Being a heavy equipment mechanic might sound like one of the more daunting jobs in construction, but becoming one isn’t beyond reason and can provide an excellent living as a life-long career. According to Talent.com, the average salary in the US is $53,625, but entry-level workers can expect to make around $43,000. Heavy equipment mechanics job duties are more complicated than the everyday auto mechanic would be used to.
Working in heavy equipment will see you repairing and maintaining a multitude of vehicles. Ones used by Kilgore Companies, for instance, are primarily used for jobs in construction and transportation. Examples of these vehicles include bulldozers, semi-trucks, cranes, and other heavy vehicles commonly used in the industry. The specific duties can involve diagnosing malfunctions, replacing broken parts, and trialing new components as well; this work can often be physically challenging and demanding. You can expect to work outdoors in a variety of conditions, and depending on your location, the work could be seasonal.
Getting started on the path to this career doesn’t mean getting a degree from a university; both associate’s and certification programs in heavy equipment repair are options. These often include both classroom study and field practice. Some courses you might take would include hydraulics, fuel systems, electronic system repair and diagnostics, and diesel engine diagnostics. Students could also have the chance to learn more about engine maintenance and transmission repair in addition to a plethora of other required and elective course information.
Getting real-world experience around the equipment you want to work around is important to build knowledge and get a better working understanding of what you will be doing. You can search for internships and available jobs right here if you’re currently searching. The final recommended step is to get ASE Certification. At the same time, not all employers might look for this, and it can help land you jobs in construction among the stiff competition while also showing you have a fundamental understanding of the field.