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What is a heavy equipment operator and foreman and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
The average heavy equipment operator and foreman salary is $53,932. The most common degree is a high school diploma degree with an business major. It usually takes 2-4 years of experience to become a heavy equipment operator and foreman. Heavy equipment operators and foreman 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.
ScoreHeavy Equipment Operator And ForemanUS Average
Salary
4.2

Avg. Salary $53,932

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.9

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.88%

Asian 0.95%

Black or African American 8.16%

Hispanic or Latino 17.37%

Unknown 4.33%

White 67.31%

Gender

female 2.53%

male 97.47%

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

Heavy equipment operator and foreman career paths

Key steps to become a heavy equipment operator and foreman

  1. Explore heavy equipment operator and foreman education requirements

    Most common heavy equipment operator and foreman degrees

    High School Diploma

    54.3 %

    Associate

    17.1 %

    Bachelor's

    11.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific heavy equipment operator and foreman skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Dozer14.14%
    Loaders10.06%
    Backhoe9.82%
    Front End Loader6.18%
    Dump Truck5.10%
  3. Complete relevant heavy equipment operator and foreman training and internships

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

    • Manage construction of sheet metal installation and HVAC systems of commercial facilities including construction of storefronts and mechanical rooms.
    • Check and set grade, run and maintain various pieces of equipment including track hoe, blade, and dozer.
    • Operate mini excavator and backhoe to trench pipe in.
    • Operate heavy equipment (trencher, backhoe and loader).
  5. Prepare your heavy equipment operator and foreman resume

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

    Choose from 10+ customizable heavy equipment operator and foreman resume templates

    Build a professional heavy equipment operator and foreman 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 heavy equipment operator and foreman resume.
    Heavy Equipment Operator And Foreman Resume
    Heavy Equipment Operator And Foreman Resume
    Heavy Equipment Operator And Foreman Resume
    Heavy Equipment Operator And Foreman Resume
    Heavy Equipment Operator And Foreman Resume
    Heavy Equipment Operator And Foreman Resume
    Heavy Equipment Operator And Foreman Resume
    Heavy Equipment Operator And Foreman Resume
    Heavy Equipment Operator And Foreman Resume
  6. Apply for heavy equipment operator and foreman jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a heavy equipment operator and foreman 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 heavy equipment operator and foreman job

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Average heavy equipment operator and foreman salary

The average heavy equipment operator and foreman salary in the United States is $53,932 per year or $26 per hour. Heavy equipment operator and foreman salaries range between $38,000 and $76,000 per year.

Average heavy equipment operator and foreman salary
$53,932 Yearly
$25.93 hourly

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How do heavy equipment operators and foreman rate their job?

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Based on 1 ratings

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Heavy equipment operator and foreman reviews

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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 Jun 2021
Pros

Performing Safe Crane Placement with standard procedures having soil tested area for ground bearing testing having good soil compaction for the foot-print of machine, matting of foundation pad to set up cranes machines etc. being aware of the areas around you and equipment along with the priority of the employees SAFETY . Sizing the right piece of equipment to perform the work, generating a critical lift with the load rated rigging called for the equipment ,plan regardless of size and cost, then performing a safe execution placement.

Cons

Not having a plan for what has to happen, Not having SAFETY in the plan , Not working together in the field as well in the office, & NOT having a contingency plan ..


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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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