Trades & Construction

How to become a Heavy Equipment Operator

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

3–12 months

Typical pay

$46k–$68k

Starting from

No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   3–8 weeks

   Get trained on one machine

   Excavator or dozer. Operating school or an apprenticeship both work.

   Course that covers thisHeavy Equipment Operator CertificationUdemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   Get a CDL if you will move iron

   Many operators drive the lowboy too, and it raises your rate.

   ◆ CDL Class A

   Course that covers thisPractice Tests for CDL General Knowledge 2026 Class A, B & CUdemy · around $19.99 →
3. 3

   Add OSHA 10

   Standard requirement on site.

   ◆ OSHA 10

   Course that covers thisOSHA 30-Hour Construction Practice Test 2026Udemy · around $19.99 →
4. 4

   6–18 months

   Build seat hours

   Pay tracks hours on a specific machine more than anything else.

5. ✓

   Destination

   Heavy Equipment Operator

   Browse jobs now →

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