Pros of a Career as a Heavy Equipment Technician

Heavy equipment technicians are the backbone of many industries. With their expert knowledge, skilled training and problem-solving skills, they are a highly sought-after resource. Whether you are finishing technical school or you are looking to change careers, becoming a heavy equipment technician can be a great opportunity to explore. 

If you are interested in working with machinery while enjoying job security and excellent pay, consider exploring heavy equipment work. Take a look at the pros and cons of being a heavy equipment technician to help you decide if this career is for you. 

What Is a Heavy Equipment Technician?

Heavy equipment technicians are highly trained professionals who work with large machinery. They are responsible for inspecting, maintaining and repairing large equipment for agriculture, construction, mining and other industries. Large equipment used in these industries relies on expert servicing to keep it in safe, effective condition. Without heavy equipment technicians, dump trucks, bulldozers, excavators and cranes would have extended downtime or repeated failures, leading to poor site conditions and productivity.

Heavy equipment technicians go through extensive training to help them master equipment maintenance and repair. They have to understand mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems — all of these systems are essential for diagnosing, repairing and maintaining heavy equipment. Because they are essential for many industries, heavy equipment technicians might travel to different sites to get equipment back in working order. If you like machinery and solving complex problems, working as a heavy equipment technician might suit you. 

Pros of Being a Heavy Equipment Technician

Becoming a heavy equipment technician involves completing a qualified training program and receiving certifications to prove your skills. While the job can be demanding, working as a heavy equipment technician is an extremely rewarding job. Here are some of the pros of being a heavy equipment mechanic to help you decide if this job is right for you:

Excellent Job Security

Heavy equipment technicians are in high demand thanks to their integral role in equipment care. This job’s demand is expected to grow 6% in the next eight years, faster than the average expected job growth rate. As infrastructure projects continue to expand, these new developments will need heavy equipment technicians to care for their equipment. High demand and continued growth mean you can expect to enjoy excellent job security. No matter the economy, heavy equipment is always needed for essential projects. You will be an essential part of keeping critical machinery operational. 

Diverse Skillset

Since dozens of industries need heavy equipment, this career means you will develop a diverse, essential skillset. With heavy equipment technician training, you can work with mining operations, construction companies, government agencies, equipment rental firms, equipment dealerships and more. With so many career opportunities, you can explore different sectors, expand your skill set and find the best environment for your needs. Heavy equipment training gives you the skills necessary to pursue the career you have always wanted. 

Competitive Pay

Heavy equipment work requires specialized training and expertise. This skill set, combined with the essential use of heavy equipment, means technicians are in an in-demand, competitive role. Heavy equipment technicians make more than the yearly median pay in the U.S. Additionally, many jobs offer benefits packages to attract technicians to their team. With more experience and additional certifications, you can negotiate higher pay or advanced positions, further increasing your earning potential. Heavy equipment technicians can enjoy excellent pay and a solid road to career advancement. 

Accessible Entry 

Becoming a heavy equipment technician is generally an accessible career for many people, requiring a post-secondary technical education. 

Become a Technician at Foley, Inc.

Foley, Inc. is a respected Cat^® dealer with decades of expert industry experience. If you’re interested in a job as a heavy equipment technician, explore our career opportunities online. We’re dedicated to our team — when you work with Foley, Inc., we’ll help you grow in your role through continuous training and support. We understand how important our technicians are, so we’re offering a bonus of up to $10,000 to technicians we hire. If you’re in New Jersey, Staten Island, northern Delaware or eastern Pennsylvania, reach out to us today!