What is a Heavy Equipment Mechanic?
A heavy equipment mechanic is a mechanic that focuses on the maintenance and repair of large vehicles and machinery used in industries such as construction, agriculture, and rail transportation. They get to work with huge motors, inspecting, servicing, and fixing any problems that may arise.
To fulfill your role as a mechanic, you will be required to drive to the job site, examine engines and equipment, perform services, make repairs, and do routine maintenance on the construction fleet.
Finally, to be an excellent heavy equipment mechanic, you need to understand all the heavy machines and equipment on the site.
Education and Training Requirements
To become a heavy equipment mechanic in the USA, you must have a high school diploma or a GED (equivalency certificate). Also, having a post degree in mechanical engineering and a few years of training is a plus.
Furthermore, you will require hands-on experience of 2 to 5 years working with heavy machinery – mainly heavy equipment repair. And in most cases, the employer will ask you to have a valid driving license because you will be driving to different sites while on the job. It’s a good idea to have a class A CDL you will be worth more to your potential employer. How much does a Heavy Equipment Mechanic make, and what career opportunities?
The first thing about salaries in the USA is that they increase with experience and expertise. And that can only happen if you work long enough. The average wage for a heavy equipment mechanic in the USA is 26USD per hour. Also, it varies significantly from state to state, but an average annual number would be around 60k USD. For instance, Oakland, CA, pays the highest average pay of 65k USD in the USA. Like the rest of the trades, some mechanics make well over 100k a year.
Lastly, the good news is that the unemployment rate for heavy equipment mechanics has decreased significantly from 7% to 2% in the last 10 years. If you choose this career, you will likely land a good job.
