Heavy Equipment Operators

[coadie]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

So many thoughts come to mind... Did he have an unfair advantage in getting this job over the 150 lb applicants??

Did the immobile job conditions cause his obesity? Should his employer pay for lap band?

It would have been a snap if they discriminated and didn't hire him because of weight discrimination.

[canam]

Originally Posted by coadie

A few years ago i looked at some road work and saw a packer being driven by a man that was at least 500 pounds. I didn't have a phone camera or I would have pic of a Heavy equipment operator.

, A land pounder is what we call em

[BrotherEastman]

The reason I started this thread was to get an idea of what salary to expect from such job. I plan to go to ATS school for 12 weeks to get certification. Hopefully someone here knows about it.



and no, I don't mean a 500 pounder either. lol

[johnny44]

Originally Posted by BrotherEastman

The reason I started this thread was to get an idea of what salary to expect from such job. I plan to go to ATS school for 12 weeks to get certification. Hopefully someone here knows about it.



and no, I don't mean a 500 pounder either. lol

A few years back a backhoe operator got about $50 an hour.

[BrotherEastman]

Originally Posted by johnny44

A few years back a backhoe operator got about $50 an hour.

that's great!!! why so much though?

[scotty]

My thoughts exactly !! Show me a $50/hr backhoe job and I'm there !!

It will vary state to state. Here, Arkansas is a "right to work" state so HEO will get you from $13 to $18 per hour. Cross the line into Missouri and you can get $15 to $23. It will also vary on experience and specialty....or lack there of. I say that because someone whos experience or specialty is a trackhoe operator will not be as valuable to a company as an operator who is capable of operating several different pieces of equipment. Much of the HEO industry is computerized now days so it has pulled down the value of a good operator. There was a time when a good bulldozer operator who could level a pad was worth alot of money, now days they stick a laser in the ground at one end, sync it with recievers on the dozer, flip a switch and all the operator has to do is drive and the computer works the blade as needed.

Also, if your in union territory the pay will be a little higher.

[BrotherEastman]

Originally Posted by scotty

My thoughts exactly !! Show me a $50/hr backhoe job and I'm there !!

It will vary state to state. Here, Arkansas is a "right to work" state so HEO will get you from $13 to $18 per hour. Cross the line into Missouri and you can get $15 to $23. It will also vary on experience and specialty....or lack there of. I say that because someone whos experience or specialty is a trackhoe operator will not be as valuable to a company as an operator who is capable of operating several different pieces of equipment. Much of the HEO industry is computerized now days so it has pulled down the value of a good operator. There was a time when a good bulldozer operator who could level a pad was worth alot of money, now days they stick a laser in the ground at one end, sync it with recievers on the dozer, flip a switch and all the operator has to do is drive and the computer works the blade as needed.

Also, if your in union territory the pay will be a little higher.

What about crane operators?

[scotty]

Originally Posted by BrotherEastman

What about crane operators?

Those make a little better, usually up in the $25 to $30 range depending on location due to the increased responsibility. If you mess up on a trackhoe or dozer you just rework the dirt. You mess up on a crane you destroy property and/or risk lives.

[Hoovie]

Scotty's numbers sound right. Demand is low though because construction in general dived and now is flat.

[johnny44]

At least 8yrs ago there was a sign on the side of the road saying not to far from Weedpatch Ca.Offering $45 an hour for backhoe operators.The crane operators here inthe port of Los Angeles get about $100 an hour.