Heavy equipment operator vs field operator

The differences between heavy equipment operators and field operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a heavy equipment operator, becoming a field operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a field operator has an average salary of $42,202, 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 field operator are CDL, hand tools, and end loaders.

Heavy equipment operator vs field operator overview

	Heavy Equipment Operator	Field Operator
Yearly salary	$39,822	$42,202
Hourly rate	$19.15	$20.29
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	47,261	81,407
Job satisfaction	4.6	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 54%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Average age	45	40
Years of experience	4	2

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 field operator do?

A field operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment and machinery and resolve operational system failures. Field operators analyze schematics and blueprints to assemble machine components and secure its performance stability. They also upgrade parts and systems and recommend cost-reduction resources from trusted suppliers and third-party vendors. A field operator must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills to perform troubleshooting procedures, adhering to safety procedures, and following guidelines to prevent operational hazards and manufacturing delays.

Heavy equipment operator vs field operator salary

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

	Heavy Equipment Operator	Field Operator
Average salary	$39,822	$42,202
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $57,000	Between $29,000 And $60,000
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 field operator education

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

	Heavy Equipment Operator	Field Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 54%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Heavy equipment operator vs field operator demographics

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

	Heavy Equipment Operator	Field Operator
Average age	45	40
Gender ratio	Male, 94.8% Female, 5.2%	Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0%
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, 9.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.8% Asian, 1.2% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between heavy equipment operator and field 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.

Field operator example responsibilities.

Coordinate logistics for chemical supply, supervise personnel and manage shift changes.
Check through equipment such as contact weight bars, quick changes, cdl.
Train in FRAC and cement work.
Position require CDL and handling of radioactive sources.
Wear all personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
rebuild and repack pumps re-dress bop stacks pump fluids and nitrogen

Heavy equipment operator vs field operator skills

Common heavy equipment operator skills

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

Common field operator skills

CDL, 15%
Hand Tools, 7%
End Loaders, 7%
Hazmat, 6%
Preventive Maintenance, 5%
Safety Standards, 5%

Heavy Equipment Operator vs. similar jobs

Heavy Equipment Operator related careers

Heavy Equipment Operator related jobs

Heavy Equipment Operator jobs by location

Zippia Careers
Construction and Extraction Industry
Heavy Equipment Operator
Heavy Equipment Operator vs Field Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse construction and extraction jobs