Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
Total graduates
100
2025 · 9 schools
International share
0.0%
0 international students
Overview
The Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation program is designed to equip students with the practical skills and technical knowledge necessary to operate heavy machinery used in construction and earthmoving activities. This field is essential for the successful completion of construction projects, infrastructure development, and land management.
Students in this program typically engage in hands-on training with various types of heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, backhoes, and graders. They learn about the operation, maintenance, and safety protocols associated with these machines, ensuring that they can perform tasks efficiently while adhering to industry standards. The curriculum often covers key topics such as equipment mechanics, site management, and environmental considerations in construction.
Additionally, this program emphasizes safety training, as operating heavy machinery poses risks that require careful attention and adherence to safety regulations. Students may receive certifications in operating specific equipment, which can enhance their employability in the field.
Graduates of this program find opportunities in construction companies, civil engineering firms, and landscaping businesses, among others. They play a critical role in various projects, from residential buildings to large-scale infrastructure developments such as highways and bridges. Overall, the Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation program prepares students for a rewarding career in a vital sector of the economy, contributing to the development and maintenance of essential infrastructure.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2004 to 2025, graduates grew 1,329% and the international share went from 0.0% to 0.0%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 9 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
| Rank | School | State | Graduates | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | New York | 33 | 0 |
| — | Pennsylvania College of Technology | Pennsylvania | 30 | 0 |
| — | Hocking College | Ohio | 13 | 0 |
| — | Lake Area Technical College | South Dakota | 12 | 0 |
| — | Central Arizona College | Arizona | 4 | 0 |
| — | Cuyahoga Community College District | Ohio | 4 | 0 |
| — | Ivy Tech Community College | Indiana | 2 | 0 |
| — | Central Community College | Nebraska | 1 | 0 |
| — | College of Southern Nevada | Nevada | 1 | 0 |
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | 478,090 | $31.87 | $66,290 |
| Highway Maintenance Workers | 154,960 | $25.52 | $53,080 |
| Crane and Tower Operators | 42,890 | $34.68 | $72,130 |
| Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators | 41,820 | $28.37 | $59,000 |
| Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining | 34,480 | $28.81 | $59,930 |
| Material Moving Workers, All Other | 23,480 | $21.94 | $45,640 |
| Logging Equipment Operators | 21,060 | $25.57 | $53,190 |
| Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators | 19,580 | $33.05 | $68,740 |
| Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas | 19,450 | $30.21 | $62,830 |
| Continuous Mining Machine Operators | 14,000 | $31.27 | $65,050 |
| Extraction Workers, All Other | 5,540 | $27.83 | $57,890 |
| Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters | 5,100 | $32.04 | $66,640 |
| Underground Mining Machine Operators, All Other | 3,180 | $33.59 | $69,860 |
| Hoist and Winch Operators | 2,600 | $32.55 | $67,710 |
| Pile Driver Operators | 2,310 | $38.81 | $80,710 |
| Dredge Operators | 1,040 | $26.98 | $56,120 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2004–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.