one54ton

Ive been research it as a career and fing it very interesting. Ive talked to a few folks and they love their jobs. I just need a sense of direction as of how to learn more and to how I go about to get training or even join the right union. - Chris

phloop

Look for an operators school if there is one near you. There is one in Portland Or. that I went too about 15 years ago that is still in business.

getblown5.9

it seems like it would be fun. my 48 year old father has been doing it for 28 years now...and he would never recommend it to anyone else. i will say a union is not the way to go, being hired by a contractor and working for them as a normal employee is better if you find the right contractor.

luckily my dad was hired and had worked for the same company for 22 years now, even tho he is still a union member. but for a man with his experience and time with the company his pay is rather poor (no pun intended). his base salary is $19.43/hr, but he will get higher pay when working with other trades that are paid higher. to me thats just not right for the time and effort he puts into his work. when i was working for a general contractor jsut outta high school, one of our subs (concrete specialist) on the job site was telling me they were looking an operator to do ground work and they would start off an experienced person at about $27-28/hr plus full benefits, and sadly after putting 27 years into the union with pension and retirement it would be hard for my dad to start a new job at this age.

one54ton

Ouch that pay isn't **** especially out here. I thought it would be more. I do have a few other options though. Anyone else?

HappyGA

well, unions are no longer used for their purpose.

I mean somecompanies are paying people that push a broom $15.00 an hour, and I am sorry but that is way to much. You have to draw the line somewhere. Look at he situationt hat GM is in because of their labor %.

On the farms and construction crews over here in GA, the operators get between $10 and $15 an hour. That is pretty good pay also considering $5.15 at Mikki D's

Southern Pride

It depends what type of operator you want to be. wages vary throughout the US. Im from South East Texas near Beaumont. I began at the age of 12 and worked equipment from backhoes, dozers, trackhoes, cranes, etc. Growing up on a small farm, and in the construction business i had access to these things, but i ventered out on my own to help pay for college. you work from before sun up to after sun down. the average wage around that area is $10-$18 for a 40 hr week, and time and a half over 40. i was able to do it for 11 years until i was on active duty in the Marine Corps. ive been to haiti, and iraq twice now in the last 2 years, and it has sure helped me out being able to jump on a D9 and level some houses and make som berms in our firm bases. Im in the infantry currently working with the iraqi army triying to help build them up. it is a worthwile trade to learn, and id say do it if you are willing to work longer than normal hours than most people do.
Semper FI

PistolWhipt

US Navy Construction Battalion .... SeaBee's !!!!!

Teach you everything you ever wanted to know about almost every piece of equipment ..... plus get lots of experience in all the other construction trades. Plus you get to shoot guns and blow stuff up !!!


Every SeaBee I have ever known has been top shelf !!

PISTOL

Iron Mike

I operate equipment and I'm about 30 lbs too heavy, does that count?

one54ton

LOL iron mike

gerry

It is ok.. I actually went the utility route and although I don't operate anything larger than a Case 580 I do get alot of stick time on it.. I get $34.00 hr plus pension, health care, 401K, overtime and holidays..

To get that wage I am also a pipeline welder and have to do all downward duties.. (yes that includes digging).. All union.. Not a wage to get rich at but it puts a roof over my head, keeps food on the table and diesel in the tank...

The one good thing about construction and being an equipment operator is there isn't going to ba a computer to take your job away anytime soon...

Gerry

Red3quarter

In my last job I was a diesel mechanic/ operator and starting out non union I was making 15.00 an hr. I have friends that work for Local 150 and local 142 in NW Indiana as Operators and Teamsters that made in the range of $20-$30 an hr depending on what they were doing. They all like it especailly since in the last few years they've worked almost the entire year with only a few weeks of being laid off. I use to run articulated loader (pay loaders) to load dump trucks. Now i'm gonna be a union machinist working on locomotives, this will be my first time in a union with my new job. If you are interested in a Operating Engineers career go to the local operators hall and see if you can get some infomation or ask questions. i know the 150 in my area has apprenticeships and your local might have that too. Good luck !

rebal

I have been doing it for over 30 years. I like it but its hard on the body. going union is not always the best and unions dont care about YOU only the bottom line $ .I just left the union (long story) and was offerd a job with a nonunion Co. making $3 per hr more full bennys and a GAS card working for people who are truly concerned about there employees .I was able to get my oldest (19)son on and allowed to train him from day one. he is now making $20 ph full bennys ,after 6 months .there are lots of Co. looking for smart people with solid work ethics,and willing to pay for and train .as long as your not intimidated by the size of the equipment, and keep an eye on the real good operators you can learn a lot.Running it is easy .knowing what you can do with it takes time. good luck

Pentastar

The one good thing about construction and being an equipment operator is there isn't going to ba a computer to take your job away anytime soon...

Gerry[/QUOTE]
Don't kid yourself Gerry....GPS has arrived and it is changing the whole picture regarding the skill levels that used to be required to do the fine grading neccessary for paving etc.
For a little more money the GPS can actually control the machine and produce a very fine tolerance in the process.
What has taken us old guys years to learn is no longer the valueable commodity it once was and the time will come that our wages will reflect that I am sure.Ron G

gerry

well OK I can see computers in the rading indusrty.. Not to sure about Installing gas lines though.. Just to many obsticals and the jobs almost are never as they are planned.. Guess if they X-ray the ground to see what is an there then it MIGHT be able to be done by a computer..

I know I say that now and just the other day I was watching Discovery channel and almost all the ship building welding is done by computer.. Guess it is just a matter of time.. Hopefully it won't be before I retire!!

Gerry