{"id":15627,"date":"2026-04-03T11:12:33","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T11:12:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/?p=15627"},"modified":"2026-05-19T12:30:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T12:30:25","slug":"excavator-operator-training-how-to-get-started-get-certified-and-get-hired","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/excavator-operator-training-how-to-get-started-get-certified-and-get-hired\/","title":{"rendered":"Excavator Operator Training: How to Get Started, Get Certified, and Get Hired"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Excavator operators earn a <strong>median $58,320\/year<\/strong> nationally (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/construction-and-extraction\/construction-equipment-operators.htm\">BLS, May 2024<\/a>); California median reaches $88,480<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>46,200 new job openings<\/strong> are projected annually through 2034 \u2014 demand is consistent and growing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/laws-regs\/regulations\/standardnumber\/1926\/1926.652\">OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P<\/a> requires a documented &#8220;competent person&#8221; on every excavation site \u2014 training documentation is a legal requirement, not optional<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ATS trains operators on <strong>real equipment<\/strong> \u2014 50+ machines, 20 certified instructors, at Sun Prairie, Wisconsin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vocational programs like ATS take weeks; apprenticeships take 3\u20134 years \u2014 vocational school is the fastest path<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Multi-equipment credentials<\/strong> (excavator + dozer, wheel loader, or grader) increase starting wages and make you more hireable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Veterans can use<a href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/education\/about-gi-bill-benefits\/post-9-11\/\"> <strong>Post-9\/11 GI Bill\u00ae benefits<\/strong><\/a> at ATS \u2014 approximately $30,000\/year in tuition assistance plus monthly housing payments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Excavator operator training is the fastest path from zero construction experience to a skilled trade job paying $58,320\/year or more. The<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/construction-and-extraction\/construction-equipment-operators.htm\"> Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a> projects <strong>46,200 new construction equipment operator openings every year through 2034<\/strong> \u2014 and most of those seats get filled by people who trained at vocational programs, not four-year colleges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide covers what excavator operators do, what the job pays by state, what ATS training includes, and how to go from no experience to working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In this article:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What excavator operators do and machine types<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Salary by state and experience level<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Step-by-step path from zero to first job<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What ATS excavator operator training covers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>OSHA excavation requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Industries that hire excavator operators<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>FAQ<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What Does an Excavator Operator Do?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An excavator operator uses a hydraulic track machine with a rotating upper structure, boom, arm, and bucket to dig, trench, grade, and move material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The machine is as precise or as powerful as the operator makes it. A skilled operator finishes a utility trench to 6-inch grade tolerances; an unskilled one digs a ragged ditch and damages buried infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Day-to-day tasks include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Foundation excavation<\/strong> \u2014 digging to design depth for building footings, basement slabs, and pile caps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Utility trenching<\/strong> \u2014 precise trench depth and width for water, sewer, gas, electrical, and fiber optic installation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mass earthmoving<\/strong> \u2014 stripping topsoil, rough grading, and loading haul trucks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Finish grading<\/strong> \u2014 precision grading for drainage swales, detention ponds, and site contours<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Demolition support<\/strong> \u2014 structure demolition, debris sorting, and concrete breaking with hydraulic hammers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Material handling<\/strong> \u2014 using a hydraulic thumb, grapples, and attachments for sorting and placing material<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Slope work<\/strong> \u2014 bench cut construction, ripping, and drainage structure work on grades<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Excavator operators must read site plans, understand utility locate markings, and work within inches of buried infrastructure without damaging it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Types of Excavators<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding machine types matters for both training and hiring conversations with foremen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Size Range<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Primary Application<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Mini Excavator<\/strong><\/td><td>1\u201310 tons<\/td><td>Tight urban sites, landscaping, shallow utility work<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Compact Excavator<\/strong><\/td><td>10\u201320 tons<\/td><td>Residential and light commercial site work<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Standard Excavator<\/strong><\/td><td>20\u201350 tons<\/td><td>Commercial construction, road work, utility installation<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Large Excavator<\/strong><\/td><td>50\u2013100 tons<\/td><td>Highway construction, large commercial site prep<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Mining Excavator<\/strong><\/td><td>100+ tons<\/td><td>Open-pit mining, large dam and earthwork projects<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Long-Reach Excavator<\/strong><\/td><td>20\u201360 tons (extended arm)<\/td><td>Waterway dredging, deep foundation work<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most training programs focus on standard 20\u201350 ton machines. Skills transfer across classes, but each class has specific characteristics operators must understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Excavator Operator Salary: What You Can Earn<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes472073.htm\"> BLS OES survey (May 2024)<\/a> shows a national median of <strong>$28.04\/hour<\/strong> ($58,320\/year) for construction equipment operators. Experienced operators in high-demand states reach $80,000\u2013$100,000+.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Experience Level<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Hourly Wage<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Annual Estimate<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Entry-level (0\u20132 years)<\/td><td>$18\u2013$24\/hr<\/td><td>$37,000\u2013$50,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mid-level (2\u20135 years)<\/td><td>$24\u2013$35\/hr<\/td><td>$50,000\u2013$73,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Experienced (5+ years)<\/td><td>$35\u2013$50+\/hr<\/td><td>$73,000\u2013$100,000+<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>BLS Median (May 2024)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>$28.04\/hr<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>$58,320<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Top-paying states for construction equipment operators (<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes472073.htm\"><strong>BLS OES<\/strong><\/a><strong>):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>State<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Median Annual Wage<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>California<\/td><td>$88,480<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Alaska<\/td><td>$79,570<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Washington<\/td><td>$77,120<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Oregon<\/td><td>$72,650<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hawaii<\/td><td>$72,090<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nevada<\/td><td>$68,430<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>National Median<\/td><td>$58,320<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Specialty premium:<\/strong> Operators working near live utilities (fiber, water main, gas distribution) typically earn 10\u201320% above standard excavation rates. The precision required and the liability exposure justify the pay difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The<a href=\"https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/bipartisan-infrastructure-law\/\"> Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act<\/a> is funding $550 billion in new infrastructure spending over a decade \u2014 that spending translates directly into excavator operator demand for highway, water, and broadband projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to Become an Excavator Operator: Step by Step<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/how-to-start-a-career-in-heavy-equipment-without-a-college-degree\/\">Starting a heavy equipment career<\/a> does not require a college degree. The path below is what most successful entry-level operators follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 1: Meet Basic Entry Requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Age 18 (some programs accept 17 with parental consent)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High school diploma or GED<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Valid driver&#8217;s license<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Basic physical fitness \u2014 no prior construction experience required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 2: Choose Your Training Path<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vocational School \u2014 Fastest Path<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Programs like ATS range from several weeks to 6-week combination courses covering multiple equipment types. You graduate job-ready with documented seat time and training credentials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Apprenticeship \u2014 Paid But Slow<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Union apprenticeships typically run 3\u20134 years of paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Entry is competitive and structured wage scales apply. This path provides thorough experience but takes years longer than vocational school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>On-the-Job Training \u2014 Slowest Path<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some operators start as laborers and work their way into operating roles. This can take years and provides no formal documentation of training hours \u2014 a real disadvantage when applying to regulated job sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For most people entering the industry, vocational school provides the fastest path from zero to employed and credentialed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 3: Train on Real Equipment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hands-on seat time on actual machines is what makes you hireable. Foremen can tell within five minutes of watching someone operate whether they trained on real machines or spent 200 hours watching videos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ATS trains students on a working earthmoving yard with actual excavators, not simulators. The physical skill of smooth hydraulic control \u2014 feathering the boom, crowd force application, and bucket curl simultaneously for clean trench work \u2014 requires real machine repetition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 4: Understand OSHA Requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Federal law under<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/laws-regs\/regulations\/standardnumber\/1926\/1926.652\"> 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P<\/a> requires a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/laws-regs\/regulations\/standardnumber\/1926\/1926.32\"> competent person<\/a> on every excavation site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A competent person is defined as someone with training, knowledge, and authority to identify existing and predictable hazards and take corrective action. This is not optional \u2014 employers face significant OSHA penalties for non-compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Earning an <strong>OSHA 10-hour construction card<\/strong> during or immediately after training demonstrates that you understand these requirements and are prepared to work on regulated construction sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 5: Build Your Credentials Portfolio<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>OSHA 10-hour card<\/strong> \u2014 widely required as a condition of employment on commercial and government sites<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Training documentation<\/strong> \u2014 keep records of all equipment types, hours, and program completion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Multi-equipment experience<\/strong> \u2014 every additional machine type increases hiring flexibility and pay<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Specialty training<\/strong> \u2014 utility work, GPS machine control, or advanced grading techniques open higher-paying roles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/heavy_equipment_training.php\"> heavy equipment training program at ATS<\/a> for a full list of equipment covered and available training dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Excavator Operator Training at ATS: What&#8217;s Covered<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ATS training covers the technical and safety skills that foremen actually evaluate during hiring and in the first weeks on the job. This is the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/accreditations.php\"> accredited training school<\/a> difference \u2014 curriculum built around what real construction employers need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Machine Controls and Operation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before moving material, operators must understand every control function. Training covers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cab orientation \u2014 seat, mirrors, instrument panels, warning systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Left and right joystick functions<\/strong> \u2014 boom up\/down, dipper arm in\/out, bucket curl\/dump, cab swing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Track controls \u2014 traveling forward, reverse, and counter-rotation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Throttle management \u2014 matching engine output to task demands<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Auxiliary hydraulics \u2014 operating hydraulic hammers, compactors, thumbs, and grapples<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Swing radius awareness \u2014 understanding where the rotating upper structure sits relative to ground personnel and obstacles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Digging Technique<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Efficient, controlled excavation technique is the core skill of the trade. Training covers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Trenching<\/strong> \u2014 maintaining consistent width, plumb walls, and precise depth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mass excavation<\/strong> \u2014 maximizing bucket fill factor on each pass to minimize cycle time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loading haul trucks \u2014 controlled bucket dump, clean truck placement, minimizing spillage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Working near utilities<\/strong> \u2014 soft digging technique within 18 inches of buried lines, hand excavation transition zones<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Foundation excavation \u2014 squaring corners, maintaining level bottom, working to plan elevations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slope and bench cut work \u2014 benching hillsides, creating drainage ditches, maintaining slope ratios<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Grade Work and Plan Reading<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Excavator operators work to elevation targets \u2014 they don&#8217;t just dig until something stops them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reading grade stakes \u2014 cut\/fill targets, hub and tack setups from surveyors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using laser levels and grade rods to verify excavation depth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reading civil drawings \u2014 plan view, profile view, and cross-section drawings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Introduction to GPS machine guidance \u2014 how automated depth control works on equipped machines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See<a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/mastering-grade-stakes-essential-skills-for-dozer-and-grader-operators\/\"> mastering grade stakes<\/a> for a deeper breakdown of grade reading on active job sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Preventive Maintenance and Inspection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Operators who maintain their machines cost employers less and create fewer liability exposures. Training covers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pre-shift inspection \u2014 fluids, track tension, bucket teeth and side cutters, hydraulic hoses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Track tension adjustment \u2014 proper tension prevents premature undercarriage wear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bucket teeth replacement<\/strong> \u2014 identifying wear thresholds and performing field replacement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hydraulic system inspection \u2014 identifying leaks before they become failures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Filter service intervals \u2014 air, hydraulic, and fuel filter replacement schedules<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reading fault codes on electronic control modules<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Excavation Safety and OSHA Compliance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">OSHA excavation requirements carry legal consequences for operators and employers. Training covers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Competent person responsibilities<\/strong> \u2014 what a competent person must do and what authority they carry on site<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Soil classification \u2014 Type A, B, and C soils and how classification determines required protective systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cave-in protection<\/strong> \u2014 when sloping, shoring, or trench boxes are required under Subpart P<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Underground utility identification \u2014 color codes, call-before-you-dig protocols, hand excavation zones<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spoil pile setback \u2014 minimum distance from excavation edge under federal regulations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Water accumulation hazards \u2014 when to stop work under OSHA rules<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emergency rescue procedures for trench incidents<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep up with<a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/osha-updates-2025-new-regulations-affecting-heavy-equipment-operators\/\"> OSHA updates for equipment operators<\/a> to stay current after training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Industries That Hire Excavator Operators<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Commercial and residential construction<\/strong> \u2014 foundation excavation, grading, site utilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Civil and infrastructure<\/strong> \u2014 highway cut and fill, bridge foundations, drainage systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Utility construction<\/strong> \u2014 water main, sewer, gas, and fiber optic installation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Demolition<\/strong> \u2014 structure demolition, concrete breaking, debris management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pipeline construction<\/strong> \u2014 cross-country pipeline burial on long linear projects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mining<\/strong> \u2014 surface mine development, overburden removal, mineral extraction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Environmental remediation<\/strong> \u2014 contaminated soil removal, landfill cell excavation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Marine and waterway<\/strong> \u2014 dock construction, dredging, bank stabilization<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What Employers Test During Hiring<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foremen evaluating excavator operator candidates watch for specific things during a skills test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Smooth hydraulic control<\/strong> \u2014 operators who jerk controls or bounce the boom signal poor training<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Situational awareness<\/strong> \u2014 monitoring ground personnel, overhead hazards, and swing radius simultaneously<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Grade awareness<\/strong> \u2014 working to elevation targets without constant supervision<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pre-shift inspection<\/strong> \u2014 completing a full walk-around without being told<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Communication<\/strong> \u2014 clear calls, signal person hand signals, immediate issue reporting<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Review these<a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/top-20-heavy-equipment-operator-interview-questions-and-how-to-answer\/\"> heavy equipment operator interview questions<\/a> before applying to your first job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Financial Assistance and Housing at ATS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ATS offers multiple funding pathways so training cost doesn&#8217;t block entry into the trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Career loans<\/strong> \u2014 covering tuition and on-campus dormitory housing, often with fast approval decisions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/education\/about-gi-bill-benefits\/post-9-11\/\"><strong>Post-9\/11 GI Bill\u00ae benefits<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 qualifying veterans may receive approximately <strong>$30,000\/year<\/strong> in tuition assistance plus monthly living expense payments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/military.php\"><strong>GI Bill benefits for veterans<\/strong><\/a> at ATS \u2014 the school&#8217;s military benefits page covers all eligible programs and the application process<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/housing_assistance.php\"><strong>On-campus housing<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 dormitory housing available during enrollment, reducing relocation barriers for out-of-state students<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Veterans submit Form DD214 to the ATS School Registrar for eligibility verification<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See all<a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/financial_assistance.php\"> financial assistance<\/a> options on the ATS website, or check available<a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/training_dates.php\"> training dates<\/a> to plan your enrollment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How long does excavator operator training take?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Vocational programs at ATS range from several weeks to 6-week combination courses covering multiple machines. Union apprenticeships run 3\u20134 years with paid employment throughout \u2014 significantly longer, with competitive entry requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Do you need a license to operate an excavator?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>No single federal license exists for excavator operation. Employers require documented training from an accredited program, OSHA competent person qualifications for excavation work under Subpart P, and demonstrated seat time. Some states and government contracts add requirements beyond federal standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What is the starting salary for a new excavator operator?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Entry-level operators typically earn $18\u2013$24\/hour depending on region, employer, and training background. California, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest run significantly higher, with California&#8217;s median reaching $88,480 annually according to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes472073.htm\"> BLS OES data<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What&#8217;s the OSHA competent person requirement for excavation?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/laws-regs\/regulations\/standardnumber\/1926\/1926.652\">OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P<\/a> requires that a competent person be present on all excavation sites. That person must classify soil type, determine the required protective system (sloping, shoring, or trench box), inspect the excavation each shift, and hold authority to stop work when conditions become unsafe. The<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/laws-regs\/regulations\/standardnumber\/1926\/1926.32\"> OSHA definition of competent person<\/a> is codified in 29 CFR 1926.32.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Ready to start your excavator operator training?<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/application.php\"><em> <\/em><em>Apply online<\/em><\/a><em> at operator-school.com, call (800) 383-7364, or email admissions@operator-school.com. ATS campus: 7190 Elder Lane, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/employment_assistance.php\"><em> <\/em><em>Career Services<\/em><\/a><em> is available to all graduates.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>External Sources<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bureau of Labor Statistics \u2014 Construction Equipment Operators:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/construction-and-extraction\/construction-equipment-operators.htm\"> https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/construction-and-extraction\/construction-equipment-operators.htm<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>BLS OES \u2014 Construction Equipment Operators Wage Data:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes472073.htm\"> https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes472073.htm<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P \u2014 Excavations:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/laws-regs\/regulations\/standardnumber\/1926\/1926.652\"> https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/laws-regs\/regulations\/standardnumber\/1926\/1926.652<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>OSHA 29 CFR 1926.32 \u2014 Competent Person Definition:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/laws-regs\/regulations\/standardnumber\/1926\/1926.32\"> https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/laws-regs\/regulations\/standardnumber\/1926\/1926.32<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs \u2014 Post-9\/11 GI Bill:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/education\/about-gi-bill-benefits\/post-9-11\/\"> https:\/\/www.va.gov\/education\/about-gi-bill-benefits\/post-9-11\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">White House \u2014 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/bipartisan-infrastructure-law\/\"> https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/bipartisan-infrastructure-law\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn the step-by-step path to becoming an excavator operator \u2014 from choosing a training program to landing your first job. BLS median wage: $58,320\/year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wds_primary_category":2,"wds_primary_post_series":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"post_series":[],"class_list":["post-15627","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-associated-training-services","entry","no-media"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15627","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15627"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15627\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15660,"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15627\/revisions\/15660"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15627"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15627"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15627"},{"taxonomy":"post_series","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_series?post=15627"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}