Position Profile

Heavy Equipment Technician

Some of the Facts

Heavy Equipment Technicians Are Essential

Heavy Equipment Technicians can go by many names. They are often referred to as Heavy Duty Mechanics, Diesel Mechanics, Aerial Lift Technicians, Crane Mechanics and Heavy Duty Equipment Technicians. Heavy Equipment Technicians can be responsible for a wide variety of equipment across various industries including Construction, Forestry, Oil and Gas, Manufacturing, Mining and Agriculture.

Without qualified Heavy Equipment Technicians, many industries would not be able to function and our Economy would fall apart. It is an incredibly important job and can be a rewarding career for many. The demand is very high and likely to increase in the coming years. Now is a great time to consider a career as a Heavy Equipment 

“Without Heavy Equipment Technicians The Economy Would Fall Apart"

North American Heavy Equipment Mechanics
Over 225,000 Employed as Equipment Technicians
Heavy Duty Mechanic Median Pay USA
$52,000/year
Heavy Duty Technician Median Pay Canada
$62,000/year
Equipment Tech Median Pay vs. The Median Pay For All Other Workers
30% Higher
Technicians Who Have Completed Trade School
62%
Future Demand
7,900 Jobs To Be Added
Job Satisfaction
69%

Equipment Techs Enjoy Variety of Work

What A Equipment Tech Works On

Mining Equipment

Surface and Underground

Construction Equipment

Road Paving, Earth Moving,

Material Handling Equipment

Forklifts, Aerial Lift, Cranes

Agricultural Equipment

Farm Machinery

How To Become A

Heavy Duty Mechanic

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Start a Rewarding Career as A

Equipment Technician

Successful Heavy Equipment Technicians need to master many skills including electrical, hydraulics, diesel engine, diagnostics and welding. While these skills can be honed on the job it can be very hard to learn everything at once. Many technicians will start their career as a shop helper while learning from Journeyman.

At Rockstar Mechanics we always recommend starting with schooling. School can not replace experience but a good trade school can give you an excellent base so that when you get into the shop you can start contributing right away.

Valid Drivers License
Heavy Equipment Often Breaks Down in the Field, Mobile Mechanics Typically Earn A Higher Rate and Must Have a Valid Driver's License
Journeyman Certification
In Canada, Heavy Equipment Technicians are More Valuable if they have completed their Apprenticeship and have a Red Seal Heavy Equipment Technician License. In Ontario it is classified as the 421A Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic or 425A for Agricultural Equipment Technician.
OEM Training
Complete Factory or Dealer Training whenever possible. Training from CAT, Komatsu,Volvo, Hitachi, John Deere, CASE and others will increase your value as a technician.
Operator License
Knowing how to operate the Equipment That you are working on can be valuable.
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Certification/Training

Increase Your Value with Certification

A Certification or License is only a piece of paper but it signifies so much more. It indicates to employers that you take the trade seriously and that you know what you are doing.

Every single training program that you take will make you more valuable. The more valuable you are the higher your base wage will be and the more opportunities that will be available for promotion.

Attitude Is As Important as Training

The trade is difficult, it takes time to learn, no one is going to be an expert over night. Be patient and come in every day with an attitude to learn.

Rockstar - Wrenchin' Ain't Easy

Career Path Options

Journeyman Technicians who have been working in the trade for several years and have built up significant expertise often like to transition to a role as a Mobile Mechanic. This involves working independently outside of the confines of the shop and repairing equipment where it breaks down. Field roles are not for everyone as it does require very strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to work effectively in the elements.

Many experienced technicians like to use their experience and expertise to train the next generation of Heavy Equipment Technicians. Trade Schools are always looking for new instructors and many companies also employ in house trainers.

While management is not for everyone many techs are able to climb the ladder into supervisory and management roles. These are challenging positions but can be very rewarding.

Wrenching is a very physically demanding job, many technicians chose to move into a parts or service admin role later in their career. This is a great way to use the knowledge they have gained while taking on a less physically demanding role.

The lessons learned as a tech can translate into a trustworthy and reliable sales rep. While not all technicians will enjoy sales there are some that love talking about the ins and outs of trucks and they typically can go on to a career in sales.

Ready For a Career as A Heavy Equipment Technician?

Rockstar Mechanics Can Help You Land Your Dream Job