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Heavy machinery operator vs operator

The differences between heavy machinery operators and 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 an operator. Additionally, an operator has an average salary of $37,928, 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 an operator are safety procedures, CDL, and emergency calls.

Heavy machinery operator vs operator overview

Heavy Machinery OperatorOperator
Yearly salary$31,351$37,928
Hourly rate$15.07$18.23
Growth rate5%7%
Number of jobs37,580159,077
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 40%
Average age4543
Years of experience44

Heavy machinery operator vs operator salary

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

Heavy Machinery OperatorOperator
Average salary$31,351$37,928
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $40,000Between $27,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CityReedley, CASan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaNorth Dakota
Best paying companyDairy Farmers of AmericaMicrosoft
Best paying industryAutomotiveTechnology

Differences between heavy machinery operator and operator education

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

Heavy Machinery OperatorOperator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 40%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Heavy machinery operator vs operator demographics

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

Heavy Machinery OperatorOperator
Average age4543
Gender ratioMale, 91.4% Female, 8.6%Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0%
Race ratioBlack 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, 16.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.5% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage2%4%

Differences between heavy machinery operator and 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.
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Operator example responsibilities.

  • Assist in developing the company s short and long term training plans and managing yearly ammunition allocation.
  • Assist and manage the extrusion process of polyester raw material in pellet or chip form to produce finish rolls of plastic.
  • Manage day-to-day transportation and logistics services for multinational account base.
  • Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
  • Job require basic math skills: fractions and decimals.
  • Ensure safety of all equipment during production in compliance with strict OSHA and safety regulations.
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Heavy machinery operator vs operator skills

Common heavy machinery operator skills
  • Dump Truck, 15%
  • Backhoe, 10%
  • Load Trucks, 7%
  • Front End Loader, 7%
  • CDL, 6%
  • Bobcat, 6%
Common operator skills
  • Safety Procedures, 15%
  • CDL, 6%
  • Emergency Calls, 6%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%
  • Quality Checks, 4%
  • Dozer, 4%

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