How To Become A Bucket Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a bucket operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Bucket operators use a machine that lifts a bucket into the air to safely reach heights above the capacity of a ladder and carry out various maintenance tasks. They are responsible for clearing branches and shrubs from the way of right-of-ways or road signs. But most commonly, their work is related to the safekeeping of electrical wires.

Working as a bucket operator, you will not only operate a bucket truck but other pruning tools as well, such as chain saws, chippers, and the like. Occasionally you might be required to climb trees, but mostly you will be doing the trimming from the bucket.

You need no specialized education to take on this job other than a GED and a driver's license or CDL license. Being physically fit is an important requirement as you will need to stand for long stretches at a time and endure uncontrolled weather conditions. You will be working with hazardous equipment and potentially dangerous situations, so having an extended attention span is also essential.

ScoreBucket OperatorUS Average

Salary

3.2

Avg. Salary $41,288

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

Growth Rate 5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

10.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.94%

Asian 6.97%

Black or African American 12.84%

Hispanic or Latino 15.33%

Unknown 4.29%

White 59.63%

Gender

female 1.44%

male 98.56%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Key steps to become a bucket operator

Explore bucket operator education requirements

Most common bucket operator degrees

High School Diploma

68.4 %

Diploma

10.1 %

Associate

9.5 %

Start to develop specific bucket operator skills

Skills	Percentages
ETC	24.15%
Hand Tools	16.07%
Ladders	14.35%
Power Saws	11.74%
CDL	9.90%

Research bucket operator duties and responsibilities

Programme CNC machine for component placement and trigonometry assessment of circuitry board.
Design rigging and hoisting systems.

Prepare your bucket operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your bucket operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a bucket operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Bucket Operator Resume templates

Build a professional Bucket Operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Bucket Operator resume.

Apply for bucket operator jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a bucket operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

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