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What is a heavy equipment mechanic and how to become one
A heavy equipment mechanic is an individual who specializes in repairing, maintaining, and servicing heavy machinery used in construction, mining, farming, and other industrial settings. They work with various types of equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, excavators, and loaders. Heavy equipment mechanics diagnose problems using diagnostic tools and repair or replace damaged parts. Heavy equipment mechanics must have knowledge of mechanical systems, hydraulics, and electronics to ensure that the equipment operates safely and efficiently.
Avg. Salary $49,018
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 8%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.74%
Asian 1.72%
Black or African American 5.23%
Hispanic or Latino 16.25%
Unknown 3.79%
White 72.26%
Genderfemale 3.43%
male 96.57%
Age - 44American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 44Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
What are the pros and cons of being a Heavy Equipment Mechanic?
Pros
High demand for heavy equipment mechanics
Good pay and benefits
Job security due to ongoing need for repairs and maintenance
Opportunity to learn new skills and technologies
Satisfaction of fixing complex machines and keeping them in top condition
Cons
Physical demands of the job can be challenging
Risk of injury from working with heavy machinery or tools
Work may be seasonal, depending on the industry
Limited opportunities for upward mobility in some companies or industries
Work can be repetitive or monotonous at times
Heavy Equipment Mechanic career paths
Key steps to become a heavy equipment mechanic
Explore heavy equipment mechanic education requirements
Start to develop specific heavy equipment mechanic skills
Skills 
Percentages CDL 7.61% Hand Tools 7.09% Loaders 6.19% Cranes 6.13% Electrical Systems 4.48% Complete relevant heavy equipment mechanic training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New heavy equipment mechanics learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a heavy equipment mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real heavy equipment mechanic resumes.Gain additional heavy equipment mechanic certifications
More About CertificationsHeavy equipment mechanic certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific heavy equipment mechanic certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for heavy equipment mechanics include EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) and Air Conditioning Service Certification.
Research heavy equipment mechanic duties and responsibilities
- Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
- Operate grinders, vises, jacks, cranes, drill presses, pallet lifts, wheel lifts, and solvent tank.
- Perform corrosion control and painting procedures on equipment using grinders, sanders, respirators and paint guns.
- Fix and maintain all types of heavy equipment such as backhoe, excavator, bull dozer and grader.
Prepare your heavy equipment mechanic resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your heavy equipment mechanic 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 heavy equipment mechanic resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Heavy Equipment Mechanic Resume templates
Build a professional Heavy Equipment Mechanic 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 Heavy Equipment Mechanic resume.
Apply for heavy equipment mechanic jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a heavy equipment mechanic 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
How Did You Land Your First Heavy Equipment Mechanic Job
Are you a Heavy Equipment Mechanic?
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Average heavy equipment mechanic salary
The average Heavy Equipment Mechanic salary in the United States is $49,018 per year or $24 per hour. Heavy equipment mechanic salaries range between $36,000 and $65,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do heavy equipment mechanics rate their job?
Heavy Equipment Mechanic reviews
Different challenges to overcome and adapt to get work done
Sitting idle with nothing to do
The power off the equipment the finish grade off the work and being safe
Broke down equipment
Its what I know and I am good at it . With that said always be open to constructive criticism so you can continue to grow in this field
Young bucks that come in with no it all temperaments without the experience. They can get you hurt in this line of work. Remember everything can kill you when dealing with heavy equipment
Updated January 8, 2025
