Heavy Equipment Operators

Heavy Equipment operators operate one or more types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, dump trucks, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. They may repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.

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demand
(through 2026)

high

time commitment

1 Year or Less

average salary

$62909

job openings
(through 2026)

16,108

what you’ll do

Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment on a construction site.
Adjust handwheels and depress pedals to control attachments, such as blades, buckets, scrapers, or swing booms.
Position construction or extraction equipment.
Locate underground services, such as pipes or wires, prior to beginning work.
Monitor operations to ensure that health and safety standards are met.

education & training required

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees along with training from a technical school, community college, registered apprenticeship program or industry training program.

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