From bulldozers and cranes to excavators and loaders, heavy equipment operators control the massive machines that shape highways, pipelines, and construction sites. If you love big machines and working outdoors, this career offers hands-on excitement and great earning potential.
How to Get Trained:
Start in high school with construction-related courses or CTE programs.
Train at a technical school or through union/employer apprenticeships.
Earn NCCER operator certifications and equipment-specific licenses.
Average Pay:
Operators in West Virginia typically earn around $52,000 a year, with higher wages on highway and energy projects.