Heavy Equipment Operator

Did you know the average wage for a heavy equipment operator in Oklahoma is $41,000, and the average wage nationally is $51,000?

A heavy equipment operator drives and operates heavy equipment used in engineering and construction projects. Typically only skilled workers may operate heavy equipment, and there is specialized training for learning to use heavy equipment.

"I am in the heavy equipment program at PTC because my brother attended the program and I knew it was something I wanted to do. Joining the program has been the best thing I have done because I love interacting with the other students and I know the jobs I can get in the future will help me pursue my college degree debt free."
- Cheyenne Alexander, Heavy Equipment Student (2021)

Heavy Equipment Operator

This program will introduce students to the safe practices, tools and equipment and skills required to become a heavy equipment operator.

Courses:

Construction Core (120 Hours)
Introduction to Heavy Equipment (45 Hours)
Grades (45 Hours)
Heavy Equipment Safety (30 Hours)
Basic Equipment Operational Techniques (75 Hours)
Introduction to Earth Moving Equipment (30 Hours)
Dump Truck (75 Hours)
Tractor/Backhoe Operations (75 Hours)
Dozers (75 Hours)
Excavators (150 Hours)
Finishing and Grading Methods (60 Hours)
Soils (45 Hours)
Workforce Staging (30 Hours)
Planning and Scheduling (48 Hours)

Requirements:

High school students are encouraged to get their driver’s license before starting the program.

Cost of Program: Tuition, Fees and Books

Total In-District: $3,603
Total Out of District: $6,078

VA Approved

Possible Employment Opportunities:

Backhoe Operator
Engineering Equipment Operator
Heavy Equipment Operator

Credentials/Certifications

NCCER: Core
NCCER: Backhoe
NCCER: Dozer
NCCER: Excavator
Construction Trainee

Potential Salary

For information concerning working conditions, physical requirements, employment and job outlook please refer to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) at:

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/

Salary information can be found at The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) Resource Center at:

http://www.onetonline.org/

CIP: 49-0202 O-NET: 47-2073

Pontotoc Tech Student Services team builds partnerships with Ada area businesses & industry to create opportunities for on the job training and student placement. Call the Pontotoc Technology Center Counselor at 580-310-2264 or visit pontotoctech.edu

PROGRAM TITLE: Heavy Equipment Operator I
INSTRUCTORS: Mike Brown and Greg Munholland
TOTAL HOURS: 903

Heavy Equipment Operator/CDL