Back digger operator vs heavy machine operator

The differences between back digger operators and heavy machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a back digger operator and a heavy machine operator. Additionally, a heavy machine operator has an average salary of $38,232, which is higher than the $37,718 average annual salary of a back digger operator.

The top three skills for a back digger operator include hand tools, PPE and safety procedures. The most important skills for a heavy machine operator are cranes, preventative maintenance, and CNC.

Back digger operator vs heavy machine operator overview

	Back Digger Operator	Heavy Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$37,718	$38,232
Hourly rate	$18.13	$18.38
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	31,523	73,011
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 67%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Back digger operator vs heavy machine operator salary

Back digger operators and heavy machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Back Digger Operator	Heavy Machine Operator
Average salary	$37,718	$38,232
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $54,000	Between $29,000 And $49,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between back digger operator and heavy machine operator education

There are a few differences between a back digger operator and a heavy machine operator in terms of educational background:

	Back Digger Operator	Heavy Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 67%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering Technology	Business
Most common college	-	-

Back digger operator vs heavy machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between back digger operators' and heavy machine operators' demographics:

	Back Digger Operator	Heavy Machine Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 97.7% Female, 2.3%	Male, 93.6% Female, 6.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.5% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.5% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between back digger operator and heavy machine operator duties and responsibilities

Back digger operator example responsibilities.

Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.

Heavy machine operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Dig trenches and level earth to grade specification, using pick, shovel and backhoe.
Operate heavy machinery, manual labor and assisting crew where need; CDL driving for certain jobs
Operate excavation and loading machines equip with scoops, shovels, or buckets that dig gravel and earth.
Make excavations and load different material using a loader.
Load & unload trucks with forklift or bobcat for outbound delivery.

Back digger operator vs heavy machine operator skills

Common back digger operator skills

Hand Tools, 44%
PPE, 35%
Safety Procedures, 14%
CDL License, 7%

Common heavy machine operator skills

Cranes, 13%
Preventative Maintenance, 13%
CNC, 12%
Grinders, 12%
Troubleshoot, 11%
Load Trucks, 6%

Back Digger Operator vs. similar jobs

Back Digger Operator related careers

Back Digger Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Transportation Industry
Back Digger Operator
Back Digger Operator vs Heavy Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse transportation jobs