I live in California, I was a laborer journeyman and now I’m an apprentice operator. Just started 3 months ago, we work only prevailing wage jobs and I’m at $45/hr. One of the best trades.
@@gabrielonate2506 It all started when I applied at a local apprenticeship and I went in as a laborer apprentice. I worked for a little more than 3 years, became a journeyman and then did some other type of work. I went back to the apprenticeship and applied for Operator. And now I’m an apprentice again but as an operator this time.
I was in a non-union mining company as a diesel tech for 5 yrs or so. After I realized I was worth more than I was being payed I left and worked for a union construction contractor starting as a journeyman tech. I love my job and the people I work with!
As an owner operator, I charge $100/hr rolling my skid steer. But it costs me $50/hr when adding machine ammotorization (5000 hour useful life of engine) + fuel + tracks + oil + filter + maintenance. Also got to factor in truck and trailer hauling. When I am rolling up into someones driveway with a $70k truck, $70k skid steers, $20k trailer + attachments = lots of money invested.
Most people outside the industry (and sadly, even some IN the industry) don't understand why mobilization fees exist and why hiring someone to do dirt work isn't just a flat $60/hr. There is a lot of upfront cost for the gear, let alone the maintenance plus the fuel just to get the equipment to the job.
@@DieselandIron Agreed. To top it off, to get a 'tech there' to fix something on your machine in the field, it's going to cost $150+ hour plus transport of their truck to and from and hopefully they got the parts on the truck. And those mobile techs have to pay the equipment makers thousands of dollars a year to be able to call the factory and call one of the factory techs to help them isolate a problem. One pack rat in a machine can do untold damage chewing wires or dragging in kindling / dryer lint bedding to start and engine fire. There's also equipment insurance to stack on top of costs. When people look at how much it costs to rent a skid steer : $400/day for up to 4 hours. Plus sizable deposit $4000+ Plus insurance. Plus taxes. Plus They have to clean/grease/fuel machine and pay to have it brought out to them and take it back. It's a bargain to pay someone else to deal with all that headache.
As an owner it's awesome what you are showing and explaining to the next generation of Laborers and Operators. I have no experience in Union but I started as a laborer making 14 an hour and finished my seat time as a blade making $28. You can achieve it, even in Texas. I now own my own company and it definitely was the best thing I ever did, good luck to you all and your channel. Also remember the day you stop learning hand your keys and boots up because no 2 jobs are the same.
Hey, I’m 16 years old and i’m already doing my research on the trade routes. I go to trade school for plumbing but in that class we learn how to use excavators and skidstears and micro cranes. I really believe i caught the trade route just in time because not enough kids are hearing about this stuff! My top three trades that i’m considering when i graduate are plumbing, welding, and of course HEO. Thanks!
Awesome to hear that you are joining us here in the trades! Feel free to reach out if you've got any questions and check out our podcast called Sweat & Grime. It's geared towards guys in the trades and we talk about getting into the industry. Thanks for the comment brother!
Just started on a surface mine a few months ago. 15 minute drive to work. Drive a rock truck and it pays 28 an hour with monthly and quartely bonuses and free medical, dental, vision, and has 401k. Can't wait to learn other equipment.
I would love to agree with you but the union has some drawbacks. One of which is the fact that the union officials like to dip their hand in the pension pot....
@Diesel and Iron true, but In my personal experience it's way worse at non-union. It's much more frustrating when the boss gives himself a raise of millions, but denies you a dollar an hour raise and berates you for being "ungrateful" and "lazy" even though you're the reason he can afford that supercar. With unions you still have corruption, but at least you the worker have protection from most unfair practices, good benefits, and a bit more of a say in your future. Is it perfect, absolutely it isn't, but it beats the alternative.
@@DieselandIron agreed. I have 0ver 30 years vested n a major union & have seen both sides. I’ve been a part of 4 different unions during my career journey yet most unions offer much better benefit packages than non-union employers. I tell individuals to do their research/ homework b4 involving themselves. #Teamsters #LongShoremans #AFL
New Jersey Union Local 825 IUOE $56 an hr + $35ish in benefits! Was non union operator for 15 plus yrs and made at the most $25hr + truck, crappy benefits and worked like a dog to make that. Going Union for me was the best thing I ever did. Work like a professional and MANY other positives in joining also. FAR outweigh the negatives. Now I feel I have my career and make a good living!
Local 302 up here in WA is a very strong union. It's currently at $51-56 per hour with good ($2/hour or so) raises every year... Cost of living is really high up here but I feel like even after you factor for that it's still quite good compared to a lot of other places.
Just started this career 18 months ago. Non union company out of Oregon that pays me $20/hr as a laborer who's also learning equipment. I've been on prevailing for the better part of the last 6 months. Definitely a good career...for those who love to work and can put up with rough people (some of the time) lol
@@benedictamensah5173 he would need to apply for a work visa through the state department. I don't have any idea what is involved with that process though.
What you earn hourly depends on experience and most of all location. I seen a comment saying "In Canada starting wage is $25 an hour". Well I live in Atlantic Canada (right beside Maine), many experienced operators are not getting $25 an hour. Same goes for the ones driving dump trucks around here, many of them (experienced) make around $15 an hour, I know a fella that retired last year at the age of 80 after decades of floating heavy equipment for a local construction company and he was making $19.50 an hour.
I agree, it depends on where you are located and what the market will bear. Overall wages are slowly going up in the trades as tradesmen are getting harder to find.
I live n Tx as well. Been driving TT for 45 years but came aboard a employer about 11 months ago. They offer in-house training & certifications of all heavy equipment. I just recently received 4 certifications & gaining 3 more soon. Your video is very interesting. The company that I work for is non-union yet I’m above the pay rate you shared. Thx for info sir.
Union 36 years, will be retiring with over 7,000 a month at 62, plus can still work 40 hours a month... after 70 1/2 I can work full time and still draw full pension. I just finished a 6 month (pipeline) job and made 98,200.00 and did not buy one drop of fuel for my truck... sorry texas is not a good union state... it sounds like you have done really well !
Here in New Zealand. I started 17 years ago on $9.50 labour hand stop/go rough as it comes…. aged 15 for 5 years. Was very lucky I worked hard and my got my hands on motor grader now, im top of the line front line blade man finishing motorways. Now im currently in the process of securing a contract to bi own machine now. Im 33 now! thanks for the video mate. All you young ones watching this! work HARD it pays off in the long run 💪💪
Great information. I start my first heavy equipment operator job next week. I’ll be driving a haul truck for a sand and gravel mine and I’m very excited to finally have my foot in the door and be able to hopefully build a career off of it.
Your monthly wages should be 4x your cost of living. With 1/4 going to living expenses, 1/4 going to transportation costs and insurance. 1/4 going toward food and clothing. 1/4 going into savings.
Exactly what I say ,u need to make 2000 before taxes a week ,and the wages are going up because this new generation for the most part are not workers like us ,they didn't grow up outside building forts and being active ,they are on tik tok ,and it's getting harder and harder to find good workers
Apparently my geographical location is labor HELL! Top rate where I dig graves and operate backhoe, skid steer , dump truck and large commercial mowers is stuck at less than $15 hourly. Seems pretty uniform for all the cemeteries around the area. I’ve seven years here, and I’m the foreman. We can’t get people even to do weed eater work around ground markers and monuments anymore. Literally everyone needs a starting wage which will never be offered. Of course I’m worth much more, but where does that money even come from?
So much , in Australia my first job in construction was in a 40 tonne dump truck at $45-$54 per hour night shift paying more , it’s awesome , love it , and We get to drive monster machines
I think you covered everything in a realistic way. I started in construction several years ago with no experience at $13 an hour, i was let go after 1 month. I went to a small company and learned to oprate equipment and was hired as a foreman and operator for $20 an hour at a bigger company. I'm in north Florida.
In texas at ranger Excavating, i started at $12 to operate a roller and be a good labor hand. After 2 years with no raise but working hard and learning several machines, i left and went to a company where i worked less and made $15 an hour. The company didnt have their shizz together so now im a loader hand getting paid $19/hr with great benefits when im done with my first few months here. I think the key thing in the non union states is to learn as much as you can and always look for better companies until you find a place you can settle down at. Thats pretty much what ive noticed all the operators who are worth something do cause they actually can since theyre worth the money.
That's awesome! I started at Ranger Excavating back in the day. You are 100% correct on your statement. Get good and then start shopping for a good job. They are out there in non union states, you just have to look a little harder. Thanks for commenting!
I love in Australia and am a CFMEU (union) member, I just started at a new (union wage approved) job, I do detailed excavations with 5&8t excavators, I also drive the truck (mr single axle basic tipper) I get $37.80ph plus $3.00 pH hour worked productivity, I also get 50$ PW birst (building industry redundancy fund), and 30$ per day travel expenses... That is full time money so anything over 8hours is time and a half, and anything over 10hours is double time. We work all year and only step work at 37deg cel. Thanks for the video mate food for thought for people looking to get into civil construction
That is a bunch of bull about being stuck at a pay rate with unions, unions have a set set pay for the particular equipment. And if you become a member in the IUOE, you will be trained on any equipment you would like to learn. Not to mention the health care and other benefits. JOIN THE UNION IF YOU CAN! I have made a great living being a union member. I have a pension and an annuity fund, and a supplemental unemployment fund. The hell with non - unions. This is the time to take charge!
You can absolutely have a great career with the union and there are a lot of benefits. Getting paid over scale is entirely up to your employer though. They are only required to pay scale so bonuses aren't as common as on the non union side. There are some benefits to both sides of the equation on this one.
7 months ago I started as a laborer in North Fl and knew very little about operating other than how to run a tractor. The company ended up removing the majority of people from the job site to move them to a more "important" job so I had to learn to operate everything on site. Now I run a loader, dozer, excavator, broom, roller, dump truck, water truck, backhoe, and I am learning to run a scraper. I just recently got my first pay raise and now make $12 which I would say isn't bad for an 18 year old in my area. I also just found this channel and love the vids lmao
Keep going and stay hungry. Be safe and you’ll go far. If you can have them send you to school to get certified. It’s only a month or so in Heavy Equipment Operator School. Good luck
Your right, construction wages are very area specific!!! My top operator makes $60.00 per hour or $110,000.00 per year, the others are about $50.00 per hour, laborer's make between $20 & $25 per hour, truck drivers between $28 & $32 per hour:) Of course that's here in California, know any top operators?
It's funny you ask. I'm debating setting up an area on my website to work like a job board specific to the earthmoving industry. I have a lot of guys that want to work coming to my channel as well as a lot of contractors that are looking for employees that want to work. We will see what the future holds.... In the meantime I'll keep an ear out for any California boys looking to operate. Thanks for watching brother!
I don’t know where you guys live but here in Jersey Hey operating engineer makes around nine dollars for the full package and labors make about seven dollars for the full package
Wages for skilled trades vary wildly depending on the state/region. Can't really make a blanket statement like "You will make 'X' dollars per hour". Best thing you can do is find out what the prevailing wage is for a specific trade in your specific area. That will give you an idea of where you should be.
Agreed. I tried to give a pretty good spread to show there is quite a bit of variation. The comment section has actually become a pretty good resource with people checking in with local wage rates. Thanks for watching!
Way to go Alex! The heavy equipment industry needs more operators. You are the future dude. And as a side note the pay is only gonna get better as the next generation of operators retire.
@@DieselandIron im 18 about to finish school and want to get into this trade but dont know how to start (I am starting a small tradeschool as a side note)
I’m been working heavy construction in north Florida for almost 20 years now and crap pay is just kinda part of it if you’re not willing to work out of town but you can make 20 bucks an hour if you’re good at what you do and are dependable. As with any trade, if you want to make more you have to add value to the cause. Make it where they can’t do it without you…..then stick it to em lmao!
And my personal experience working with a small or medium size company is the best way to go as far as getting up the ladder the quickest especially if you get on with a younger starting company. You will build trust and maybe sometimes work directly with the owner of the company and make great money faster. I started with a company at 23$ hr and within 3 weeks I had a pay raise to 25$. And I’ve had many more sense then.
It all depends on the labor market in your area. Northern states pay significantly more than the southern states. Florida and Texas are some of the worst for wages by far.
Operators in the Local 150 Operators Union in IL is a 4 year apprenticeship and a Journeyman makes over $50 our 1st year apprentices make over $28 UNION ALL DAY THE ONLY WAY LOCAL 150 Chicago !!!!!!!
I'm wanting to start over at 40 years old. I was union electrician for 15 years. I grew to hate the trade & union backstabbing. I'm wanting to get my CDL license & also get training for excavating.
Unfortunately the union is full of politics, no matter what trade you are in. That being said, we'd love to have you here in the dirt world whether you are union or not!
@@DieselandIron I'll never go union again but I do greatly appreciate your support in me getting started in a new career. Keep the uploads coming ole hand
@@rickenterkin4720 I work on a water truck in the union and it's a very under appreciated job, the heavy equipment guys can work half as hard and get all the glory and praise. I'll tell you what I miss being a driver on the street and the days go by faster and less personalities to deal with.
@@DieselandIron I saw in one of your dozer videos your dozer had a Michigan cat sticker on it so I wondered then you said you worked for dans. Yes sir it’s made me a good living thus far
Up here in Canada you would be making minimum wage of about 30.00 dollars an hour, that would be operating dump truck, cat or grader would be close to 40 dollar's an hour or more.
Dang...sounds like I need to move to Canada! Thanks for the input. I'm finding this video is becoming a spot for people to check in with wages which is really helpful to guys around the country/world.
What is the cost of living like up there? $29 for dozer jobs if you’re highly skilled here in Utah. Rent for a 4 bedroom home is 2300 a month! Mortgages 1500+ it’s crazy right now.
Thanks! I've been operating For a few years and I'm trying to make some decisions about my career path. Of course I want to make as much as I can for my time and skills but I also want to count the cost of career advancement. At this time I'm OK staying where I am for a while without any significant changes in title or pay.
Living in the Midwest the wages your suggesting seem crazy to me! 10-12$/hr starting at non union companies is unheard of. Mcdonalds employees make more than that up here! Most companies around here start people at 20-22$/hr. I feel bad for the guys starting at that, especially laborers. Hopefully the cost of living is allot less in those states.
Florida and Texas are two states in particular where starting wages are pretty terrible. Hopefully as the market shifts due to lack of labor we will see a rise in wages.
canadian here, union vs non. union will push for highest wage and is easier because of all the safety bs, bad? bad operators are hard to fire, union fees, excessive safety and down time sitting or lay off. private (if you work for a good company) can be similar wages (have to prove yourself and ask for them yourself) less bs red tape, no union fees and faster process to get seat time. company i work for is around 30- 38$ /hour dozer, excavator etc. usually with private companies you dont do schooling to operate. no bs . union worker "stereo type" up here is theyre excessive, slow and lazy.
im not sure if anyone will read this as its a 4 year old video. Ive been running equipment since I graduated Highschool. I started doing overhead crane operating in warehouses, running forklifts and driving Semi trucks around the yard ( no streets not licensed ), then i got into labour positions in small companies where I learned how to run skid steers, and small excavators and other equipment and hand tools. From this video I think I should proceed straight to a union and find a journeyman apprenticeship? I have the experience and basic knowledge but have no clue where to get into one.
Yes, your best bet is to take your experience and get into the union. Depending on your abilities and how bad the union wants the dues, you might be able to skip the apprenticeship. Try hiring in with a union company and then calling the union rep when you get hired. They might just give you a temp journeyman card while they try you out.
im about to turn 14, i’ve wanted this job since i was around 5-6 watching people build a hospital when i turn 18 im going to try as a laborer and hopefully after getting some experience and learning i’ll be able to run an excavator
Good luck man! This job is a blast, a lot of pressure but very fulfilling. Especially something like building a hospital, I've been on jobs like that before and you wouldn't believe how much goes into it. I like those big, complicated jobs because you're never bored!
The safest working range for an excavator on the job for stability, efficiency would be to work the stick or dipper within the range of 120 degree to 90 degree range. Cycletime is greatly increased with optimal hydraulic flow.
Another way to distinguish between the states that pay well and those that pay worse are: Blue states pay better, red states pay worse. Pro union is a democrat position.
Indiana union dump truck drivers make almost 32 an hour. Will be over 32 with the year raise. With benefits it's said to be over 48 an hour. I called a non union company called Criter and they pay between 18-48 an hour(no benefits) depending on the job. Owner operators make $100-120+ per hour. Basically $1,000+ per day! Idk how much expenses run per truck, but one could clearly exceed netting $100,000 per year with no boss... I plan on driving until I can become an owner. I may stick to solo work at $100+ an hour for bigger companies, or I may build up to 5-10 trucks depending on the experience. I'd probably go union if I added more trucks to treat my workers the best I can and for the contracts given to union companies. With 5 trucks I imagine one nets over $250k a year. Plenty for me, but I'd accept more...
I work for a pretty interesting smaller company. Half the operators are union other half non union. Top non union guy gets paid around mid 70’s an hour to match the total package to a journeyman in my state. (No benefits) Then me a union jm I make 52 an some change hourly. That’s 302 🇺🇸…
started operating a haul truck at $20 an hour. Stayed with the company for one year and soaked up everything I could, as well as operated everything I could. I'm now operating an excavator at an environmental company that I really like and have a reputation as the go to guy to operate equipment. I have a review coming up in one month, I believe I can negotiate a significant pay raise! (Grammar Edit)
@@matthewkirchberg7885 Sup 302 brother. I was lucky enough to be able to bypass the apprenticeship when I got in but no matter how you do it, it's a great union
@@DieselandIron at the moment I work for a private company in the KC area owned by summit materials and their wages fluctuate between $18-21 starting DOE, but they're not very good about raises.
Welll guess I got screwed for not joining a union.started as laborer doing pipeline work domestic n industrial. Became pipelayer learnedgroundwork then learned operating every piece of equipment I could. Excavator& backhoe any controls . Loved my job was my passion. But was never able to join union.
As long as you had a company that took care of you then you weren't missing much. The union typically pays higher than non union but that's not a hard and fast rule. These days it is slowly becoming more common for private companies to pay at least scale, if not a little over because everyone is hurting for people.
Hey I’m finishing welding school soon and was looking into being a heavy equipment operator also. Do those go hand and hand and would it benefit me on finding jobs easier.
Welding isn't typically a skill that larger companies will be looking for. Generally you have mechanics that are wrenching on the machines and doing any sort of fabrication. If you get in with a smaller company that can absolutely help.
I was walking up to a development in my neighbourhood walking the dog and I saw the guy doing work on the Caterpillar scraper and he needed help with lifting his head on to the caterpillar he put a new piston in I was like I don’t know how to drive I would help but I don’t wanna wreck anything I told him I want to get into the trade eventually he said to come back up in the next couple days and he will get me in the excavator but first he got me in the dozer 6 for about an hour then puts me in a D8 he said figure it out we but I’ve been working up there lots now enjoying it
Finishing up HEAVY EQUIPMENT COLLEGE here in San Bernardino, CA for BUCKET LOADER and BACKHOE .... damn well hope I come out makin minimum over $20 an hour shit, didn't dump over $11k in training for wages less then I can make as a forklift operator loading trucks (with 20 years experience under my belt).
Any suggestions would be helpful since yuh know obviously a shit ton more then I do, at 43 really ain't got alot of time to waist through trial an error....
I was going to join that college until I talked to someone who interested me in the local 3 out of Fresno I’m interviewing for the apprenticeship program. Maybe that would be a better option. I’m 43 also.
Live in NorCal.... that SCHOOL in SAN Bernadino is ABSOLUTE DOGSHITE.... TRUCK GOT VANDALIZED, they fired our INSTRUCTOR LITTERLY 2 days before we tested OUT.... WAIST OF TIME... and THAT WAS JUST FOR THE LEVEL 1 COURSE.... WHERES LOCAL 12 UNION?
Am Obed Mensah from Ghana and am a front end loader operator with 4-5 yrs experience in Komastu WA 600/900 and Cat 992k n Wil love to work with your team
@@jordanhoyer7108 they take applications once every 2 years. You take a test and get a place on waiting list for 2 years and if your number doesn't come up you have to start all over with the process.
That's interesting that you guys are putting the emphasis on freehand work. I think this is a great way to push operators to develop their skill sets instead of relying on technology.
I'm in Michigan looking to finally start getting into this trade! Just waiting for the call now! If you get time you should do another video for more recently salary nowadays!
Can you make a video regarding transitioning from a skilled heavy equipment operator to a superintendent and what to expect to make going from hourly to salary. I’m in this situation and I’m being offered 30% less of my normal avg pay.
Let me see what I can do. What I can tell you is taking on a shit load more responsibility for less pay than you're making now seems a bit ass backwards. I would negotiate that number up substantially or take a hard pass.
@@DieselandIron I appreciate the reply I do agree less pay for more responsibilities plus more job sites to run around 10-12 + hours 6 days a week. Hpefully tomorrow I’ll meet with my General superintendent to see if we can negotiate my pay and come to terms. I’m just going to be devastated if my 6+ years and loyalty wasn’t all for nothing.
@@carlosogaz1067 even if they don't come up on pay, as shitty as that is that they won't take care of a longtime employee, don't get too down. By offering you the position they have given you something to put on your resume. You can now apply to other companies and speak about the fact that you were negotiating with your current employer to take over as a superintendent. That's in an industry that is hurting for qualified people. I would absolutely start throwing out resumes and talking about this experience. Even if it isn't with them, your current company has opened a door for you. Keep your head up brother!
They are looking for sucker don't do it. If They are not serious about you they would make a offer that is fair. They know your value and you should too. Do not chase a title and you'll have less pay and more responsibility that comes with more problems later.
What would you suggest doing for starting HEO work on the West Coast/PNW region? Do you think training academy’s are worthwhile where you pay for training? If that’s a financial option would you take it starting over? I hear sometimes that these programs can be more on the scamming side if they say they can “help get you a job in the industry”.
The first thing I would recommend is watching this video: th-cam.com/video/maIDknW4DME/w-d-xo.html I actually cover that topic and talk about the pro's and con's. The condensed version is I wouldn't recommend any sort of "heavy equipment school" simply because almost everyone in the industry assumes you will have to be retrained from ground zero if you've been to one of those schools. They teach you how to move levers but they don't teach you how to truly operate a machine in real world conditions. Another reason I don't recommend that route is because it will never make sense to me to pay for an education when you can get paid to learn on the job. The training schools don't accelerate your career start so you might as well get a job at a company and get paid to be taught. As long as you are a dedicated, teachable individual, most companies in the industry have no issue bringing you on and teaching. I would highly recommend you call some small to medium sized companies in your area and let them know the situation. Be honest about your lack of experience and tell them you are willing to start at the bottom and learn. Business owners respect honesty. Where you get into trouble is by lying about your experience or overstating your capabilities.
Diesel and Iron I actually watched the three video set in the right order about five minutes after writing my initial comment. Those three videos are absolutely stellar and a huge help on just getting your mind focused on what to expect/making a choice if it’s for you. There’s a local caterpillar dealership near my work. If I remember correctly you briefly touched base on going in there to ask if they have any ties to local contractors, isnt that correct? I look forward to getting involved in your channel as more videos come out and also hoping to get a start in this industry hopefully before 2021.
@@MyLifeBeLikeBRO that's awesome to hear and thanks for the kind words! As much as I would like to take credit for the dealership idea, that one wasn't actually mine but that's a great place to start. Let me know if I can help you out with questions or if there's anything you'd like to know more about. I'm always looking for new ideas!
Hi I live in Washington state. If you join any trade union as a apprentice you start around 25 to 30 a hour and max out at 50-60 a hour after 4 years. I have 30 years in iuoe. I have about starved to death a couple of times but over all I made a good living. I personally make 90 to 100 in 10 month’s
Damn the wages are low in North America almost slave labour. In Australia the dump truck operators are on a minimum of 35 an hour and excavator operators etc almost double depending on company
Yes. Your total hourly rate should be your desired wages plus the hourly cost of the equipment itself. Don't forget to charge for overhead and mobilization.
I made it to the 4 minute mark. I know this video is 2 years old but the numbers are still way off for that time. As a union operator in the state of Ohio 2 years ago the pay scale you saw on your check was around $38/hour. Then the benefits package, which you never saw a dime of since it was paid directly from the employer to the union for things like your pension, health insurance, training program, etc. was around $16/hour. Live better, work union.
For the south these numbers weren't that far off. Wages have definitely increased but you are still at or under $25/hr for most positions in the southern states.
I have 1 year of experience with kubota excavator KAO57-5 working on water and sewer utility construction Can i join on heavy equipment with that exprerience ?
Is this a good starting path for a Construction manger? looking to join a trade and a heavy equipment operator is where im leaning towards. Im just curious to see what I can do with that trade down the line
I'm a huge subscriber to the school of thought that a field education will win out over a school education every time. That being said, you can go get a 2 or 4 year degree for construction management and go that route as well.
Here in VA it’s looking like I’ll start at 24 an hour. I’m CDL certified so I’m hoping that adds some value as well. Thanks for the information I appreciate it Bro.
I live in California, I was a laborer journeyman and now I’m an apprentice operator. Just started 3 months ago, we work only prevailing wage jobs and I’m at $45/hr. One of the best trades.
Thanks for checking in!
I’m in California too I’m in high school. What was the first thing you did to just become to what you started at?
@@gabrielonate2506 It all started when I applied at a local apprenticeship and I went in as a laborer apprentice. I worked for a little more than 3 years, became a journeyman and then did some other type of work. I went back to the apprenticeship and applied for Operator. And now I’m an apprentice again but as an operator this time.
@@DieselandIron How I get this work
@@farhadedamovandi9665 apply to a company and start learning on the job
I was in a non-union mining company as a diesel tech for 5 yrs or so. After I realized I was worth more than I was being payed I left and worked for a union construction contractor starting as a journeyman tech. I love my job and the people I work with!
Thanks for the comment Jordan!
As an owner operator, I charge $100/hr rolling my skid steer. But it costs me $50/hr when adding machine ammotorization (5000 hour useful life of engine) + fuel + tracks + oil + filter + maintenance. Also got to factor in truck and trailer hauling. When I am rolling up into someones driveway with a $70k truck, $70k skid steers, $20k trailer + attachments = lots of money invested.
Most people outside the industry (and sadly, even some IN the industry) don't understand why mobilization fees exist and why hiring someone to do dirt work isn't just a flat $60/hr. There is a lot of upfront cost for the gear, let alone the maintenance plus the fuel just to get the equipment to the job.
@@DieselandIron Agreed. To top it off, to get a 'tech there' to fix something on your machine in the field, it's going to cost $150+ hour plus transport of their truck to and from and hopefully they got the parts on the truck. And those mobile techs have to pay the equipment makers thousands of dollars a year to be able to call the factory and call one of the factory techs to help them isolate a problem. One pack rat in a machine can do untold damage chewing wires or dragging in kindling / dryer lint bedding to start and engine fire. There's also equipment insurance to stack on top of costs. When people look at how much it costs to rent a skid steer : $400/day for up to 4 hours. Plus sizable deposit $4000+ Plus insurance. Plus taxes. Plus They have to clean/grease/fuel machine and pay to have it brought out to them and take it back. It's a bargain to pay someone else to deal with all that headache.
As an owner it's awesome what you are showing and explaining to the next generation of Laborers and Operators. I have no experience in Union but I started as a laborer making 14 an hour and finished my seat time as a blade making $28. You can achieve it, even in Texas. I now own my own company and it definitely was the best thing I ever did, good luck to you all and your channel. Also remember the day you stop learning hand your keys and boots up because no 2 jobs are the same.
Thanks for watching and thank you for the compliments! Where are you at in Texas? I started my career working for Ranger Excavating out of Austin.
Hi i m surend from malaysia
I have Experience in operating back hoe and other heavy machine is they any job for me in your company
Hey, I’m 16 years old and i’m already doing my research on the trade routes. I go to trade school for plumbing but in that class we learn how to use excavators and skidstears and micro cranes. I really believe i caught the trade route just in time because not enough kids are hearing about this stuff! My top three trades that i’m considering when i graduate are plumbing, welding, and of course HEO. Thanks!
Awesome to hear that you are joining us here in the trades! Feel free to reach out if you've got any questions and check out our podcast called Sweat & Grime. It's geared towards guys in the trades and we talk about getting into the industry. Thanks for the comment brother!
Good for you bud, should definitely pursue a career as a operator. But remember is it a a lot of responsibility
I’m 18 and starting as a heavy diesel tech and can’t agree more. I hope you finish most of your degree before you graduate.
Just started on a surface mine a few months ago. 15 minute drive to work. Drive a rock truck and it pays 28 an hour with monthly and quartely bonuses and free medical, dental, vision, and has 401k. Can't wait to learn other equipment.
Congrats on the job and I hope everything is going well for you brother!
Always, always go Union. The more members, the stronger our rights are protected
I would love to agree with you but the union has some drawbacks. One of which is the fact that the union officials like to dip their hand in the pension pot....
@@DieselandIron non union benifits are horrible it’s night and day difference.
I prefer non-union jobs. Unions are democratic bs
@Diesel and Iron true, but In my personal experience it's way worse at non-union. It's much more frustrating when the boss gives himself a raise of millions, but denies you a dollar an hour raise and berates you for being "ungrateful" and "lazy" even though you're the reason he can afford that supercar. With unions you still have corruption, but at least you the worker have protection from most unfair practices, good benefits, and a bit more of a say in your future. Is it perfect, absolutely it isn't, but it beats the alternative.
@@DieselandIron agreed. I have 0ver 30 years vested n a major union & have seen both sides. I’ve been a part of 4 different unions during my career journey yet most unions offer much better benefit packages than non-union employers. I tell individuals to do their research/ homework b4 involving themselves.
#Teamsters
#LongShoremans
#AFL
New Jersey Union Local 825 IUOE $56 an hr + $35ish in benefits! Was non union operator for 15 plus yrs and made at the most $25hr + truck, crappy benefits and worked like a dog to make that. Going Union for me was the best thing I ever did. Work like a professional and MANY other positives in joining also. FAR outweigh the negatives. Now I feel I have my career and make a good living!
Thanks for checking in Brad!
825 Steam program here 🤙🏻💪🏻
That's almost exactly what we make here in WA too
Yes brother
Local 302 up here in WA is a very strong union. It's currently at $51-56 per hour with good ($2/hour or so) raises every year... Cost of living is really high up here but I feel like even after you factor for that it's still quite good compared to a lot of other places.
Most people here in PA pay rate per job. Operating heavy equipment pays $40/hr. I wouldn’t move a shovel for less then $20-$25.
Where in PA?
Just started this career 18 months ago. Non union company out of Oregon that pays me $20/hr as a laborer who's also learning equipment.
I've been on prevailing for the better part of the last 6 months.
Definitely a good career...for those who love to work and can put up with rough people (some of the time) lol
Thanks for the comment Skylar! I'm sure a lot of guys will find this super helpful!
@@DieselandIron My husband is an excavator operator from Ghana 🇬🇭. Is there a way he can get to work overseas?
@@benedictamensah5173 he would need to apply for a work visa through the state department. I don't have any idea what is involved with that process though.
which countries in your opinion can he apply for a working Visa to and get an employer as easily as an excavator operator?
@@benedictamensah5173 I am honestly not sure. I wish I could be more helpful on this subject but I don't have any knowledge in this area.
What you earn hourly depends on experience and most of all location. I seen a comment saying "In Canada starting wage is $25 an hour". Well I live in Atlantic Canada (right beside Maine), many experienced operators are not getting $25 an hour. Same goes for the ones driving dump trucks around here, many of them (experienced) make around $15 an hour, I know a fella that retired last year at the age of 80 after decades of floating heavy equipment for a local construction company and he was making $19.50 an hour.
I agree, it depends on where you are located and what the market will bear. Overall wages are slowly going up in the trades as tradesmen are getting harder to find.
Where i live in canada u start at 30 after two yeas 42$
$25 perhour is base pay or all in pay?
Wtf hell naw yall getting fucked over bad in Maine
@@PR0N2KILL you mean$ 30.00 hr and after 2years $42.00 hr
I live n Tx as well. Been driving TT for 45 years but came aboard a employer about 11 months ago. They offer in-house training & certifications of all heavy equipment. I just recently received 4 certifications & gaining 3 more soon. Your video is very interesting. The company that I work for is non-union yet I’m above the pay rate you shared. Thx for info sir.
Union 36 years, will be retiring with over 7,000 a month at 62, plus can still work 40 hours a month... after 70 1/2 I can work full time and still draw full pension. I just finished a 6 month (pipeline) job and made 98,200.00 and did not buy one drop of fuel for my truck... sorry texas is not a good union state... it sounds like you have done really well !
@@MrDantheman45 you stated that you didn’t buy fuel for your truck ! Company or personal
Here in New Zealand. I started 17 years ago on $9.50 labour hand stop/go rough as it comes…. aged 15 for 5 years. Was very lucky I worked hard and my got my hands on motor grader now, im top of the line front line blade man finishing motorways. Now im currently in the process of securing a contract to bi own machine now. Im 33 now! thanks for the video mate. All you young ones watching this! work HARD it pays off in the long run 💪💪
Congrats man! That's an awesome story and I'm glad you've been able to progress like you have!
Great information. I start my first heavy equipment operator job next week. I’ll be driving a haul truck for a sand and gravel mine and I’m very excited to finally have my foot in the door and be able to hopefully build a career off of it.
That's awesome! Super exciting stuff. I got my start in a haul truck so you are on the right track. Good luck with your first day!
gravy job
update??!?!??!?! im in second week of training!
With the way prices are going on everything, I feel like I need to make $50/hour to support my family.
This industry can get you there if you become a Forman or look into the hoisting side
Maybe if you work as wheel loader operator cat 992k in mining
Your monthly wages should be 4x your cost of living. With 1/4 going to living expenses, 1/4 going to transportation costs and insurance. 1/4 going toward food and clothing. 1/4 going into savings.
Exactly what I say ,u need to make 2000 before taxes a week ,and the wages are going up because this new generation for the most part are not workers like us ,they didn't grow up outside building forts and being active ,they are on tik tok ,and it's getting harder and harder to find good workers
Apparently my geographical location is labor HELL! Top rate where I dig graves and operate backhoe, skid steer , dump truck and large commercial mowers is stuck at less than $15 hourly. Seems pretty uniform for all the cemeteries around the area. I’ve seven years here, and I’m the foreman. We can’t get people even to do weed eater work around ground markers and monuments anymore. Literally everyone needs a starting wage which will never be offered. Of course I’m worth much more, but where does that money even come from?
That is similar to where the rates were in Texas when I was working down there. Moving to the north, the rates improved dramatically!
So much , in Australia my first job in construction was in a 40 tonne dump truck at $45-$54 per hour night shift paying more , it’s awesome , love it , and We get to drive monster machines
Thanks for checking in! Sounds like you guys are making pretty dang good money down there. This really is one of the best careers to pursue!
I think you covered everything in a realistic way. I started in construction several years ago with no experience at $13 an hour, i was let go after 1 month. I went to a small company and learned to oprate equipment and was hired as a foreman and operator for $20 an hour at a bigger company. I'm in north Florida.
Thank you for the comment!
In texas at ranger Excavating, i started at $12 to operate a roller and be a good labor hand. After 2 years with no raise but working hard and learning several machines, i left and went to a company where i worked less and made $15 an hour. The company didnt have their shizz together so now im a loader hand getting paid $19/hr with great benefits when im done with my first few months here. I think the key thing in the non union states is to learn as much as you can and always look for better companies until you find a place you can settle down at. Thats pretty much what ive noticed all the operators who are worth something do cause they actually can since theyre worth the money.
That's awesome! I started at Ranger Excavating back in the day. You are 100% correct on your statement. Get good and then start shopping for a good job. They are out there in non union states, you just have to look a little harder. Thanks for commenting!
I love in Australia and am a CFMEU (union) member, I just started at a new (union wage approved) job, I do detailed excavations with 5&8t excavators, I also drive the truck (mr single axle basic tipper) I get $37.80ph plus $3.00 pH hour worked productivity, I also get 50$ PW birst (building industry redundancy fund), and 30$ per day travel expenses... That is full time money so anything over 8hours is time and a half, and anything over 10hours is double time. We work all year and only step work at 37deg cel.
Thanks for the video mate food for thought for people looking to get into civil construction
Thanks for the check in bother! You're helping people by letting this information be known
Always join a union company, become an operator. Make great money, great benefits and great training.
This guy trying to get guys to go non union
That is a bunch of bull about being stuck at a pay rate with unions, unions have a set set pay for the particular equipment. And if you become a member in the IUOE, you will be trained on any equipment you would like to learn. Not to mention the health care and other benefits.
JOIN THE UNION IF YOU CAN!
I have made a great living being a union member. I have a pension and an annuity fund, and a supplemental unemployment fund. The hell with non - unions. This is the time to take charge!
You can absolutely have a great career with the union and there are a lot of benefits. Getting paid over scale is entirely up to your employer though. They are only required to pay scale so bonuses aren't as common as on the non union side. There are some benefits to both sides of the equation on this one.
I live in vermont “New England” typical pay ur looking at is 25 to 35 depending on experience as a non union operator
7 months ago I started as a laborer in North Fl and knew very little about operating other than how to run a tractor. The company ended up removing the majority of people from the job site to move them to a more "important" job so I had to learn to operate everything on site. Now I run a loader, dozer, excavator, broom, roller, dump truck, water truck, backhoe, and I am learning to run a scraper. I just recently got my first pay raise and now make $12 which I would say isn't bad for an 18 year old in my area. I also just found this channel and love the vids lmao
That's great! You're at a huge advantage starting this young. Thanks for watching!
Keep going and stay hungry. Be safe and you’ll go far. If you can have them send you to school to get certified. It’s only a month or so in Heavy Equipment Operator School. Good luck
You can make more than 12/hr at Burger King WTF
Your right, construction wages are very area specific!!!
My top operator makes $60.00 per hour or $110,000.00 per year, the others are about $50.00 per hour, laborer's make between $20 & $25 per hour, truck drivers between $28 & $32 per hour:)
Of course that's here in California, know any top operators?
It's funny you ask. I'm debating setting up an area on my website to work like a job board specific to the earthmoving industry. I have a lot of guys that want to work coming to my channel as well as a lot of contractors that are looking for employees that want to work. We will see what the future holds....
In the meantime I'll keep an ear out for any California boys looking to operate. Thanks for watching brother!
I’m not a top operator by any means but am looking for the chance to become one. Sacramento area?
I don’t know where you guys live but here in Jersey Hey operating engineer makes around nine dollars for the full package and labors make about seven dollars for the full package
@@seanf.6389 I’m in Philadelphia area and work for Tony DePaul and son
$60.00 perhour is base pay?? Or all in?
Wages for skilled trades vary wildly depending on the state/region. Can't really make a blanket statement like "You will make 'X' dollars per hour". Best thing you can do is find out what the prevailing wage is for a specific trade in your specific area. That will give you an idea of where you should be.
Agreed. I tried to give a pretty good spread to show there is quite a bit of variation. The comment section has actually become a pretty good resource with people checking in with local wage rates. Thanks for watching!
This is crazy I’m a non-union crane operator with 2 years experience at $35 an hour plus benifits with 2x pay on holiday
In Indiana too cost of living is very low
It all depends on where you are and what you do. Hoisting is paying really good right now because they are so short on operators.
What company are you with? Im in Indiana too
come to Australia,, an entry level civil labourer starts at 20 USD per hour ($31 per hour Australian), experienced heavy vehicle operators earn more
Thank you. I am 15 years old looking into this job and your videos really help.👍
Thanks Alex! Let me know if you have any questions and I'll do my best to get you some answers!
@@DieselandIron ok will do
Way to go Alex! The heavy equipment industry needs more operators. You are the future dude. And as a side note the pay is only gonna get better as the next generation of operators retire.
@@DieselandIron how do i start getting into it?
@@DieselandIron im 18 about to finish school and want to get into this trade but dont know how to start (I am starting a small tradeschool as a side note)
I’m been working heavy construction in north Florida for almost 20 years now and crap pay is just kinda part of it if you’re not willing to work out of town but you can make 20 bucks an hour if you’re good at what you do and are dependable.
As with any trade, if you want to make more you have to add value to the cause. Make it where they can’t do it without you…..then stick it to em lmao!
And my personal experience working with a small or medium size company is the best way to go as far as getting up the ladder the quickest especially if you get on with a younger starting company. You will build trust and maybe sometimes work directly with the owner of the company and make great money faster. I started with a company at 23$ hr and within 3 weeks I had a pay raise to 25$. And I’ve had many more sense then.
It all depends on the labor market in your area. Northern states pay significantly more than the southern states. Florida and Texas are some of the worst for wages by far.
Heavy Machinery jobs mining in Australia pays good $150k plus a year. Roughly average 30-50 an hour for heavy machinery jobs outside mines.
Wow, that's fantastic pay. Sounds like I need to move...
Hell yea I’m packing now ! 🤣 Are operators/seasoned laborers hard to find ?
Operators in the Local 150 Operators Union in IL is a 4 year apprenticeship and a Journeyman makes over $50 our 1st year apprentices make over $28 UNION ALL DAY THE ONLY WAY LOCAL 150 Chicago !!!!!!!
Thanks for checking in Mike! I appreciate the information brother!
Miiiike
I'm wanting to start over at 40 years old. I was union electrician for 15 years. I grew to hate the trade & union backstabbing. I'm wanting to get my CDL license & also get training for excavating.
Unfortunately the union is full of politics, no matter what trade you are in. That being said, we'd love to have you here in the dirt world whether you are union or not!
@@DieselandIron I'll never go union again but I do greatly appreciate your support in me getting started in a new career. Keep the uploads coming ole hand
@@rickenterkin4720 I work on a water truck in the union and it's a very under appreciated job, the heavy equipment guys can work half as hard and get all the glory and praise.
I'll tell you what I miss being a driver on the street and the days go by faster and less personalities to deal with.
Local 324 operating engineer here, unions are where your best bet is, promise ya that.
I was in 324 here in Michigan when I was operating full time. There are definitely perks to the union!
@@DieselandIron I saw in one of your dozer videos your dozer had a Michigan cat sticker on it so I wondered then you said you worked for dans.
Yes sir it’s made me a good living thus far
I just got my first heavy equipment job. I am currently driving a pan truck. Hopefully soon I will move up to a dozer.
Congrats on the new job! That's really exciting brother!
In Canada starting wage is $25 an hour and the most u can make is $45 an hour pretty good pay
There's definitely good money in this industry!
Is that in US or Canadian dollars
@@rickee1717 Canadian
So how much do you make in a week as an apprentice??
A can of dip is $20 in Canada
Up here in Canada you would be making minimum wage of about 30.00 dollars an hour, that would be operating dump truck, cat or grader would be close to 40 dollar's an hour or more.
Dang...sounds like I need to move to Canada! Thanks for the input. I'm finding this video is becoming a spot for people to check in with wages which is really helpful to guys around the country/world.
What is the cost of living like up there? $29 for dozer jobs if you’re highly skilled here in Utah. Rent for a 4 bedroom home is 2300 a month! Mortgages 1500+ it’s crazy right now.
When i was child i always wanted to have a job that allow me to operate heavy equipment thanks for the background of the job
Same! My first word was "backhoe" 😆Thanks for watching!
Thanks! I've been operating For a few years and I'm trying to make some decisions about my career path. Of course I want to make as much as I can for my time and skills but I also want to count the cost of career advancement. At this time I'm OK staying where I am for a while without any significant changes in title or pay.
Happy to provide information! Hope this helps!
Living in the Midwest the wages your suggesting seem crazy to me! 10-12$/hr starting at non union companies is unheard of. Mcdonalds employees make more than that up here! Most companies around here start people at 20-22$/hr. I feel bad for the guys starting at that, especially laborers. Hopefully the cost of living is allot less in those states.
Florida and Texas are two states in particular where starting wages are pretty terrible. Hopefully as the market shifts due to lack of labor we will see a rise in wages.
canadian here, union vs non. union will push for highest wage and is easier because of all the safety bs, bad? bad operators are hard to fire, union fees, excessive safety and down time sitting or lay off. private (if you work for a good company) can be similar wages (have to prove yourself and ask for them yourself) less bs red tape, no union fees and faster process to get seat time. company i work for is around 30- 38$ /hour dozer, excavator etc. usually with private companies you dont do schooling to operate. no bs . union worker "stereo type" up here is theyre excessive, slow and lazy.
There's a lot of truth in this comment and I'll just leave it at that so I don't get my tires slashed...
I am also 15 about to be 16 and I am looking into this industry also I am looking into real estate.
This is a great industry to get into. The real estate market is pretty competitive because it's so easy to get a realtor license.
I'm a truck driver. I been driving for 10yrs. Alot of what you're talking about sounds familiar.
im not sure if anyone will read this as its a 4 year old video. Ive been running equipment since I graduated Highschool. I started doing overhead crane operating in warehouses, running forklifts and driving Semi trucks around the yard ( no streets not licensed ), then i got into labour positions in small companies where I learned how to run skid steers, and small excavators and other equipment and hand tools. From this video I think I should proceed straight to a union and find a journeyman apprenticeship? I have the experience and basic knowledge but have no clue where to get into one.
Yes, your best bet is to take your experience and get into the union. Depending on your abilities and how bad the union wants the dues, you might be able to skip the apprenticeship. Try hiring in with a union company and then calling the union rep when you get hired. They might just give you a temp journeyman card while they try you out.
@@DieselandIron I appreciate you!
im about to turn 14, i’ve wanted this job since i was around 5-6 watching people build a hospital when i turn 18 im going to try as a laborer and hopefully after getting some experience and learning i’ll be able to run an excavator
If you have drive and don't mind working hard then you will go far in this business!
@@DieselandIron i love working i live on a farm so i kinda have to but i would definitely love to do operating
@@outdoorsmen3929 best thing you can do is get your cdl class A, use those grants/scholarships. By the time you're 19 you'll be making 50 an hour.
Good luck man! This job is a blast, a lot of pressure but very fulfilling. Especially something like building a hospital, I've been on jobs like that before and you wouldn't believe how much goes into it. I like those big, complicated jobs because you're never bored!
Here in Washington state apprenticeship starts at 35/hr and journeyman make 55/hr
I appreciate you checking in JR! It's really helpful to know what wages are around the country.
I'm in Vancouver Washington boss thinking about joining local 701 in Oregon but don't have a diploma
About time a great damn video! Filled with the information im seeking.
Thanks for the compliment and thanks for watching! Let me know if there is anything you want to know about in particular.
The safest working range for an excavator on the job for stability, efficiency would be to work the stick or dipper within the range of 120 degree to 90 degree range. Cycletime is greatly increased with optimal hydraulic flow.
Been a non union glazier for the past 10 years, just applied at operators in Indiana starting apprentice pay is 28.31/hr really hoping I get in.
Congrats on the career change and thanks for checking in!
Did you have
Another way to distinguish between the states that pay well and those that pay worse are: Blue states pay better, red states pay worse. Pro union is a democrat position.
For the most part this is a true statement.
Indiana union dump truck drivers make almost 32 an hour. Will be over 32 with the year raise. With benefits it's said to be over 48 an hour. I called a non union company called Criter and they pay between 18-48 an hour(no benefits) depending on the job. Owner operators make $100-120+ per hour. Basically $1,000+ per day! Idk how much expenses run per truck, but one could clearly exceed netting $100,000 per year with no boss... I plan on driving until I can become an owner. I may stick to solo work at $100+ an hour for bigger companies, or I may build up to 5-10 trucks depending on the experience. I'd probably go union if I added more trucks to treat my workers the best I can and for the contracts given to union companies. With 5 trucks I imagine one nets over $250k a year. Plenty for me, but I'd accept more...
Thanks for all the info! If you know how to work the system there's great money in the trades.
I work for a pretty interesting smaller company. Half the operators are union other half non union. Top non union guy gets paid around mid 70’s an hour to match the total package to a journeyman in my state. (No benefits)
Then me a union jm I make 52 an some change hourly. That’s 302 🇺🇸…
started operating a haul truck at $20 an hour. Stayed with the company for one year and soaked up everything I could, as well as operated everything I could. I'm now operating an excavator at an environmental company that I really like and have a reputation as the go to guy to operate equipment. I have a review coming up in one month, I believe I can negotiate a significant pay raise!
(Grammar Edit)
That's awesome man! Congrats on doing so well!
The guys who say go non union are the guys who couldn’t get into a union. 60k between my annuity and pension and 120k in the bank and I’m 27.
Not trying to brag only trying to prove a point.
The union definitely has its perks. You can make some good money in the union.
Where I live. The apprentice starting wage is $28.92- $30.42 an hour with pay raise ever 1,000 hours worked
What part of the country are you in?
@@DieselandIron PNW. Washington state. It’s the Local 302
@@matthewkirchberg7885 that's good pay and a beautiful part of the country. I need to move out your way!
Boss I was thinking about going the apprenticeship route in Oregon? Local 701? Is it possible without a high school diploma?
@@matthewkirchberg7885 Sup 302 brother. I was lucky enough to be able to bypass the apprenticeship when I got in but no matter how you do it, it's a great union
Local 101 in KC starts at 37.50. Apprenticeship program is 3 years.
Thanks for checking in! This is helpful to know wage rates around the country.
@@DieselandIron at the moment I work for a private company in the KC area owned by summit materials and their wages fluctuate between $18-21 starting DOE, but they're not very good about raises.
@@RockinAHomestead I appreciate the information brother
1st year apprentice make $37.50?
Started out making 12 a hour when i was 18 now that im 28 im at 34 a hour non union in iowa
I'm a mini operator for a plumbing company and came in making 25 an hour.
Dang! That's good money starting out. Thanks for checking in!
I work in Nor-Cal
Just journeyed out with a union and I'm making $50/hrs as a gradesetter which is still part of the heavy equipment operators.
Thank you for checking in Dahni! I appreciate you
Hi
Nice work, it is a clearly stated video with good intell.
Thanks Gregg! I appreciate the feedback!
sounds to me like i wont get outta bed. id love to operate but a 25$ cap isnt high enough for skilled work
That's in the south. In the north wages are much better.
I’m a journey man operator in Ohio and make 39.10 a hour. And before union made 29 a hour. And started 22 hour with no experience
Thanks for checking in Jimmy!
Jimmy Clarke What company do you work for? I've been searching the internet for union companies in ohio for awhile now and cannot find one
Union excavator hand in California. 48.43 an hr plus benefits.
Thanks for checking in! I appreciate every ounce of information I can get on wage rates around the country.
I’m at 25 hr with a take home company truck and full benefits, just started with the company last week
Congrats, I hope you enjoy the new job!
What company
Whats the 2023 hourly wage for someone who runs a asphalt paver and grades jobs?
There are way too many variables at play to spit out a number. What area of the country? Union or non union? Small company or large company?
Union operators make 38 as a journeyman. I’m at 23 as a 1st year apprentice here in Ohio
You're right inline with what we make here in Michigan. Thanks for checking in brother!
Nice.. But do you get other pay like food pay per day?
@@joelraharjo1819 only when over a certain distance from home
@@DieselandIron damn I’m terested man
Experience or not $12-15 is a straight slap to the face.
That's the South man. Unfortunately wages are just really lagging behind
@@DieselandIron I hear you brother, thank you for the content you push out. You have my support 👍
@@Alpha-Scythe23 I appreciate that Agustin!
Welll guess I got screwed for not joining a union.started as laborer doing pipeline work domestic n industrial. Became pipelayer learnedgroundwork then learned operating every piece of equipment I could. Excavator& backhoe any controls . Loved my job was my passion. But was never able to join union.
As long as you had a company that took care of you then you weren't missing much. The union typically pays higher than non union but that's not a hard and fast rule. These days it is slowly becoming more common for private companies to pay at least scale, if not a little over because everyone is hurting for people.
I’m Nevada apprenticeship starts at 29 and cap out as a journeyman at 52 unless ur rock sand and gravel wage
Thanks for letting us know brother! It's nice to see where wages are around the country
Hey I’m finishing welding school soon and was looking into being a heavy equipment operator also. Do those go hand and hand and would it benefit me on finding jobs easier.
Welding isn't typically a skill that larger companies will be looking for. Generally you have mechanics that are wrenching on the machines and doing any sort of fabrication. If you get in with a smaller company that can absolutely help.
I work as a bulldozer + excavator + shovels with more than 10 years of experience looking for a job
I was walking up to a development in my neighbourhood walking the dog and I saw the guy doing work on the Caterpillar scraper and he needed help with lifting his head on to the caterpillar he put a new piston in I was like I don’t know how to drive I would help but I don’t wanna wreck anything I told him I want to get into the trade eventually he said to come back up in the next couple days and he will get me in the excavator but first he got me in the dozer 6 for about an hour then puts me in a D8 he said figure it out we but I’ve been working up there lots now enjoying it
That's awesome! Everyone gets into the industry a little different. Great story!
2 years now behind excavator, no job in our country (sierra leone)
Thought about getting into it. I’ll stick to trucking $30 an hour
Trucking makes me go stir crazy. I hated days I got stuck in the truck. Thanks for watching!
Trucking has very limited growth and its becoming automated.
I live in Vegas work for Local 12. Journeymen wages
$55.00 per hour on my check plus fringe insurance etc.
Incredible how different the wages are in different areas.
Finishing up HEAVY EQUIPMENT COLLEGE here in San Bernardino, CA for BUCKET LOADER and BACKHOE .... damn well hope I come out makin minimum over $20 an hour shit, didn't dump over $11k in training for wages less then I can make as a forklift operator loading trucks (with 20 years experience under my belt).
Any suggestions would be helpful since yuh know obviously a shit ton more then I do, at 43 really ain't got alot of time to waist through trial an error....
@@robsnizzle7 join the local 12 operators union
I was going to join that college until I talked to someone who interested me in the local 3 out of Fresno I’m interviewing for the apprenticeship program. Maybe that would be a better option. I’m 43 also.
Live in NorCal.... that SCHOOL in SAN Bernadino is ABSOLUTE DOGSHITE.... TRUCK GOT VANDALIZED, they fired our INSTRUCTOR LITTERLY 2 days before we tested OUT.... WAIST OF TIME... and THAT WAS JUST FOR THE LEVEL 1 COURSE.... WHERES LOCAL 12 UNION?
@@keepitreal2405 wheres the LOCAL 12?
I LIVE NORTH OF Sacramento CA
Am Obed Mensah from Ghana and am a front end loader operator with 4-5 yrs experience in Komastu WA 600/900 and Cat 992k n Wil love to work with your team
Southern california my union local 12 pays $52 an hour
That's great pay for here but, what's your mortgage payment? That's the only thing about California
This is why i wanna move back to cali!
How can I get in?
@@jordanhoyer7108 you'll have to touch base with the local there and ask about the apprenticeship program.
@@jordanhoyer7108 they take applications once every 2 years. You take a test and get a place on waiting list for 2 years and if your number doesn't come up you have to start all over with the process.
As of 2021 we pay a GPS dozer operator $16 a hour non GPS dozer operator $22 a hour for a good old school grader operator $40 GPS grader $25
That's interesting that you guys are putting the emphasis on freehand work. I think this is a great way to push operators to develop their skill sets instead of relying on technology.
(MA) local 4 operators make $50/hr right now...
Wow, that's awesome. Where are you out of?
Diesel and Iron Boston area, J dorenzo inc, they make even more than that.
I'm in Michigan looking to finally start getting into this trade! Just waiting for the call now! If you get time you should do another video for more recently salary nowadays!
Let me see what I can put together!
Can you make a video regarding transitioning from a skilled heavy equipment operator to a superintendent and what to expect to make going from hourly to salary. I’m in this situation and I’m being offered 30% less of my normal avg pay.
Let me see what I can do. What I can tell you is taking on a shit load more responsibility for less pay than you're making now seems a bit ass backwards. I would negotiate that number up substantially or take a hard pass.
@@DieselandIron I appreciate the reply I do agree less pay for more responsibilities plus more job sites to run around 10-12 + hours 6 days a week. Hpefully tomorrow I’ll meet with my General superintendent to see if we can negotiate my pay and come to terms. I’m just going to be devastated if my 6+ years and loyalty wasn’t all for nothing.
@@carlosogaz1067 even if they don't come up on pay, as shitty as that is that they won't take care of a longtime employee, don't get too down. By offering you the position they have given you something to put on your resume. You can now apply to other companies and speak about the fact that you were negotiating with your current employer to take over as a superintendent. That's in an industry that is hurting for qualified people. I would absolutely start throwing out resumes and talking about this experience. Even if it isn't with them, your current company has opened a door for you. Keep your head up brother!
They are looking for sucker don't do it. If They are not serious about you they would make a offer that is fair. They know your value and you should too. Do not chase a title and you'll have less pay and more responsibility that comes with more problems later.
Great job guys
Thanks and thanks for watching!
What would you suggest doing for starting HEO work on the West Coast/PNW region? Do you think training academy’s are worthwhile where you pay for training? If that’s a financial option would you take it starting over? I hear sometimes that these programs can be more on the scamming side if they say they can “help get you a job in the industry”.
The first thing I would recommend is watching this video: th-cam.com/video/maIDknW4DME/w-d-xo.html
I actually cover that topic and talk about the pro's and con's. The condensed version is I wouldn't recommend any sort of "heavy equipment school" simply because almost everyone in the industry assumes you will have to be retrained from ground zero if you've been to one of those schools. They teach you how to move levers but they don't teach you how to truly operate a machine in real world conditions.
Another reason I don't recommend that route is because it will never make sense to me to pay for an education when you can get paid to learn on the job. The training schools don't accelerate your career start so you might as well get a job at a company and get paid to be taught. As long as you are a dedicated, teachable individual, most companies in the industry have no issue bringing you on and teaching. I would highly recommend you call some small to medium sized companies in your area and let them know the situation. Be honest about your lack of experience and tell them you are willing to start at the bottom and learn. Business owners respect honesty. Where you get into trouble is by lying about your experience or overstating your capabilities.
Diesel and Iron I actually watched the three video set in the right order about five minutes after writing my initial comment. Those three videos are absolutely stellar and a huge help on just getting your mind focused on what to expect/making a choice if it’s for you. There’s a local caterpillar dealership near my work. If I remember correctly you briefly touched base on going in there to ask if they have any ties to local contractors, isnt that correct? I look forward to getting involved in your channel as more videos come out and also hoping to get a start in this industry hopefully before 2021.
@@MyLifeBeLikeBRO that's awesome to hear and thanks for the kind words! As much as I would like to take credit for the dealership idea, that one wasn't actually mine but that's a great place to start. Let me know if I can help you out with questions or if there's anything you'd like to know more about. I'm always looking for new ideas!
Hi I live in Washington state. If you join any trade union as a apprentice you start around 25 to 30 a hour and max out at 50-60 a hour after 4 years. I have 30 years in iuoe. I have about starved to death a couple of times but over all I made a good living. I personally make 90 to 100 in 10 month’s
@Edward Sevold I'm in Vancouver Washington boss , where should I start?
I want to be in the line of this trade but I need your help to come over because is my passion, but I leave in Nigeria
I made a little over 5200 last week before taxes paving roads for 72 hours. Probably around 3500 after taxes.
That'll play!
Owner of the company?
Damn the wages are low in North America almost slave labour. In Australia the dump truck operators are on a minimum of 35 an hour and excavator operators etc almost double depending on company
What's the cost of living situation over there? I'd be curious to see how that plays into it. Thanks for checking in Sam!
So I own my skip loader, and I charge 25 an hour,but shouldn’t I get something for my tractor ?
Yes. Your total hourly rate should be your desired wages plus the hourly cost of the equipment itself. Don't forget to charge for overhead and mobilization.
I keep trying to find the pay scale for my local union and it isn’t listed anywhere. Local 77 in Upper Marlboro, Maryland
You might try calling up to the union hall and asking where you can read the union contract. They should be able to point you in the right direction.
I made it to the 4 minute mark. I know this video is 2 years old but the numbers are still way off for that time. As a union operator in the state of Ohio 2 years ago the pay scale you saw on your check was around $38/hour. Then the benefits package, which you never saw a dime of since it was paid directly from the employer to the union for things like your pension, health insurance, training program, etc. was around $16/hour. Live better, work union.
For the south these numbers weren't that far off. Wages have definitely increased but you are still at or under $25/hr for most positions in the southern states.
Dan's same ones that build roads then have to redo the same roads ! Now I see why
I have 1 year of experience with kubota excavator KAO57-5 working on water and sewer utility construction
Can i join on heavy equipment with that exprerience ?
Absolutely. The industry is dying for people right now so having any experience will only help.
I'm a finish blade operator in central Texas and I make 35,, plus a gas card
That's fantastic they give you a gas card as well!
I know im veryy late on this video but for a excavator operator that have 10 years experience what you think is a good pay rate?
It depends on where you are and if you're union or not
Does having military, heavy equipment operating experience help?
Absolutely! Any experience helps and being a veteran also helps
Is join union heavy equipment apprentice, they pay for your training
Lol, here in CA, prevailing wage for even a skid steer is $78.31 if all fringes are paid cash
That's some serious money. You guys have some crazy cost of living out there though. Thanks for checking in!
Hi tony i live in ventura area, where can I get started
Thank e
That’s what the rate is in the Southeast PA area and we are still starving for skilled operators around here. There’s no shortage of hacks tho
Is this a good starting path for a Construction manger? looking to join a trade and a heavy equipment operator is where im leaning towards. Im just curious to see what I can do with that trade down the line
I'm a huge subscriber to the school of thought that a field education will win out over a school education every time. That being said, you can go get a 2 or 4 year degree for construction management and go that route as well.
12 or 14 is shit pay man.
Agreed! That's why I worked my way up the food chain! Thanks for watching!
Here in VA it’s looking like I’ll start at 24 an hour. I’m CDL certified so I’m hoping that adds some value as well. Thanks for the information I appreciate it Bro.