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The differences between heavy equipment operators and grader 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 grader operator. Additionally, a grader operator has an average salary of $46,011, 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 grader operator are asphalt, CDL, and OSHA.
| Heavy Equipment Operator | Grader Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $39,822 | $46,011 |
| Hourly rate | $19.15 | $22.12 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 47,261 | 35,424 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.6 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 54% | High School Diploma, 49% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A grader operator's main task is to operate a grader machine and any other heavy machinery that prepares roads for paving. He/She operates a grader that's self-propelled in spreading gravel, dirt, or stone when constructing roads. A grader operator maintains the grader machine, adheres to all safety practices, and inspects the machine daily. He/She also ensures the security of the machine and that it's well maintained. As a grader operator, your job may also involve carrying out routine checks on the machine to look out for worn parts, leaks, blades, etc.
Heavy equipment operators and grader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Heavy Equipment Operator | Grader Operator | |
| Average salary | $39,822 | $46,011 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $57,000 | Between $35,000 And $60,000 |
| Highest paying City | Trenton, NJ | - |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | - |
| Best paying company | Moody's | - |
| Best paying industry | Energy | - |
There are a few differences between a heavy equipment operator and a grader operator in terms of educational background:
| Heavy Equipment Operator | Grader Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 54% | High School Diploma, 49% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between heavy equipment operators' and grader operators' demographics:
| Heavy Equipment Operator | Grader Operator | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.8% Female, 5.2% | Male, 79.9% Female, 20.1% |
| 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, 8.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 0.9% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |