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Heavy Equipment Operator and Operating Engineer

These skilled workers operate power construction equipment to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, and pour hard surface pavement. Heavy Equipment Operators are sponsored by Associated Builders & Contractors. Operating Engineers are sponsored by joint apprenticeship committees (JACs).

Training at a Glance

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Time to Complete

Varied
Years

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On the Job Time

Varied
Hours

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Related Instruction Time

Varied
Instruction

Additional Training

Complete Transition to Trainer.

Wisconsin Employment Outlook & Wages*

Job Outlook through 2026 in Wisconsin

+13.6%

Experienced Level Salary**

$70,616

* Wisconsin Long Term Occupation Employment Projections, 2016-2026 (Statewide). Office of Economic Advisors, WI Department of Workforce Development, December 2018. & US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics, estimates May 2017. Reports can be viewed on DWD's premiere source for Labor Market Information, WisConomy.com.

* * Average (mean) annual salary earned by the upper two-thirds of all workers in the selected location, occupation, and industry. Actual salaries will vary by employer and other factors.