Get Relevant Education
Education is key to nailing just about anything, including the job of a heavy equipment operator.
From an outside perspective, it may seem like machine operators simply move materials around the construction site or install them. However, there’s much more to this job than that.
Just think about it: heavy equipment operators are in charge of operating the equipment while keeping themselves and those around safe. This requires a certain level of education and training.
That’s why a heavy equipment operator has to have a high-school diploma, at the very least.
If you excelled at maths or technology at school, you are likely to have an easier time getting a job in the field. After all, these subjects are closely related to the skills necessary for the position.
However, since secondary education represents the bare minimum of necessary qualifications, many people invest in further education instead of trying to find a machine operator job right out of high school.
Some opt for a union or state apprenticeship because of the benefits they offer. These options allow you to get on-the-job training and work directly with the kind of equipment you’ll be dealing with in your own workplace.
Moreover, after your apprenticeship ends, you may be offered a job with the company that trained you, which means that you get a work opportunity on top of all the training and experience you’ve gained.
In simpler terms, an overwhelming majority believes that learning is easier if you get to do the task yourself instead of watching someone else do it or just hearing about it.
Sadly, only 22% of trainees got to experience this method, as most mentors opt for old-fashioned classroom training, which is four times less effective.
Finally, instead of an apprenticeship, some people pursuing a career operating heavy equipment choose to continue their education at a college or a technical school.
This option typically lasts longer than an apprenticeship and doesn’t offer as much hands-on experience, but it promises a higher wage after getting a degree.
When looking into the average salaries in the field, Zippia’s research has found that they increase with the level of education. So, if you choose to get a college degree instead of going for an apprenticeship, that’s a significant advantage.
Nevertheless, if you want to be competitive in the construction business as a heavy equipment operator, you should focus on earning licenses and certifications on top of your degree.
Some, like the commercial driver’s license (CDL), are a must-have if you want to be considered for the job. After all, you will be operating large machinery and often moving it from place to place, so driving skills are essential.
Others, like certifications to operate specific machinery, are required by some states, so you should look into the regulations in force in your area before applying for jobs. Certificates usually have to be renewed every five years to stay current, but they go a long way.
To choose the right education path for yourself, you should first understand what the market is looking for. Otherwise, you might not be as competitive as others applying for the same spot.
Understand the Market and Its Needs
Before becoming a heavy equipment operator, you should know what to expect from your future job.
Do extensive research to figure out:
- whether to get a degree
- what kind of training you need
- where there’s a need for equipment operators
- how well you can get paid across the country
This information will help you determine whether it pays off to be a machine operator.
For example, if your state has more than enough experts in this field, it might be necessary to move to a different one to get hired, which is a step you might not be ready to take.
Besides, the more you know the industry, the easier it will be to decide whether it’s the right choice for you. Once you’re sure this is something you want to do, you should start thinking about where to work.
Industry and Location
First, let’s see which industries hire heavy equipment operators to understand where you are most likely to get hired. According to Zippia, an overwhelming majority of operators get a job in the construction industry.
Other sectors that are interested in machine operators are technology, manufacturing, energy, and even Fortune 500 companies, but in a much smaller percentage.
Generally speaking, you shouldn’t have a hard time landing a job as a heavy machinery operator. The unemployment rate in this profession has been going down since 2010 when it was at a high 16%.
Nowadays, only five percent of heavy machinery operators are unemployed. So, if you’re scared of unemployment, remember that there is a high chance of you landing a job in this industry.
Another thing that can help you figure out where to look for a job is your location.
Currently, according to the research we previously cited, the counties that have the most open heavy equipment operator positions are:
- Hamilton County (OH)
- St. Louis County (MO)
- Cook County (IL)
- Los Angeles County (CA)
