Rick Staples

What is a Heavy Equipment Operator?

Heavy Equipment Operators (HEO) operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. Operators may also repair and maintain equipment, in addition to other duties.

What is a Hoist Operator?

A Hoist Operator, also known as a derrick operator, runs equipment that controls the movement of platforms that carry people and equipment around work sites. After moving a load of workers or goods, they update a log so there is a record of what was moved and to what location.

Becoming a Hoist Operator doesn’t mean you’ll just work with loaders, excavators, trucks, or loaders, you may also operate cranes. If part or major of your job responsibilities are operating cranes, Massachusetts is one of the states that license crane operators. You will have to apply for a hoisting operator license to operate cranes.

How Can I Become a Heavy Equipment Operator or Get My Hoisting License?

Training is critical to gain the certificate or license to operate Heavy Equipment or Hoisting Equipment in Massachusetts. When you’re looking for a job in these fields, the hiring manager will look at what school you graduated from, they are looking for well-trained and experienced operators. They want to know not only how much experience you have, but your formal education as well.

What is the Average Salary of a Heavy Equipment Operator in Massachusetts?

The average income for an individual in Massachusetts is $39,666 (US Census Bureau). Compare that to the average income of a Hoisting Operator in Massachusetts which is $78,108 (Salary.com), and you’ll quickly understand that becoming a Hoisting Operator/Heavy Equipment Operator has multiple benefits.

If you are an individual interested in pursuing your Hoisting Operator License or Heavy Equipment License, here’s important information you will need.

To qualify for training, you must be at least 18 years old or older when you apply for your license, a copy of your driver’s license, learner’s permit, or Mass ID; a current and clear photo 2” x 2”; a copy of your current DOT physical and medical test certificate (find the closest DOT location here). You may also need to submit a copy of the Intrastate Medical Waiver from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, or the ANSI/ASME B30.5-2014 qualifications for operators.

Determine Which License to Train For - you'll find a list of all of our classes here. If you don't know which license to study for, here's a complete list of Hoisting Classes and License Types.
Attend a Massachusetts Hoisting License Test Prep Class - a complete list of classes and locations can be found on our All Classes page.
Submit the Requirements – send the application to the Department of Public Safety, Cashier’s Division, 1 Ashburton Place, Room 1301, Boston, MA 02108.
Book the Test – after you complete and submit the requirements, you’ll be scheduled to take the test. You will receive your schedule (time and place) before your exam date. Be patient, the state may take several months to issue your test date.
Take the Test - they are administered by the Mass Department of Public Safety. The practical part of the test is for your hands-on knowledge in the operation of the hoisting equipment, its safe operating practices, equipment maintenance and inspection, and hands signals. To pass the tests, you need to have knowledge regarding the Massachusetts State Statutes and Regulations, General Laws, c. 146, §§ 53-54A, and §§ 64-67, applicable OSHA regulations, and Massachusetts Regulations 520 CMR 6.00. You will have to study the owner’s and safety manual of the equipment you want to be tested on.

The Final Word

Tens of thousands of individuals and companies have trusted us with their licensing and training needs because our courses were designed by and are taught by experience operators. We have designed and developed our courses for you. We have taken all your learning and training needs and developed a thorough Test Prep platform for the construction industry (if we’ve missed something, let us know!)

To learn more about our services, contact us.

How to Become a Heavy Equipment or Hoisting Operator in Massachusetts