The work requires good health, physical stamina, and a good sense of balance. Bulldozer drivers may risk overturning on steep slopes. Heavy equipment operators usually work long hours during mild weather months and are laid off during the winter. They often move to various temporary job sites in the state or region. They may be exposed to noise, dust, or pollen.
Many operators belong to a union.
Wages vary according to training, experience and location. Entry level wages may be lower. National Wages Pay varies with the size and type of equipment. However, the occupations of excavation and loading machine operators, hoist and winch operators and operations engineers should grow somewhat faster than the average. National Outlook Nationally, employment of heavy equipment operators is expected to grow more slowly than average through 2008.