Bush hog operator vs heavy machinery operator

The differences between bush hog operators and heavy machinery 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 bush hog operator and a heavy machinery operator. Additionally, a bush hog operator has an average salary of $43,052, which is higher than the $31,351 average annual salary of a heavy machinery operator.

The top three skills for a bush hog operator include mowing, routine maintenance and . The most important skills for a heavy machinery operator are dump truck, backhoe, and load trucks.

Bush hog operator vs heavy machinery operator overview

	Bush Hog Operator	Heavy Machinery Operator
Yearly salary	$43,052	$31,351
Hourly rate	$20.70	$15.07
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	34,826	37,580
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 69%	High School Diploma, 45%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	4	4

Bush hog operator vs heavy machinery operator salary

Bush hog operators and heavy machinery operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Bush Hog Operator	Heavy Machinery Operator
Average salary	$43,052	$31,351
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $56,000	Between $24,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	-	Reedley, CA
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Dairy Farmers of America
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between bush hog operator and heavy machinery operator education

There are a few differences between a bush hog operator and a heavy machinery operator in terms of educational background:

	Bush Hog Operator	Heavy Machinery Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 69%	High School Diploma, 45%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Business
Most common college	-	-

Bush hog operator vs heavy machinery operator demographics

Here are the differences between bush hog operators' and heavy machinery operators' demographics:

	Bush Hog Operator	Heavy Machinery Operator
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 95.2% Female, 4.8%	Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 5.8% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 0.9% White, 74.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.0%	Black or African American, 7.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 0.9% White, 66.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between bush hog operator and heavy machinery operator duties and responsibilities

Bush hog operator example responsibilities.

Operate various types of mowing equipment, tractors, and brush hog to maintain county roads.
Operate towed bush hog behind ATV.
Make sure all humane handling practices are up to USDA standards.
Follow all power equipment rules and regulation including any regulatory agency policies to include OSHA.
Push other equipment when extra traction or assistance is required.

Heavy machinery operator example responsibilities.

Used heavy machinery such as a bobcat, backhoe and forklift to move asphalt or material.
Operate CNC lathe along with several other pieces of machinery equipment.
Operate backhoe to excavate excess water/mud to build barriers to prevent a spill over onto roads and residential area.
Start engines, move throttle switch and levers, such as bulldozers, road graders and backhoes and relate machines.
Operate light machinery including bulldozers and maintainers
Reviewed/Approve area assessment reports and corrective action plans assuring compliance with applicable OSHA and EPA regulatory guidance.

Bush hog operator vs heavy machinery operator skills

Common bush hog operator skills

Mowing, 57%
Routine Maintenance, 43%

Common heavy machinery operator skills

Dump Truck, 15%
Backhoe, 10%
Load Trucks, 7%
Front End Loader, 7%
CDL, 6%
Bobcat, 6%

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Bush Hog Operator vs Heavy Machinery Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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