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What is a foreman/operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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The average foreman/operator salary is $52,844. The most common degree is a high school diploma degree with an business major. It usually takes more than 10 years of experience to become a foreman/operator. Foreman/operators with a OSHA Safety Certificate certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 22,000 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreForeman/OperatorUS Average
Salary
4.1

Avg. Salary $52,844

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.6

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.09%

Asian 1.44%

Black or African American 5.75%

Hispanic or Latino 21.54%

Unknown 3.90%

White 66.28%

Gender

female 2.90%

male 97.10%

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
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.1

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Foreman/operator career paths

Key steps to become a foreman/operator

  1. Explore foreman/operator education requirements

    Most common foreman/operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    47.9 %

    Bachelor's

    20.1 %

    Associate

    15.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific foreman/operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Backhoe15.64%
    Dozer12.36%
    Sewer Lines8.00%
    CDL7.66%
    Dump Truck5.70%
  3. Complete relevant foreman/operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New foreman/operators 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 a foreman/operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real foreman/operator resumes.
  4. Research foreman/operator duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and cross-train subordinates in several job-relate tasks while promoting leadership.
    • Assist new employees with obtaining CDL license.
    • Perform roof work as needed, collaborate with HVAC crew.
    • Operate dozers, excavator, maintainer, rollers, compactors and backhoes.
  5. Prepare your foreman/operator resume

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

    Choose from 10+ customizable foreman/operator resume templates

    Build a professional foreman/operator 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 foreman/operator resume.
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    Foreman/Operator Resume
  6. Apply for foreman/operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a foreman/operator 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 foreman/operator job

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Average foreman/operator salary

The average foreman/operator salary in the United States is $52,844 per year or $25 per hour. Foreman/operator salaries range between $38,000 and $71,000 per year.

Average foreman/operator salary
$52,844 Yearly
$25.41 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do foreman/operators rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

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2 stars

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Foreman/operator reviews

profile
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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