Heavy equipment operator vs dozer operator

The differences between heavy equipment operators and dozer operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a heavy equipment operator and a dozer operator. Additionally, a dozer operator has an average salary of $44,340, which is higher than the $39,822 average annual salary of a heavy equipment operator.

The top three skills for a heavy equipment operator include loaders, backhoe and CDL. The most important skills for a dozer operator are asphalt, construction sites, and loaders.

Heavy equipment operator vs dozer operator overview

	Heavy Equipment Operator	Dozer Operator
Yearly salary	$39,822	$44,340
Hourly rate	$19.15	$21.32
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	47,261	35,584
Job satisfaction	4.6	3
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 54%	High School Diploma, 67%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	4	4

What does a heavy equipment operator do?

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.

What does a dozer operator do?

A dozer operator's main job is to operate heavy machinery and equipment that is used in the construction of roads, condominiums, dams, bridges, runways, and the like. They are also involved in the maintenance and repair of heavy machinery. They report any malfunctions immediately to project heads to avoid using the damaged equipment. They can also train new operators to increase the workforce and evaluate other staff involved in the construction.

Heavy equipment operator vs dozer operator salary

Heavy equipment operators and dozer operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Heavy Equipment Operator	Dozer Operator
Average salary	$39,822	$44,340
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $57,000	Between $33,000 And $58,000
Highest paying City	Trenton, NJ	-
Highest paying state	New Jersey	-
Best paying company	Moody's	-
Best paying industry	Energy	-

Differences between heavy equipment operator and dozer operator education

There are a few differences between a heavy equipment operator and a dozer operator in terms of educational background:

	Heavy Equipment Operator	Dozer Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 54%	High School Diploma, 67%
Most common major	Business	Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies
Most common college	-	-

Heavy equipment operator vs dozer operator demographics

Here are the differences between heavy equipment operators' and dozer operators' demographics:

	Heavy Equipment Operator	Dozer Operator
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 94.8% Female, 5.2%	Male, 98.0% Female, 2.0%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 0.9% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between heavy equipment operator and dozer operator duties and responsibilities

Heavy equipment operator example responsibilities.

Manage and cross-train subordinates in several job-relate tasks while promoting leadership.
Operate trucks and equipment such as backhoe, dump trucks, front-end loader, hydraulic excavator, skid steers and bulldozers.
Operate heavy equipment including, but limit to, backhoe, excavators, bobcats, forklifts, trucks and wheel loaders.
Operate equipment used for construction purposes such as tankers, cranes, bulldozers, loaders, compost mixers and excavators.
Put down mulch cut grass, plant and dig up.
Work with asphalt, cut down trees, and dig trenches.

Dozer operator example responsibilities.

Operate power construction equipment such as bulldozers, tractors and front-end loaders.
Maintain CDL, CPR certification and OSHA certification.
Have msha and osha training, first aid card.
Operate D9, D10, D11
Load trucks, dig trenches.
Grade the grounds for sod, asphalt, and concrete.

Heavy equipment operator vs dozer operator skills

Common heavy equipment operator skills

Loaders, 9%
Backhoe, 6%
CDL, 6%
Asphalt, 5%
Safety Regulations, 5%
Dump Truck, 5%

Common dozer operator skills

Asphalt, 13%
Construction Sites, 9%
Loaders, 7%
Grade Stakes, 6%
OSHA, 6%
Construction Equipment, 5%

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Heavy Equipment Operator vs Dozer Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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