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What is a heavy equipment technician and how to become one
A heavy duty equipment technician is an individual who services and repairs such vehicles as forklifts, graders, loaders, trucks, drills, tractors, and other similar vehicles. They are responsible for identifying and repairing problems in structural, mechanical, or hydraulic systems. These technicians work from manufacturer specifications, and their daily tasks involve working with huge engines; inspecting them, servicing them, and repairing any damage or malfunctions. A heavy duty technician typically works in a manufacturer or company warehouse, and is comfortable working with various types of machinery and tools.
Although an advanced degree is not a requirement to land a job as a heavy duty equipment technician, candidates should possess decent communication, verbal, analytical and trouble-shooting skills. Many of these technicians are also required to have specific training, certification and licensure to work on heavy equipment.
A heavy duty technician can make up to $48,000 annually, and the job market is expected to grow 4% by 2028.
Avg. Salary $43,601
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 8%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.76%
Asian 1.75%
Black or African American 5.53%
Hispanic or Latino 16.48%
Unknown 3.82%
White 71.66%
Genderfemale 2.17%
male 97.83%
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
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Heavy Equipment Technician career paths
Key steps to become a heavy equipment technician
Explore heavy equipment technician education requirements
Start to develop specific heavy equipment technician skills
Skills 
Percentages Customer Service 8.96% CDL 8.50% Mechanical Problems 8.32% OSHA 7.08% Air Brakes 6.41% Complete relevant heavy equipment technician training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New heavy equipment technicians 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 technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real heavy equipment technician resumes.Research heavy equipment technician duties and responsibilities
- Complete ASE certification for brakes.
- Assure all OSHA codes are observe and follow in daily shop operations.
- Work on military vehicles to include MRAP and HMMV and front end loader and backhoe
- Complete electrical, engine, transmission, driveline parts axles and brake assemblies issues.
Prepare your heavy equipment technician resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your heavy equipment technician 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 technician 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 Technician Resume templates
Build a professional Heavy Equipment Technician 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 Technician resume.
Apply for heavy equipment technician jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a heavy equipment technician 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 Technician Job
Are you a Heavy Equipment Technician?
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Average heavy equipment technician salary
The average Heavy Equipment Technician salary in the United States is $43,601 per year or $21 per hour. Heavy equipment technician salaries range between $31,000 and $59,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do heavy equipment technicians rate their job?
Heavy Equipment Technician 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
Hands on /weld/electric/mech/plumbing……
People looking over me when they can’t do the jobs
Updated January 8, 2025
