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What is an equipment operator/labour and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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This personnel is charged with operating the machinery used during the construction process. He/She is a licensed expert who reports to a supervisor or foreman. Bulldozers, excavators, rollers, trenchers, compactors, and the likes are the equipment he/she operates. He/She ensures all equipment is properly maintained and used in line with the company's health and safety regulations. Furthermore, he/she performs routine safety checks and maintenance on equipment. Additionally, he/she performs other construction duties as delegated. Moreover, he/she may train new crew members in the safe operation of equipment.

This position requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Applicants must hold relevant license and safety certification. Completion of an apprenticeship program is a plus. You must possess teamwork, attention to detail, interpersonal and analytical skills. You must be able to read manuals, schematics, and blueprints. The average salary of an equipment operator/labor is $37,139 per annum, equivalent to $17.86 hourly. It varies between $30,000 and $45,000.

ScoreEquipment Operator/LabourUS Average
Salary
2.7

Avg. Salary $33,959

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
6.9

Growth Rate 5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.91%

Asian 0.95%

Black or African American 7.98%

Hispanic or Latino 16.16%

Unknown 4.34%

White 68.67%

Gender

female 5.66%

male 94.34%

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

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Equipment Operator/Labour career paths

Key steps to become an equipment operator/labour

  1. Explore equipment operator/labour education requirements

    Most common equipment operator/labour degrees

    High School Diploma

    56.9 %

    Diploma

    13.4 %

    Associate

    11.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific equipment operator/labour skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Backhoe9.15%
    Loaders7.84%
    Dump Truck5.95%
    Asphalt5.93%
    Safety Regulations5.87%
  3. Complete relevant equipment operator/labour training and internships

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

    • Manage and cross-train subordinates in several job-relate tasks while promoting leadership.
    • Work heavy equipment, cdl, forklift, guard rail crew
    • Perform work that require using pick axes, shovels, and other hand tools.
    • Operate heavy equipment, to include backhoes, rollers, lawn tractors and bulldozers.
  5. Prepare your equipment operator/labour resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your equipment operator/labour 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/labour 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/Labour Resume templates

    Build a professional Equipment Operator/Labour 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/Labour resume.
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    Equipment Operator/Labour Resume
    Equipment Operator/Labour Resume
    Equipment Operator/Labour Resume
  6. Apply for equipment operator/labour jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an equipment operator/labour 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/Labour Job

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Average equipment operator/labour salary

The average Equipment Operator/Labour salary in the United States is $33,959 per year or $16 per hour. Equipment operator/labour salaries range between $26,000 and $43,000 per year.

Average Equipment Operator/Labour Salary
$33,959 Yearly
$16.33 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do equipment operators/labour rate their job?

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Equipment Operator/Labour 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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