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The differences between heavy equipment operators and lighting equipment 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 lighting equipment operator. Additionally, a heavy equipment operator has an average salary of $39,822, which is higher than the $38,105 average annual salary of a lighting equipment operator.
The top three skills for a heavy equipment operator include loaders, backhoe and CDL. The most important skills for a lighting equipment operator are production runs, routine maintenance, and safety rules.
| Heavy Equipment Operator | Lighting Equipment Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $39,822 | $38,105 |
| Hourly rate | $19.15 | $18.32 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 47,261 | 44,772 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.6 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 54% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| 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 great performance needs a lighting equipment operator that will highlight the skill and features of a performer. This person is responsible for ensuring that the lighting equipment is working properly and will not have any problems. The operator manages all the needed visual equipment like the background lighting, LEDs, and video playbacks. They also control lighting materials such as the spotlights, disco lights, and lamps. This position may play a role at concerts, comedy bars, plays, theaters, musical shows, and awards night.
Heavy equipment operators and lighting equipment operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Heavy Equipment Operator | Lighting Equipment Operator | |
| Average salary | $39,822 | $38,105 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $57,000 | Between $28,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | Trenton, NJ | Anchorage, AK |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Moody's | Mayor Ethan Berkowitz |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Construction |
There are a few differences between a heavy equipment operator and a lighting equipment operator in terms of educational background:
| Heavy Equipment Operator | Lighting Equipment Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 54% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between heavy equipment operators' and lighting equipment operators' demographics:
| Heavy Equipment Operator | Lighting Equipment Operator | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.8% Female, 5.2% | Male, 84.7% Female, 15.3% |
| 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, 18.5% Asian, 0.9% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |