Excavator Operator Courses

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What does an Excavator Operator do?

An Excavator Operator breaks up and moves dirt and rock using excavation equipment. You might work on small scale residential projects, larger construction jobs or road construction. Excavator Operators use a range of equipment and attachments. Once dirt, rock and rubble has been removed you might have to level the ground ready for use.

Excavator Operators need to be skilled equipment operators and able to use their tools in a range of circumstances. You’ll need to be a good problem solver and be able to work in all sorts of environments. Excavator Operators have a physically demanding role and spend a lot of their time outdoors. You’ll need to be able to follow directions and work as part of a team.

Excavator Operator Courses

There are 3 courses available for people who want to become an Excavator Operator.

FWP20216
Certificate II in Harvesting and Haulage

Online

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FWP30216
Certificate III in Harvesting and Haulage

Online

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RII31619
Certificate III in Trenchless Technology

Workplace

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FAQs

How much does an Excavator Operator earn?

In Australia, a full time Excavator Operator generally earns $1,050 per week ($54,600 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

What are the job opportunities for an Excavator Operator?

There are currently 9,500 people working as an Excavator Operator in Australia and this number has grown slightly in recent years. Five years ago there were 9,100 people in this job role. Excavator Operators may find work across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Job Outlook 2020

How do I become an Excavator Operator?

To become an Excavator Operator, consider the Certificate III in Trenchless Technology. This course will explore topics such as horizontal directional drilling, auger boring and pipe jacking. You’ll also look at subjects like workplace communication and occupational safety.

Courses by Location

Learn more about Excavator Operator courses in your area.

Job Pathways

Here are some potential career pathways within civil construction. Click on the occupation for information on the course you should enrol in to start your journey.

Civil Construction

Concreter

$960 weekly pay

Construction Labourer

$960 weekly pay

Excavator Operator

$1,050 weekly pay

General Labourer

$960 weekly pay

Loader Operator

$1,050 weekly pay

Mobile Crane Operator

$1,400 weekly pay

Pipelayer

$960 weekly pay

Rigger

$960 weekly pay

Road Construction Worker

$960 weekly pay

Steel Fixer

$960 weekly pay

Building Estimator

$1,440 weekly pay

Construction Estimator

$1,440 weekly pay

Construction Supervisor

$1,150 weekly pay

Site Foreman

$1,150 weekly pay

Building Contractor

$1,550 weekly pay

Construction Manager

$1,550 weekly pay

Construction Project Manager

$1,550 weekly pay

Sourced from The Australian Apprenticeships & Traineeships Information Service (aapathways.com.au) funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training and MySkills.gov.au.