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What is a gradall operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a gradall operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $20.53 an hour? That's $42,699 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 22,000 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreGradall OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.3

Avg. Salary $42,699

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.9

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.01%

Asian 0.90%

Black or African American 5.78%

Hispanic or Latino 12.74%

Unknown 4.35%

White 74.21%

Gender

female 4.35%

male 95.65%

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

Key steps to become a gradall operator

  1. Explore gradall operator education requirements

    Most common gradall operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    80.0 %

    Diploma

    10.0 %

    Associate

    10.0 %
  2. Complete relevant gradall operator training and internships

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

    • Follow all power equipment rules and regulation including any regulatory agency policies to include OSHA.
    • Execute daily operations of finish grading and various equipment operation.
  4. Apply for gradall operator jobs

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

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Average gradall operator salary

The average gradall operator salary in the United States is $42,699 per year or $21 per hour. Gradall operator salaries range between $33,000 and $55,000 per year.

Average gradall operator salary
$42,699 Yearly
$20.53 hourly

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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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