Are you thinking about switching jobs and building a career in the construction industry, but you do not know if there is something that can provide you with job security, flexibility, and a good pay?Well, there is. If you choose to become a heavy equipment operator, you will have all of that and more.Before you decide to quit your job, you need to first find out whether it is the right career choice for you.
What Does It Meanto Be a Heavy Equipment Operator?
If you choose to become a heavy equipment operator and work in the construction industry, you will be mainly responsible for operating heavy machinery. However, operating equipment is not the only job that you will be doing on a worksite.You will also be responsible for transporting materials and building different types of infrastructure like roads, homes, and bridges.Heavy equipment operators usually work with machinery like cranes, forklifts, and wheelloaders. As a heavy equipment operator, you will have the option to either work for government entities or private employers, andyou can make that decision depending on the hours,pay, and benefits being offered.
Job Outlook as a Heavy Equipment Operator
Jobs in the construction industry are highly underrated,and a lot of people often overlook heavy equipment operation as a career path. Construction equipment operators get competitive salaries.If you look at the numbers, you will find that in November 2021 the average industry salary for heavy equipment operators was $67,261. The salary range, in general, of heavy equipment operators at that time was between $56,256 and $76,312. Different factors like experience, education, job location, and skills areall determining factors for a heavy equipment operator’s salary, andof course, the kind of equipment you will be operating is also a determining factor.
Every year,around 50,000 new heavy equipment operator jobs are created.As the economy continues to recover from the pandemic, even more jobs will be available. This means that heavy equipment operators are going to be in high demand everywhere in the country.
What You Need to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator
If you find that pursuing a career in the construction industry is something you want, the next thing you need to do is figure out how you can enjoy a successful career in it. There are numerous things you can do to advance your career in the field. The following are just a few of them.
Education and Training
If you want to work as a heavy equipment operator long term, you need to get proper training and education first. The first step is to get a high school diploma or a GED because you will not get a job as a heavy equipment operator without one or the other. You should also consider attending a vocational school so you can learn more about the construction industry. By doing so, you will be prepared and know what to expect when you step ontoajobsite.
Apprenticeship
If you complete an apprenticeship, you will be able tolearn about heavy equipmentand the construction industry.You will also getting some hands-on experience. This will better prepare you to operate equipment in your future career.
Get Your CDL
Getting a commercial driver’s licence is going to increase your job prospects and salary.If you have the time, you should get yourCDL. Although they are not necessary to operate heavy machinery on worksites,a CDL can be quiteuseful.
Training
Although education and certification are extremely important, there is no denying that gaining hands-on training and experience is paramount. The lessons that you learn on the job are invaluable, and before you can start your career as a heavy equipment operator, you should try your best to get as much hands-on training as possible. It also helps if you get familiar with the equipment you will be operating beforehand so that when you are working on a project you are comfortable operating it.