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What is an equipment operator-driver and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being an equipment operator-driver. For example, did you know that they make an average of $17.51 an hour? That's $36,429 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 22,000 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreEquipment Operator-DriverUS Average
Salary
2.8

Avg. Salary $36,429

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.9

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.87%

Asian 0.93%

Black or African American 7.17%

Hispanic or Latino 19.01%

Unknown 4.33%

White 66.70%

Gender

female 3.78%

male 96.22%

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

Equipment operator-driver career paths

Key steps to become an equipment operator-driver

  1. Explore equipment operator-driver education requirements

    Most common equipment operator-driver degrees

    High School Diploma

    52.6 %

    Associate

    17.4 %

    Bachelor's

    11.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific equipment operator-driver skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CDL22.87%
    Dump Truck10.28%
    Loaders7.23%
    Tractor Trailer4.96%
    DOT4.55%
  3. Complete relevant equipment operator-driver training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New equipment operators-driver 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 an equipment operator-driver based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real equipment operator-driver resumes.
  4. Research equipment operator-driver duties and responsibilities

    • Deliver hazmat material to job site.
    • Operate airfield/street sweepers to remove debris from pavement surfaces.
    • Unload full pallets and double pallets of groceries and merchandise.
    • Landscape, plant flowers, grass, shrubs and bushes.
  5. Prepare your equipment operator-driver resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your equipment operator-driver 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 an equipment operator-driver resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable equipment operator-driver resume templates

    Build a professional equipment operator-driver 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 equipment operator-driver resume.
    Equipment Operator-Driver Resume
    Equipment Operator-Driver Resume
    Equipment Operator-Driver Resume
    Equipment Operator-Driver Resume
    Equipment Operator-Driver Resume
    Equipment Operator-Driver Resume
    Equipment Operator-Driver Resume
    Equipment Operator-Driver Resume
    Equipment Operator-Driver Resume
  6. Apply for equipment operator-driver jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an equipment operator-driver 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 equipment operator-driver job

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Are you an equipment operator-driver?

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Average equipment operator-driver salary

The average equipment operator-driver salary in the United States is $36,429 per year or $18 per hour. Equipment operator-driver salaries range between $28,000 and $46,000 per year.

Average equipment operator-driver salary
$36,429 Yearly
$17.51 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do equipment operators-driver rate their job?

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Equipment operator-driver reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023
Pros

Different challenges to overcome and adapt to get work done

Cons

Sitting idle with nothing to do


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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022
Pros

The power off the equipment the finish grade off the work and being safe

Cons

Broke down equipment


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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Pros

Its what I know and I am good at it . With that said always be open to constructive criticism so you can continue to grow in this field

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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