Heavy machinery operator

[rubes2311]

Is there anyone out there that is a heavy machinery operator and would like to help me out please. I am 15 years and and i am thinking of becoming a heavy machinery operator. I would like to know if its a good job and a few things about it.

 

[swick1]

I'm not a full time operator but I can tell you that any skilled trade you get exceptionally good at will allow you to provide for a family assuming the baby boomers ever get to retire.

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

Howdy Rubes,
I work with lots of heavy machine operators in a very large worldwide chemical manufacturing complex.
I work in the skilled trades and have some operation experience and might be able to answer some questions.
We have our own mechanics,instrument, scale repair, operators, electricians, millwrights, painters, carpenters.....
We have trained fork lift operators, train shuttle ,boom truck, FEL, tractor, overseas container lift operators, tractor trailer.....
What are some of your questions and thoughts.
Tom

 

[rubes2311]

I was wondering if it would be hard to find a job like is there a shortage of heavy machinery operators that you know of? And the kind of places I could work for.

 

[rubes2311]

Ps I love using machinery. I drove a jd 755 and i have just about "mastered" the controls and can accomplish many tasks with it

 

[BobG_in_VA]

Rubes...at one time I was a heavy equipment op...Euclids, D7 Cat, Hough Payloaders, etc.. Here's the deal, you're gonna be cold in the winter, hot in the summer, wet when it rains, and sweaty/stinky when you get home.....I did it to pay my way thru college..what all that taught me was I needed to get a good education, as when I was 18-19 yrs old and saw a bunch of guys that were 40+ still laboring for what I was being paid as a 18 yr old.....well, you getting my drift here? Yeah, it's cool to be able to cut a good grade with a dozer, learn how to replace a piston/injector in a 6-71 Detroit, but all it really does is make you old before your time...sorry to burst your bubble, but at 14, set your sights as high as you can, because if you have the smarts and get a good education, you can become these guy's boss....BobG in VA

 

[rubes2311]

One thing i would like to do with my life is get a job I like and im happy doing. I know what your saying and i understand, im not thinking about becoming a heavy machinery op. because its cool its because its what I like doing

 

[swick1]

Like all professions the pay depends on your technical skill, intelligence, work ethic, communication skills, social skills, and employer more than your job title.

 

[rubes2311]

Yes it does and i am a morning person luckly and I hope that doesnt change, but as long as im happy doing my job Im not complaining. Thanks for the posts by the way

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

I would say there is no shortage of equipment operators.

Cities have operators for road maintanance, landfill operations, and park maintenance.
airports have operators for plowing, grass cutting...
Many large construction companys that travel the states for construction of power plants, bridges... have their own operators.
Today many cities are contracting out these type of jobs. You might have to work for a contractor.
Usually means less pay and less benefits but not always.
A good way to start in the field might be with a summer job with your township or city.
Talk with your parents about your desires and a possble trade school program.
There are trade schools for this type of work and many have job placement services.
You and your parents talking with a trade school advisor and your school counselor would be a great start.
Tom

 

[Code54]

From Salary dot com

The median expected salary for a typical Heavy Equipment Operator in the United States is $48,526. This basic market pricing report was prepared using our Certified Compensation Professionals' analysis of survey data collected from thousands of HR departments at employers of all sizes, industries and geographies.
Source: HR Reported data as of November 2012
Job Description for Heavy Equipment Operator New Search
Operates heavy machinery, such as a tractor, bulldozer, backhoe, or excavator, for the purposes of construction, demolition, or excavation. May be responsible for routine maintenance or repairs. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent and 0-2 years of related experience. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor.

Hope that helps....

 

[swick1]

Not everybody can be a boss. It takes all kinds to make the world go around. If you want to make money you should attend business school. You can be the boss and still drive the machines if you work for a small company. You will want to learn the basics of how a business works and how to manage people if you want to advance. If you don't get an education and get hurt you become a ward of the state :-( good luck!

 

[smstonypoint]

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the BLS, projects that construction equipment operator jobs will increase by 23% from 2010 to 2020: Construction Equipment Operators : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.*


Steve

* I haven't seen any research that evaluates the accuracy of the BLS employment projections.

 

[RandyBell]

Rubes...at one time I was a heavy equipment op...Euclids, D7 Cat, Hough Payloaders, etc.. Here's the deal, you're gonna be cold in the winter, hot in the summer, wet when it rains, and sweaty/stinky when you get home.....I did it to pay my way thru college..what all that taught me was I needed to get a good education, as when I was 18-19 yrs old and saw a bunch of guys that were 40+ still laboring for what I was being paid as a 18 yr old.....well, you getting my drift here? Yeah, it's cool to be able to cut a good grade with a dozer, learn how to replace a piston/injector in a 6-71 Detroit, but all it really does is make you old before your time...sorry to burst your bubble, but at 14, set your sights as high as you can, because if you have the smarts and get a good education, you can become these guy's boss....BobG in VA

The job is fun for a long time at least where I work, like playing in the dirt. But as already said you are cold in the winter baked in the summer and wet when it rains. The bigger money in this comes from working the road crews, which would be alright while you are young just don't figure on having a life outside of work as you are not home much. There comes a point where sleeping in your own bed gets to be more important. But hey it never hurts to learn any thing you can, if you don't learn something new everyday, you must be dead!

Have fun you have a while to decide your future.

Randy

 

[rubes2311]

Thanks everyone for the info I appreciate it. Ill will think of these things before I choose what school to go to and what job Ill pick

 

[mikehaugen]

I had an opportunity to get in the local 150 operators union (I know some people in it) and was drawn to the money and the "experience." I declined because of the seasonal work, and am glad. 1/2 the people I know in that union are out of work often. I still have a boring maintenance job, but have work everyday. I guess everything you do loses it's fun after a while, it's just a matter of how long it takes.

 

[DJ54]

You don't say where you are from, but check out your area's Operating Engineer's Apprenticeship Program. Your guidence conselor should be able to help you find some info on it. It is a 4 year program, which includes on the job training, and also class room, both training site, and inside classes. They should also give tours once a year, and give you an idea what the job outlook should be.
I started out in it, in 1973. Things looked very good in the future, but then the gas embargo hit, and the big road construction jobs came to a halt. I was in it for 3 years, and never saw a job. There were 35 in our class, and just a few got hit and miss jobs. I can say I did learn a lot about equipment care, and how to operate. There is a difference between running something, and being an operator...
I did secure a job with the Ohio DOT to carry me through, until hopefully the construction trade opened up again, but it did not. I was either 30 years too late, or too soon. After 15 years with the DOT, I did transfer to a heavy equipment crew, that worked in 7 counties in our district. It took me that 15 years, to be making what I would have been as an apprentice back in '73. The money wasn't great, but we had good benefits, and the ability to retire after 30 years of service. If I'd have stayed in the OE's, I'd still be looking at working until I was 65, rather than retiring over 7 years ago, at age 50.
It does seem to be picking back up some. With the infrastructure of the US outliving it's life expectancy by probably 15-20 years or more, it will need to definitely need to be rebuilt. It's going to take some serious money to do this.
When the interstate system was built, through the 60's, it cost 1 million dollars per mile on average to build. Now, it is 1 million + per mile, just to replace/revamp the pavement, bridges, and improve drainage systems.
With the economy in it's present shape, it will be hit and miss for a while. You have a few years to check things out, and hopefully the powers that be will work together to get this country back on track.
Like my Dad told me many years ago... 90% of your job, is loving what you do. I loved operating, so I loved going to work at least 95% of the time. I'd do it all over again, in a heartbeat....

 

[smstonypoint]

Thanks everyone for the info I appreciate it. Ill will think of these things before I choose what school to go to and what job Ill pick

If you are like many young folks, you will change your mind about prospective careers, maybe several times. I have read that about 50% of college students change their majors at least once. That number seems reasonable based on my experience (30 years) as an undergraduate adviser.

Good luck as you pursue your education.

Steve

 

[MHarryE]

Up in my neck of the woods, Minnesota iron mining, there is a shortage of drivers for heavy mining equipment. Not sure what training is required but I hear from the HR people at the mines the problem is finding people who can pass the aptitude and drug tests. Operating the heavy mining equipment can be boring whether it is an OHT driver, shovel operator, dozer operator, or working road maintainable but the pay is above average and the equipment treats the operator well for an outside job - to get and keep good operators climate controlled operator stations are a given.

 

[dave1949]

Good insight from guys who have been there. I would also add that heavy equipment skills can be a basis for forming your own business and being self-employed.

I know a fellow I have hired for jobs that is always busy, even in this poor economy and living in a fairly poor area. He is successful because he will take on any job from small to big, does them well, returns calls and shows up when he says he will. His hourly rates aren't cheap, but he gets a lot done in an hour He also plows snow in the winter when the frost is too deep for dirt work, mostly for commercial customers. He seems happy. Something to consider.

Like Steve says, you may change your mind, but it's never a bad thing to have some job skills in your pocket.