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What is a decker operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a decker operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $17.5 an hour? That's $36,397 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 7% and produce 56,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreDecker OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.8

Avg. Salary $36,397

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.6

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
10.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.93%

Asian 7.81%

Black or African American 12.90%

Hispanic or Latino 16.19%

Unknown 4.20%

White 57.97%

Gender

female 9.58%

male 90.42%

Age - 44
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 - 44
Stress level
4.6

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.9

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a decker operator

  1. Explore decker operator education requirements

    Most common decker operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    45.9 %

    Associate

    23.5 %

    Bachelor's

    12.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific decker operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Cranes28.77%
    Safety Procedures25.27%
    Aerospace15.43%
    Hand Tools13.78%
    CIP11.13%
  3. Complete relevant decker operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New decker 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 decker operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real decker operator resumes.
  4. Research decker operator duties and responsibilities

    • Operate overhead bridge cranes and fork lifts.
    • Operate heavy machinery- including cranes, forklifts, boom-lifts, and power jacks.
    • 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.
  5. Prepare your decker operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your decker 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 decker 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 decker operator resume templates

    Build a professional decker 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 decker operator resume.
    Decker Operator Resume
    Decker Operator Resume
    Decker Operator Resume
    Decker Operator Resume
    Decker Operator Resume
    Decker Operator Resume
    Decker Operator Resume
    Decker Operator Resume
    Decker Operator Resume
  6. Apply for decker operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a decker 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 decker operator job

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Average decker operator salary

The average decker operator salary in the United States is $36,397 per year or $18 per hour. Decker operator salaries range between $25,000 and $51,000 per year.

Average decker operator salary
$36,397 Yearly
$17.50 hourly

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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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