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What is a special equipment operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a special equipment operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $21.49 an hour? That's $44,694 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 22,000 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreSpecial Equipment OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.5

Avg. Salary $44,694

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.3

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.82%

Asian 1.01%

Black or African American 17.39%

Hispanic or Latino 25.48%

Unknown 3.70%

White 50.59%

Gender

female 12.80%

male 87.20%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress level
7.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.7

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a special equipment operator

  1. Explore special equipment operator education requirements

    Most common special equipment operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    34.5 %

    Bachelor's

    29.3 %

    Associate

    17.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific special equipment operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Loaders50.90%
    CDL25.12%
    Production Lines9.17%
    RF7.71%
    DOT3.94%
  3. Research special equipment operator duties and responsibilities

    • Obtain CDL to drive large trucks.
    • Use a RF computer attach on fork truck.
    • Return any leftover material to previous location and relocate in system with RF scanner.
    • Follow all power equipment rules and regulation including any regulatory agency policies to include OSHA.
  4. Prepare your special equipment operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your special equipment 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 special equipment 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 special equipment operator resume templates

    Build a professional special equipment 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 special equipment operator resume.
    Special Equipment Operator Resume
    Special Equipment Operator Resume
    Special Equipment Operator Resume
    Special Equipment Operator Resume
    Special Equipment Operator Resume
    Special Equipment Operator Resume
    Special Equipment Operator Resume
    Special Equipment Operator Resume
    Special Equipment Operator Resume
  5. Apply for special equipment operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a special equipment operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first special equipment operator job

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Average special equipment operator salary

The average special equipment operator salary in the United States is $44,694 per year or $21 per hour. Special equipment operator salaries range between $34,000 and $58,000 per year.

Average special equipment operator salary
$44,694 Yearly
$21.49 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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