How Do I Choose Between Heavy Equipment vs Crane vs CDL Training?
Selecting the right operator training path depends on your career goals, interests, and the job market in your area. Each certification opens different doors in the construction and transportation industries. Heavy Equipment Training This broad category covers excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and backhoes. Heavy equipment operators work on construction sites, mining operations, and infrastructure projects. Training typically takes 3-12 weeks and prepares you for versatile job opportunities. Starting salaries range from $35,000-$50,000 annually, with experienced operators earning significantly more. Crane Operator Training Crane operation is a specialized field requiring NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators) certification. Training is more intensive and expensive than general heavy equipment programs, but crane operators typically earn higher wages ($45,000-$80,000+). The work involves precision lifting, load calculations, and strict safety protocols. CDL ...