled tradesmen today, have acquired their training through apprenticeships, military, trade schools or working on the job.

No Expensive Student Loans

The average college student today graduates with a significant amount of debt due to their expensive student loans. On the other hand, an apprentice gets paid while completing their training program.

Great Rewarding Careers

There are many Skilled Trades and Construction career opportunities available today. Employers are constantly looking for workers with a good work ethic and the ability to learn new skills.