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What is a blade operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
The average blade operator salary is $46,245. The most common degree is a high school diploma degree with an business major. It usually takes 2-4 years of experience to become a blade operator. Blade operators with a OSHA Safety Certificate certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 22,000 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreBlade OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.6

Avg. Salary $46,245

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.9

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.05%

Asian 0.93%

Black or African American 7.11%

Hispanic or Latino 18.77%

Unknown 4.37%

White 66.77%

Gender

female 6.77%

male 93.23%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress level
6.9

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.6

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.6

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Blade operator career paths

Key steps to become a blade operator

  1. Explore blade operator education requirements

    Most common blade operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    64.4 %

    Certificate

    11.9 %

    Associate

    11.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific blade operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Asphalt50.49%
    GPS18.28%
    Trimble Gps4.60%
    Construction Equipment4.07%
    Highway Construction3.56%
  3. Complete relevant blade operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New blade operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a blade operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real blade operator resumes.
  4. Research blade operator duties and responsibilities

    • Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
    • Execute daily operations of finish grading and various equipment operation.
  5. Prepare your blade operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your blade operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a blade operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable blade operator resume templates

    Build a professional blade operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your blade operator resume.
    Blade Operator Resume
    Blade Operator Resume
    Blade Operator Resume
    Blade Operator Resume
    Blade Operator Resume
    Blade Operator Resume
    Blade Operator Resume
    Blade Operator Resume
    Blade Operator Resume
  6. Apply for blade operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a blade operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first blade operator job

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Average blade operator salary

The average blade operator salary in the United States is $46,245 per year or $22 per hour. Blade operator salaries range between $35,000 and $60,000 per year.

Average blade operator salary
$46,245 Yearly
$22.23 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do blade operators rate their job?

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Blade operator reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023
Cons

Sitting idle with nothing to do


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Cons

Dirt crews.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Cons

Young bucks that come in with no it all temperaments without the experience. They can get you hurt in this line of work. Remember everything can kill you when dealing with heavy equipment


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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