How to learn to operate heavy equipment

You can attend a training course to learn to operate heavy equipment. Most of these programs have fairly simple requirements to enroll, such as holding at least a GED and being a minimum age, often 18.

Heavy Equipment Operator Education Requirements And Courses

Heavy equipment operator education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Usually, heavy equipment operators don't need a college education. The most common degree for heavy equipment operators is high school diploma with 54% graduates, with only 16% heavy equipment operator graduates earning associate degree. Heavy equipment operators who decided to graduate from college often finish University of Phoenix or Central State University. Some good skills to have in this position include loaders, backhoe and cdl.

Popular heavy equipment operator certifications include OSHA Safety Certificate , Operator Certification, or EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA). To improve heavy equipment operator qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in heavy equipment operator education paths.

What education do you need to become a heavy equipment operator?

What degree do you need to be a heavy equipment operator?

The most common degree for heavy equipment operators is high school diploma, with 54% of heavy equipment operators earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 16% and associate degree degree at 12%.

High School Diploma, 54%

Associate, 16%

Bachelor's, 12%

Diploma, 11%

Other Degrees, 7%

What should I major in to become a heavy equipment operator?

You should major in business to become a heavy equipment operator. 18% of heavy equipment operators major in business. Other common majors for a heavy equipment operator include general studies and heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies.

Business, 18%

General Studies, 13%

Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies, 11%

Automotive Technology, 9%

Other Majors, 49%

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Business	17.7%
2	General Studies	12.9%
3	Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies	10.8%
4	Automotive Technology	8.7%
5	Criminal Justice	7.7%

Rank

Major

Percentages

Business

17.7%

General Studies

12.9%

Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies

10.8%

Automotive Technology

8.7%

Criminal Justice

7.7%

20 best online courses for heavy equipment operators

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Average heavy equipment operator salary by education level

According to our data, heavy equipment operators with a Associate degree earn the highest average salary, at $41,613 annually. Heavy equipment operators with a Bachelor's degree earn an average annual salary of $40,484.

Heavy equipment operator education level	Heavy equipment operator salary
High School Diploma or Less	$40,309
Bachelor's Degree	$40,484
Some College/ Associate Degree	$41,613