How To Become an Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator

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How Long Does It Take, What Degree Do You Need, and More

Construction Equipment Operators

Construction Equipment Operators operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.

Salary
$55280
Becoming One
Easy
Education
No degree required
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



What degree do you need

Recommended degree level

High School Diploma

We did a survey to ask other Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators what degree they had when they became an Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator. Here are the results.
High School Diploma
66.64%


a Post-Secondary Certificate
18.04%


Less than a High School Diploma
13.47%


One of the most common questions that we always get is what major or degree do I need to become Construction Equipment Operators or what courses do I need to take.

We also asked Construction Equipment Operators what did they major in college or university and here are the top 5 most popular majors that came up.

Construction, Heavy Equipment and Earthmoving Equipment Operation
Mobil Crane Operation or Operator

A high school diploma or equivalent is required for most Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators jobs. Private vocational schools offer programs in certain types of construction equipment operation. A course in auto mechanics can also be helpful because workers often perform maintenance on their machines.



How hard is it

Difficulty
Easy

You may need some previous work-related skill, knowledge or experience to be an Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator. For example, a bank teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

Careers in this difficulty category need anywhere from a few months to one year of on-the-job training.


Related work experience required
1 to 2 years

1 to 2 years
42.16%


2 to 4 years
11.8%


6 months to 1 year
9.58%


Job training
1 to 2 years

1 to 2 years
27.33%


6 months to 1 year
24.97%


2 to 4 years
11.7%



License and certifications

Do you need any license or certification
Requirements vary by job tasks

Construction equipment operators often need a commercial driver’s license to haul their equipment to various jobsites. State laws about commercial driver’s licenses vary. A few states have special operator’s licenses for operators of backhoes, loaders, and bulldozers. Currently, 18 states require pile-driver operators to have a crane license because these states classify pile-drivers as cranes. In addition, the cities of Chicago, New Orleans, New York, Omaha, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC require special crane licensure.


Skills required

We asked other Construction Equipment Operators if they could only have 5 skills, what would they be. Here is what they said.

1. Operation and Control what does this mean
2. Operation Monitoring what does this mean
3. Monitoring what does this mean
4. Coordination what does this mean
5. Equipment Maintenance what does this mean

= Hot in-demand that most employers are looking for


Knowledge required

Just like any other job, you will need certain know-hows to excel at your job. Construction Equipment Operators are generally very knowledgeable in these 5 key areas.

1. Building and Construction what does this mean
2. Mechanical what does this mean
3. Administration and Management what does this mean
4. Public Safety and Security what does this mean
5. Mathematics what does this mean


Learn more about Construction Equipment Operators

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Job Description
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Related to Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Requirements

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