Heavy machinery operator vs grader operator

The differences between heavy machinery 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 machinery operator and a grader operator. Additionally, a grader operator has an average salary of $46,011, which is higher than the $31,351 average annual salary of a heavy machinery operator.

The top three skills for a heavy machinery operator include dump truck, backhoe and load trucks. The most important skills for a grader operator are asphalt, CDL, and OSHA.

Heavy machinery operator vs grader operator overview

	Heavy Machinery Operator	Grader Operator
Yearly salary	$31,351	$46,011
Hourly rate	$15.07	$22.12
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	37,580	35,424
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 49%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	4	4

Heavy machinery operator vs grader operator salary

Heavy machinery operators and grader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Heavy Machinery Operator	Grader Operator
Average salary	$31,351	$46,011
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $40,000	Between $35,000 And $60,000
Highest paying City	Reedley, CA	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	Dairy Farmers of America	-
Best paying industry	Automotive	-

Differences between heavy machinery operator and grader operator education

There are a few differences between a heavy machinery operator and a grader operator in terms of educational background:

	Heavy Machinery Operator	Grader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 49%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Heavy machinery operator vs grader operator demographics

Here are the differences between heavy machinery operators' and grader operators' demographics:

	Heavy Machinery Operator	Grader Operator
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6%	Male, 79.9% Female, 20.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 0.9% White, 66.7% 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%

Differences between heavy machinery operator and grader operator duties and responsibilities

Heavy machinery operator example responsibilities.

Used heavy machinery such as a bobcat, backhoe and forklift to move asphalt or material.
Operate CNC lathe along with several other pieces of machinery equipment.
Operate backhoe to excavate excess water/mud to build barriers to prevent a spill over onto roads and residential area.
Start engines, move throttle switch and levers, such as bulldozers, road graders and backhoes and relate machines.
Operate light machinery including bulldozers and maintainers
Reviewed/Approve area assessment reports and corrective action plans assuring compliance with applicable OSHA and EPA regulatory guidance.

Grader operator example responsibilities.

Experience with GPS, laser, and sonic.
Follow all power equipment rules and regulation including any regulatory agency policies to include OSHA.
Operate dozer to backfill trench and level pipeline.
Manufacture active pharmaceutical ingredients using GMP format and aseptic techniques.

Heavy machinery operator vs grader operator skills

Common heavy machinery operator skills

Dump Truck, 15%
Backhoe, 10%
Load Trucks, 7%
Front End Loader, 7%
CDL, 6%
Bobcat, 6%

Common grader operator skills

Asphalt, 42%
CDL, 14%
OSHA, 12%
General Maintenance, 8%
DOT, 7%
Safety Regulations, 5%

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Heavy Machinery Operator vs Grader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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