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The differences between excavator operators and equipment operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an excavator operator and an equipment operator. Additionally, an excavator operator has an average salary of $46,102, which is higher than the $31,739 average annual salary of an equipment operator.
The top three skills for an excavator operator include CDL, OSHA and backhoe. The most important skills for an equipment operator are CDL, loaders, and asphalt.
| Excavator Operator | Equipment Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $46,102 | $31,739 |
| Hourly rate | $22.16 | $15.26 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 36,584 | 62,473 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 56% | High School Diploma, 46% |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An excavator operator mainly operates heavy construction machinery and equipment such as forklifts and bulldozers. They typically work under the directives of managers or supervisors, adhering to the safety policies and regulations for a safe and efficient workflow. Aside from operating vehicles, they also process documentation, keep records of operations, and maintain the cleanliness of work areas. Furthermore, as an excavator operator, they must perform regular maintenance checks on vehicles and machines, performing basic repairs when needed.
Equipment operators are employees who are assigned to work on specific company equipment. They are skilled workers trained to handle all aspects of the particular equipment, from basic operating to repairing. They use the equipment and ensure that safety standards are being followed. Aside from managing the equipment, they are also in charge of repairs and maintenance. They are responsible for ensuring that the machine works properly, troubleshooting if there are challenges encountered, and repairing any problems. Equipment operators are reliable, trustworthy, and attentive.
Excavator operators and equipment operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Excavator Operator | Equipment Operator | |
| Average salary | $46,102 | $31,739 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $62,000 | Between $24,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Baltimore, MD | Indianapolis, IN |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Roto | Nelsen Partners |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Energy |
There are a few differences between an excavator operator and an equipment operator in terms of educational background:
| Excavator Operator | Equipment Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 56% | High School Diploma, 46% |
| Most common major | Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between excavator operators' and equipment operators' demographics:
| Excavator Operator | Equipment Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9% | Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.5% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3% | Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 0.9% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |