Heavy Equipment Operator Job Overview
Heavy equipment operators maneuver heavy machinery safely, as well as calculate appropriate loads, follow blueprints and designs, and ensure the proper running and maintenance of their machinery. Heavy equipment is a category of machinery that includes bulldozers, cranes, excavators, forklifts and other moving parts designed to transport earth or materials, erect and install construction materials, lay down roadbeds or pave materials.
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Work is typically completed outdoors and can be seasonal, with long hours and in all kinds of weather. However, work is available full-time. Some operators work in remote locations, and care must be taken to follow all safety procedures in order to lower the chance of injury.
Because of the large size and power of these machines, heavy equipment operators must be well trained and highly skilled in operating and servicing their machinery. They should also have hand-eye-foot coordination, good depth perception, near and far vision acuity, and good reaction time and physical stamina. They should be in possession of a commercial driver's license, and proficient in the safe operation of various equipment. Construction equipment operators in general earned a median annual pay of $43,160 per year in May 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Read on to learn more about how to become a heavy equipment operator.
Heavy Equipment Operator Training and Career Requirements
- Earn a high school diploma
- Complete heavy equipment training
- Earn licensure and/or certification
Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma
Nearly all heavy equipment operating jobs require a high school diploma or its equivalent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, high school courses in shop, mathematics, and auto technology often benefit prospective heavy equipment operators. Heavy equipment operator school requirements do not typically extend to the university level. Another thing that might be very helpful is having previous work experience rather than focusing too much on heavy equipment school requirements.
Step 2: Complete Heavy Equipment Training
There are three ways to become a heavy equipment operator. Individuals can complete a union apprenticeship or a state apprenticeship program, or they can go to a college or technical school. Most states require apprentices to be registered with the state.
Apprenticeship programs provide classroom and on-the-job training with approved companies and generally take 3 to 4 years to complete. In the classroom, students learn equipment regulation and safety, equipment maintenance and repair, soil science, site grading, math and blueprint reading.
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Apprentices work under qualified and experienced operators learning machinery operation, site safety and practical application of the skills learned in the classroom. College or technical school programs also offer classroom training and hands-on experience operating and maintaining the equipment; however, a graduate of one of these programs may not be exposed to as much field experience as an apprentice. Depending on the school, credits earned may be transferable to an associate's degree program in a major such as construction.
If the applicant is in an area that's unionized, a union-sponsored apprenticeship may be something to consider. If the region isn't unionized, the state apprenticeship program or training through a community college or technical school may be the better option.
Before enrolling in a technical or trade school, verify that local companies employ their graduates. This information may help in selecting a training institution and provide insight into career placement.
Step 3: Earn Licensure and/or Heavy Equipment Operator Certification
In some states, heavy equipment operators, like those who operate different types of cranes, may be required to earn a state license or be certified by a national organization. Wondering where to get heavy equipment operator certification? The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) offers certification in a number of types of cranes, such as mobile and tower cranes. Becoming certified typically requires completing a written and practical exam in crane operation. While there is no free heavy equipment operator training, heavy equipment operator school cost is still very low compared to other professions that require post-secondary education or training.
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Certification lasts five years, and it must be renewed by passing a recertification exam and having at least 1,000 hours of crane experience. Applicants must also adhere to NCCCO substance abuse, ethical and medical guidelines.
Many employers require a heavy machine operator to have a commercial driver's license (CDL) so that they can drive the truck and trailer that transport the equipment to and from the job site. Requirements for these licenses vary by state but generally include a written and practical examination. Maintaining a heavy equipment operator license and certification may ensure steady work and lead to promotions or career advancement.
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To quickly recap, becoming a heavy equipment operator requires a high school diploma or its equivalent before going on to earn apprenticeship, educational or on-the-job training and seeking out licensure and/or certification requirements for their state.
Types of Heavy Equipment
As a heavy machine operator, you will be working with many different kinds of equipment. Learning how to operate each one is one of the major challenges of this job, as operators will need to be able to switch between different machines fairly rapidly on some job sites. Here are just a few kinds of heavy equipment with which you will need to familiarize yourself, both in operation and in use, when learning how to become a heavy machine operator:
- Telehandlers
- Front End Loaders
- Asphalt Pavers & Rollers
- Bulldozers
- Forklifts
- Cranes
- Dump Trucks
- Road Graders
- Backhoes
- Excavators
- Compactors
- Pile Drivers
- Tractors
Some of these types of equipment are used in construction, while others are used for agricultural work, demolition, routine maintenance, and many more activities. You will likely not have to use all of these in a single career as a machine operator, but many of them will likely be in your daily work vocabulary.