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The differences between wireline operators and heavy equipment operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a wireline operator, becoming a heavy equipment operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a wireline operator has an average salary of $43,448, which is higher than the $39,822 average annual salary of a heavy equipment operator.
The top three skills for a wireline operator include CDL, rig-up and hazmat. The most important skills for a heavy equipment operator are loaders, backhoe, and CDL.
| Wireline Operator | Heavy Equipment Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $43,448 | $39,822 |
| Hourly rate | $20.89 | $19.15 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 35,693 | 47,261 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.6 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| Average age | 40 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A wireline operator specializes in handling and directing wireline equipment, tools, and instruments, ensuring safety and efficiency. Part of their job is to assess and analyze project requirements, install cables according to protocols and guidelines, control equipment up and down, conduct regular maintenance checks, and perform repairs as necessary. When it comes to employment, a wireline operator may work for mining, oil, and gas companies. Due to the risks surrounding the job, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with co-workers while adhering to the site's safety policies and standards.
Heavy equipment operators are skilled workers who are trained to handle heavy equipment. They are usually in the construction industry. Some of the equipment they operate are forklifts, bulldozers, dump trucks, backhoes, excavation machines, and mixer trucks. Heavy equipment operators are knowledgeable about the ins and outs of their equipment and are expected to be able to do basic repair and maintenance. They should also be able to recommend more complex repairs and maintenance work needed. Heavy equipment operators must adhere to health and safety protocols at all times.
Wireline operators and heavy equipment operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Wireline Operator | Heavy Equipment Operator | |
| Average salary | $43,448 | $39,822 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $59,000 | Between $27,000 And $57,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Trenton, NJ |
| Highest paying state | - | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | - | Moody's |
| Best paying industry | - | Energy |
There are a few differences between a wireline operator and a heavy equipment operator in terms of educational background:
| Wireline Operator | Heavy Equipment Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between wireline operators' and heavy equipment operators' demographics:
| Wireline Operator | Heavy Equipment Operator | |
| Average age | 40 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% | Male, 94.8% Female, 5.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.7% Asian, 1.2% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2% | Black or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 0.9% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |