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Excavator operator education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, excavator operators don't need a college education. The most common degree for excavator operators is high school diploma with 56% graduates, with only 13% excavator operator graduates earning associate degree. Excavator operators who decided to graduate from college often finish Pennsylvania State University or University of Portland. Some good skills to have in this position include cdl, osha and backhoe.

Popular excavator operator certifications include OSHA Safety Certificate , Operator Certification, or EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA). To improve excavator operator qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in excavator operator education paths.

What education do you need to become an excavator operator?

What degree do you need to be an excavator operator?

The most common degree for excavator operators is high school diploma, with 56% of excavator operators earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 13% and associate degree degree at 12%.
  • High School Diploma, 56%
  • Associate, 13%
  • Diploma, 12%
  • Bachelor's, 10%
  • Other Degrees, 9%

What should I major in to become an excavator operator?

You should major in heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies to become an excavator operator. 18% of excavator operators major in heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies. Other common majors for an excavator operator include business and general studies.

Best majors for excavator operators

20 best online courses for excavator operators

Advertising disclosure

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Average excavator operator salary by education level

Excavator operator education levelExcavator operator salary
High School Diploma or Less$44,938

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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