Operating engineers run the equipment used at major construction sites. Their duties include moving dirt out of the way as well as moving materials needed for the job into place. And they make good money doing this, too.
Job Titles for Operating Engineers
Operating engineers wear a variety of job titles. Sometimes they’re known as heavy equipment operators. Other times their job title is based on the type of equipment they’re operating, and they may be known as back hoe operators, crane operators and grader operators.
Operating engineers use a variety of equipment in their jobs. The list includes bulldozers, power shovels, pile drivers and road paving equipment. Many operating engineers are qualified to operate more than one type of equipment.
Job Sites for Operating Engineers
Although we don’t think of them as such, the Chinese who built the Great Wall and the Egyptians who built the pyramids were early operating engineers. Today, operating engineers can be found any place large-scale construction projects are under way. This list includes buildings, airports, road construction projects and mines.
In short, operating engineers can be found just about everywhere. Most work in private industry but many operating engineers work for government agencies such as state transportation departments where their job duties may include driving snow plows in the winter.
Training Required to Become an Operating Engineer
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbooksays operating engineers need to have a high school education. They’ll also need training on how to operate heavy equipment. This training can be accomplished through private schools or vocational colleges or on-the-job training such as an apprenticeship.
Heavy equipment operators usually need some mechanical skills in case they need to make minor repairs on their rigs in the field. Operators may also need a commercial driver’s license, depending on their state’s requirements.
Salaries for Operating Engineers
The salary for a beginning operating engineer starts around $26,000 a year, according to the BLS’ Occupational Employment Statistics, while top operating engineers can earn more than $70,000 annually. Some heavy duty equipment operators earn high hourly salaries on the job, but since they work outside, they may not be able to work in extreme weather, thus cutting into their earnings. The BLS says operating engineers earn the most money in Alaska and Hawaii. Both of these states have high costs of living which needs to be considered.
Operating engineers usually belong to a union, such as the International Union of Operating Engineers.
A career as an operating engineer is a good option for someone who wants to work outdoors. It is also a good option for someone who likes to travel. Construction companies work all over the globe. Many will take their regular employees to international construction sites as well as hire local operators.
Cheryl Probst - Cheryl Probst is an award-winning photojournalist who specializes in writing about motorcycles, China and the Pacific Northwest.
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