Heavy machinery operator vs lighting equipment operator

The differences between heavy machinery 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 machinery operator and a lighting equipment operator. Additionally, a lighting equipment operator has an average salary of $38,105, 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 lighting equipment operator are production runs, routine maintenance, and safety rules.

Heavy machinery operator vs lighting equipment operator overview

	Heavy Machinery Operator	Lighting Equipment Operator
Yearly salary	$31,351	$38,105
Hourly rate	$15.07	$18.32
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	37,580	44,772
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 48%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	4	4

Heavy machinery operator vs lighting equipment operator salary

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

	Heavy Machinery Operator	Lighting Equipment Operator
Average salary	$31,351	$38,105
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $40,000	Between $28,000 And $51,000
Highest paying City	Reedley, CA	Anchorage, AK
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	Dairy Farmers of America	Mayor Ethan Berkowitz
Best paying industry	Automotive	Construction

Differences between heavy machinery operator and lighting equipment operator education

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

	Heavy Machinery Operator	Lighting Equipment Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 48%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Heavy machinery operator vs lighting equipment operator demographics

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

	Heavy Machinery Operator	Lighting Equipment Operator
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6%	Male, 84.7% Female, 15.3%
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, 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%

Differences between heavy machinery operator and lighting equipment 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.

Lighting equipment operator example responsibilities.

Manage and cross-train subordinates in several job-relate tasks while promoting leadership.
Operate and maintain forklift, bobcat, backhoe, and loader.
Light equipment operator (i.e., forklift, backhoe, augers, excavator, bobcat, etc .).
Operate machines to spread, smooth, level, or steel- reinforce stone, concrete, or asphalt on road beds.
Work on various construction projects including, patching utility cuts, potholes, and dirt work in preparation of asphalt repairs.
Identify electrical, plumbing and safety problems applicable to the installation and take necessary corrective action.

Heavy machinery operator vs lighting equipment operator skills

Common heavy machinery operator skills

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

Common lighting equipment operator skills

Production Runs, 15%
Routine Maintenance, 11%
Safety Rules, 6%
Loaders, 6%
Hand Tools, 5%
CDL, 5%

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Heavy Machinery Operator vs Lighting Equipment Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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