Stabilizer operator vs heavy machinery operator

The differences between stabilizer operators and heavy machinery 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 stabilizer operator and a heavy machinery operator. Additionally, a stabilizer operator has an average salary of $43,457, which is higher than the $31,351 average annual salary of a heavy machinery operator.

The top three skills for a stabilizer operator include plant instrumentation, and . The most important skills for a heavy machinery operator are dump truck, backhoe, and load trucks.

Stabilizer operator vs heavy machinery operator overview

	Stabilizer Operator	Heavy Machinery Operator
Yearly salary	$43,457	$31,351
Hourly rate	$20.89	$15.07
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	29,204	37,580
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Master's Degree, 33%	High School Diploma, 45%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	4	4

Stabilizer operator vs heavy machinery operator salary

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

	Stabilizer Operator	Heavy Machinery Operator
Average salary	$43,457	$31,351
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $56,000	Between $24,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	-	Reedley, CA
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Dairy Farmers of America
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between stabilizer operator and heavy machinery operator education

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

	Stabilizer Operator	Heavy Machinery Operator
Most common degree	Master's Degree, 33%	High School Diploma, 45%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Business
Most common college	-	-

Stabilizer operator vs heavy machinery operator demographics

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

	Stabilizer Operator	Heavy Machinery Operator
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 75.0% Female, 25.0%	Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 5.8% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 0.9% White, 74.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.0%	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%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between stabilizer operator and heavy machinery operator duties and responsibilities

Stabilizer operator example responsibilities.

Assist backhoe operator and assure safety of area being excavate.
Design and architect business applications using OOAD and design patters; develop and implement applications using BAC processes and methodologies.
Cut over traffic from a DSC400 to a DMS250 for an IXC.

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.

Stabilizer operator vs heavy machinery operator skills

Common stabilizer operator skills

Plant Instrumentation, 100%

Common heavy machinery operator skills

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

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Stabilizer Operator vs Heavy Machinery Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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