Heavy equipment operators are trained to drive and work with bulldozers, excavators, cranes, street sweepers, rollers and backhoes, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics[1] . In-person training programs and apprenticeships are the most common forms of training.
Typical costs:
Heavy equipment training typically costs $4,000-$15,000 and lasts three-eight weeks. West Coast Training in Woodland, WA, offers an eight-week heavy equipment training course for $9,613 (or $8,217 if paid upfront). The course allows students to practice operating backhoes, trackhoes, dozers, scrapers, graders and loaders. The company also offers a four-week advanced training course for $5,900 for graduates who want additional hands-on training. Tri-County Driving Academy[2] in Lebanon, VA, offers a five-week beginner's heavy equipment training course for $4,250.
Apprenticeships cost up to $5,000 and last three or four years. Heavy equipment apprenticeships are available through community colleges, technical schools, industry associations and trade unions. The Operating Engineers Local 701[3] in Oregon City, OR, has a no-cost apprenticeship program, while the Alaska Operating Engineers[4] have apprenticeships for a $30 application fee. The Western Apprenticeships Coordinators Association in Reno, NV, estimates apprentices will pay $100-$150 for books and $474 (plus $420 annually) for membership in the Operating Engineers Union. Summit Academy[5] in Minneapolis, offers a pre-apprentice training course for $5,400, which prepares students to enter a paid apprenticeship. Apprentices may earn 50%-90% of a normal worker's wages while learning on the job, with pay increasing as they gain experience.
Heavy equipment certification varies by state and costs $75-$200. The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators has a list of 18 states and six cities[6] that license crane operators. For instance, California[7] issues permits to crane operators for $100 annually. West Virginia[8] certifies crane operators for $75 every five years. In Arkansas, heavy equipment operators should apply for a commercial contractor's license, which costs $100 for one year, plus $75 for initial testing costs. In states that do not require a heavy equipment or crane operator's license, workers may need to apply for a commercial driving license, which costs $50-$200.
A heavy equipment training program should cover safe operation of vehicles, offering hands-on training and classroom topics like equipment maintenance and safety. Additional construction topics may include road building, grading and compaction, land clearing and pipe laying, according to Education Portal[9] .
Heavy equipment operators should be trained in a program that meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. Additional accreditation[10] is granted to heavy equipment training program from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators[11] and the National Center for Construction Education and Research[12] .
Additional costs:
Additional costs for a heavy equipment training program are $500-$5,000 for supplies and $5,000-$10,000 for room and board. Francis Tuttle Technology Center[13] requires heavy equipment students to purchase steel-toed boots, for $50-$125. AVTEC: Alaska's Institute of Technology[14] estimates additional costs as $3,400 for meals, $4,400 for housing and $5,150 for books, supplies and tools.
Discounts:
Students may qualify for scholarships to pay for heavy equipment training, ranging from $500-$3,000. Associated Training Services[15] in Sun Prairie, WI, offers scholarships as well as Performance Training Solutions[16] in Reynoldsburg, OH.
Shopping for heavy equipment training:
The International Union of Operating Engineers provides links to local chapters[17] in the U.S. and Canada which may provide apprenticeships and training opportunities.
NCCER has a searchable database[18] of accredited heavy equipment training programs.
10 Quick and Inexpensive Home Makeover Projects To Do While At Home You may not be able to host the large family gathering for the holidays, but there are still many ways to pick up items curbside to spruce up your indoor space for your everyday enjoyment and to bring a more festive spirit. || Posted December 30 2020
10 Key Ways to Prepare for Extreme Snow Forecasters are predicting a true nor'easter will hit the eastern and central states with rain, thunderstorms, ice, snow and high winds over the Thanksgiving weekend. It's crucial to plan ahead, before bad weather hits. || Posted November 26 2013
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
shoulder mri Paid: 8000.00 Seriously, 8K for an MRI before all the secret insurance kicks in. I was stuck with a 1200 bill and my insurance is pretty good. This is insane for a 20 minute procedure with no nurse assistance... [more]
what should have cost under 100 Paid: 399.67 had my back wheel stuck on someone's driveway and I was pulled out as easily as a tractor could have done... [more]
Why is dental insurance stuck in the 80's? Paid: 55000.00 In 1986, I started my first full time Big Girl job, which came with options for medical insurance that ranged from "Volkswagon to Cadillac, and everything in between" which was up to me to choose based on my needs, what I could af... [more]