A heavy equipment operator operates heavy equipment used in engineering and construction projects. Only skilled workers may operate this equipment, and it requires specialized training.
Compare to a teacher who only makes $40,000/yr in Colorado
Tools of the Trade
Insulated Gloves
What Heavy Equipment Operators Love About Their Trade
Using huge machinery.
New challenges every day.
Working outdoors.
Characteristics
High Paying
Work Indoors
Not Customer Facing
Variety of Tools
Not Hard on Body
Small Teams
Outlook
Advancement Potential
High
Are able to work up within their small teams.
Demand Forecast
High
One of the highest demand trades. Recession proof demand.
Entrepreneurship Potential
Medium
High startup cost but very high likelihood of success.
Reviews
(86)
$73,700
/ year *
Estimated Salary
Let schools, unions and employers start competing for you
Compare this to a teacher who only makes $40,000/yr in Western Slope, Colorado
$73,700/ year
Estimated Salary
Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeships In Colorado