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What is a labour operator and how to become one
A labour operator, sometimes called a laborer, operates all kinds of construction equipment on the job site. From backhoes to air compressors, labour operators have all kinds of machinery experience under their belt. Obviously the most important skill for a labour operator is knowing how to operate construction machines safely. However, they don't just sit in the cabin of a backhoe while the rest of the crew does the hands-on work. Labour operators are not afraid to get their hands dirty when it comes to tasks such as prepping an area for excavation or checking the safety of a construction site. Labour operators also need strong communication skills and knowledge of safety standards to work well with their colleagues on the job site.
Formal education is not required to become a labour operator. In fact, fewer than 10% of labour operators have a bachelor's degree. They usually need a high school diploma, CDL (Commercial Driver's License), and some experience in construction to get hired.
Labour operators earn an average salary of $34,549 a year. However, this varies between cities and employers.
Avg. Salary $34,180
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 5%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.89%
Asian 0.96%
Black or African American 8.82%
Hispanic or Latino 15.91%
Unknown 4.33%
White 68.08%
Genderfemale 10.28%
male 89.72%
Age - 46American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 46Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Labour operator career paths
Key steps to become a labour operator
Explore labour operator education requirements
Start to develop specific labour operator skills
Skills Percentages Safety Regulations 9.61% CDL 8.14% Dump Truck 7.49% Backhoe 7.41% Load Trucks 6.53% Complete relevant labour operator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New labour operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a labour operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real labour operator resumes.Research labour operator duties and responsibilities
- Operate heavy equipment, including motor graders, heavy loaders, carryalls, bulldozers, backhoes, roller scrapers and tractors.
- Operate heavy equipment, including compactors, heavy loaders, carryalls, water trucks, forklifts, backhoes, and tractors.
- Perform lawn maintenance, mowing, weed-eating, and landscaping.
- Preform roadside maintenance tasks such as trimming trees, mowing, and clearing shrubs.
Prepare your labour operator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your labour operator resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a labour operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable labour operator resume templates
Build a professional labour operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your labour operator resume.
Apply for labour operator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a labour operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first labour operator job
Are you a labour operator?
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Average labour operator salary
The average labour operator salary in the United States is $34,180 per year or $16 per hour. Labour operator salaries range between $26,000 and $43,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do labour operators rate their job?
Labour operator reviews
Different challenges to overcome and adapt to get work done
Sitting idle with nothing to do
The power off the equipment the finish grade off the work and being safe
Broke down equipment
Its what I know and I am good at it . With that said always be open to constructive criticism so you can continue to grow in this field
Young bucks that come in with no it all temperaments without the experience. They can get you hurt in this line of work. Remember everything can kill you when dealing with heavy equipment
Updated January 8, 2025
