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The differences between excavator operators and heavy 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 a heavy equipment operator. Additionally, an excavator operator has an average salary of $46,102, which is higher than the $39,822 average annual salary of a heavy equipment operator.
The top three skills for an excavator operator include CDL, OSHA and backhoe. The most important skills for a heavy equipment operator are loaders, backhoe, and CDL.
| Excavator Operator | Heavy Equipment Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $46,102 | $39,822 |
| Hourly rate | $22.16 | $19.15 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 36,584 | 47,261 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.6 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 56% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| 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.
Heavy equipment operators are skilled workers who are trained to handle heavy equipment. They are usually in the construction industry. Some of the equipment they operate are forklifts, bulldozers, dump trucks, backhoes, excavation machines, and mixer trucks. Heavy equipment operators are knowledgeable about the ins and outs of their equipment and are expected to be able to do basic repair and maintenance. They should also be able to recommend more complex repairs and maintenance work needed. Heavy equipment operators must adhere to health and safety protocols at all times.
Excavator operators and heavy equipment operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Excavator Operator | Heavy Equipment Operator | |
| Average salary | $46,102 | $39,822 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $62,000 | Between $27,000 And $57,000 |
| Highest paying City | Baltimore, MD | Trenton, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Roto | Moody's |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Energy |
There are a few differences between an excavator operator and a heavy equipment operator in terms of educational background:
| Excavator Operator | Heavy Equipment Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 56% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| Most common major | Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between excavator operators' and heavy equipment operators' demographics:
| Excavator Operator | Heavy Equipment Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9% | Male, 94.8% Female, 5.2% |
| 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, 7.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 0.9% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |