Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$47,010/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
← Back to Construction
Heavy Equipment Operator
Heavy Equipment Operators drive and control large construction machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, and lo…
Typical pay
$52,000/yr
Education
Apprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)
Outlook
↗ Steady
Why this matters in Construction
Heavy equipment and welding build the structure.
What you’d actually do
Operate bulldozers, excavators, and cranes, move earth and materials, grade and level surfaces, load trucks, perform equipment pre-operation inspections, follow safety protocols, and maintain equipment logs.
What can I do right now?
- SkillsUSA, Habitat for Humanity, Maker spaces, Trade skill camps
Related careers
Construction laborers
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$46,730/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady
Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$67,370/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …→ Limited Growth
Is this career right for you?
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