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Trenching machine operator vs back digger operator

The differences between trenching machine operators and back digger 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 trenching machine operator and a back digger operator. Additionally, a trenching machine operator has an average salary of $39,238, which is higher than the $37,718 average annual salary of a back digger operator.

The top three skills for a trenching machine operator include ditch, and . The most important skills for a back digger operator are hand tools, PPE, and safety procedures.

Trenching machine operator vs back digger operator overview

Trenching Machine OperatorBack Digger Operator
Yearly salary$39,238$37,718
Hourly rate$18.86$18.13
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs57,71931,523
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 53%High School Diploma, 67%
Average age4343
Years of experience44

Trenching machine operator vs back digger operator salary

Trenching machine operators and back digger operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Trenching Machine OperatorBack Digger Operator
Average salary$39,238$37,718
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $54,000Between $26,000 And $54,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between trenching machine operator and back digger operator education

There are a few differences between a trenching machine operator and a back digger operator in terms of educational background:

Trenching Machine OperatorBack Digger Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 53%High School Diploma, 67%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeElectrical Engineering Technology
Most common college--

Trenching machine operator vs back digger operator demographics

Here are the differences between trenching machine operators' and back digger operators' demographics:

Trenching Machine OperatorBack Digger Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 97.9% Female, 2.1%Male, 97.7% Female, 2.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.5% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.5% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between trenching machine operator and back digger operator duties and responsibilities

Trenching machine operator example responsibilities.

  • Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
  • Perform repair and preventive maintenance on machinery including cleaning, oiling and adjusting.

Back digger operator example responsibilities.

  • Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
  • Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.

Trenching machine operator vs back digger operator skills

Common trenching machine operator skills
  • Ditch, 100%
Common back digger operator skills
  • Hand Tools, 44%
  • PPE, 35%
  • Safety Procedures, 14%
  • CDL License, 7%

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