Heavy Equipment Operator
Heavy equipment operators use a variety of mobile machines and attachments. They excavate, grade and landscape earth. They also move materials and equipment.
Toll Free 1-877-644-9992
Backhoe Operator, Bulldozer Operator, Cat Operator, De-limber (Processor), Driver, Equipment Operator, Excavator Front-end Loader Operator, Grader Operator, Loader Operator, Paver Operator, Power Shovel Operator, Roller, Scraper Operator, Skid Steer Operator, Trencher
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
Starting | $25.63 |
---|---|
Overall | $30.77 |
Top | $36.15 |
Interest in operating bulldozers and heavy dredging, paving and surfacing equipment to deepen waterways, reclaim earth fill, lay, spread and compact concrete, asphalt and other surface materials during highway and road construction; and in operating power shovels to excavate rock, ore and other materials from open-pit mines, strip mines, quarries and construction pits
Interest in comparing information to move, load and unload cargo and to clear brush and stumps before logging activities using bulldozers and other heavy equipment
Interest in conducting pre-operational checks on equipment and in cleaning, lubricating and refilling equipment, and in building roads at logging and surface mining sites using bulldozers and other heavy equipment
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Heavy equipment operators control heavy equipment. They do this by moving levers (such as a joystick) or foot pedals. They also turn switches and dials. Their job titles often reflect the types of machines they operate. A bulldozer operator works with a bulldozer. A grader operator works with a grader. However, one operator may work with several types of equipment. Some operators are required to check the equipment before use to be sure it’s in safe and efficient working order. This includes performing minor maintenance and changing attachments as needed.
Bulldozer operators operate crawler-tractors. These are fitted with large blades across the front. The blade is for moving obstacles. There may also be rippers on the back. These are for tearing up terrain. Bulldozers clear and level land. They are used on construction sites. They are also found on mining and forestry sites. They may push other equipment to provide traction and assistance. They may smooth land grades to finish up work on a job site.
Backhoe operators use a variety of tools on their backhoes. They can:
There are two types of backhoes: rubber tired and track. Track backhoes are also called excavators.
Front-end loader operators operate machines with buckets on the front. These are for picking up heavy loads and dumping them somewhere else. The loads might go into piles. They might go into excavations. Other times the loads go into trucks. Common loads include earth, rock, sand, gravel and snow.
Grader operators spread and level surfaces by controlling grader blades. They control the height and angle of the blades. This way, they can move and level earth, sand, gravel and rock. They also plow snow in the winter. It takes skill to level surfaces at a specified grade. They grade over the working area again and again. They improve the level each time by looking at stakes in the earth that show the goal. They also use level gauges in the machine. Hand signals from co-workers also help.
Paver operators operate asphalt paving machines. These lay down asphalt for roads, driveways and parking lots. The operators use stakes and level gauges to perfect their work.
Power shovel operators use a boom or crane that supports a handle with a large dipper. The dipper is used to scoop up dirt, rock and coal. It then drops it into trucks or piles.
Scraper operators scrape, load and haul earth. They do this on mining or construction sites. In addition to leveling work sites, they:
Other types of operators include:
Their work uses different heavy equipment. The tools may be suited to forestry or pipeline construction, for example.
Other types of heavy equipment operators are described in the occupational profiles Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator and Surface Mining Equipment Operator.
Heavy equipment operators work outdoors in almost any kind of weather. The cabs of their machines may be air conditioned and dust-controlled. For most, work is seasonal. They may have to work a lot of overtime during peak times. In slower months, they can expect layoffs.
At oil sands mining sites, shift work often is required. Many jobs have 12-hour shifts. Local governments normally require shifts and on-call work. Work may be on a project basis. Operators may have to travel. They may often be away from home.
The work location is often noisy. It is dusty and dirty. Sometimes equipment operators work in dangerous areas. They may have to work in confined spaces. Operators of excavating and grading equipment sit for long periods of time. Their equipment vibrates and bounces. They must be careful to avoid accidents and injury. It is important to follow signals from the ground crew.
Heavy equipment operators may have to routinely lift items weighing up to 30 kilograms.
Heavy equipment operators need to possess:
They should enjoy:
Heavy equipment operators often train on the job. They also take related training programs. They need to know how to:
Local governments may require at least a Class 3 driver’s licence, though a Class 1 with Q endorsement is preferred.
Some operators start by completing a formal training program. Others start as labourers or truck drivers. They move to heavier equipment as they develop skills. They learn skills from experienced operators. The amount of time they need for on-the-job training depends on the type of machine and the individual’s ability.
Operators may also be required to take a few weeks of training during their employment. Equipment makers or labour unions often sponsor this training.
Most employers also require heavy equipment operators to complete first aid and safety courses as per workplace health and safety legislation.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Heavy equipment operators may work for:
Most positions are seasonal (spring to fall). Some employers require pre-employment fit-for-work testing, which may include substance use testing, hearing testing and role-specific fitness assessments. Employers may also require post-incident, reasonable cause, pre-access and periodic substance testing.
Experienced operators may move into related positions such as safety officer or trainer. They may also advance to supervisory positions.
Heavy equipment operators are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7521: Heavy equipment operators (except crane) occupational group. In Alberta, 82% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the H611: Heavy Equipment Operators (Except Crane) occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0.4% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 78 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Wages for heavy equipment operators vary a lot depending on various factors. These include type of equipment, employer, working conditions (for example, higher pay in isolated locations) and work experience.
Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
---|---|---|---|---|
Starting | $16.54 | $37.00 | $25.63 | $25.00 |
Overall | $16.54 | $39.90 | $30.77 | $32.00 |
Top | $19.15 | $48.08 | $36.15 | $38.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Transportation and Warehousing | $78,638 |
---|---|
Mining | $77,442 |
Construction | $65,404 |
Forestry, Logging, Fishing and Hunting | $63,795 |
Public Administration | $63,369 |
ALL INDUSTRIES | $63,241 |
Utilities | $62,708 |
Wholesale Trade | $56,973 |
Business, Building and Other Support Services | $52,578 |
Oil & Gas Extraction | $47,199 |
Manufacturing | $43,452 |
Agriculture | $33,281 |
Updated Mar 31, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.