Note: This article has been updated for 2024.

How much does heavy equipment operator training cost?

The cost of heavy equipment operator training will vary on many different factors. A typical training program will cost your organization anywhere between $4,000-$20,000 depending on location, equipment, etc.

Total Equipment Training’s expert services are provided at competitive rates, with results that definitely beat the competition. The average daily training cost for a team of 8-10 is about $2,100. Specific trainer charges vary on the program/s type, as well as the location of the training. Our skilled training personnel spans from coast to coast, so our professionals will always be within reach. Ask yourself, ‘Can you afford not to train your employees?’ ‘Can you risk working without proper training?’

Heavy equipment training should provide training of the equipment & in-depth safety tips and protocols. Contact Total Equipment Training to discuss your needs and come up with a plan that fits your budget.

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The REAL Cost of Heavy Equipment Training

Having under-trained or untrained heavy equipment operators is dangerous. It is a gamble with your company’s reputation and finances!

  • Unqualified operators pose a safety hazard, risking accidents that can injure themselves, other workers or innocent bystanders.
  • Not to mention that accidents brought on by ignorance or carelessness can cause unfathomable damage to property, equipment and materials.
  • Plus, OSHA non-compliance adds another layer of financial and reputational risk.

All of these things mean the REAL cost of NOT being properly trained in heavy equipment can add up to millions in lawsuits and fines. The impacts of mistakes can carry forward for years in frustrating, expensive legal issues for both employee and employer, and may even carry imprisonment.

Invest in peace of mind with OSHA & ASME compliant training from Total Equipment Training.

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The Benefits of In-Person Company Training for Heavy Equipment

For an organization investing that much time and cost into training, it’s important to get as much from the training as possible. Researching and finding the best training options for your crew is an important step in the training process.

An area to consider is deciding if hiring an instructor is a more feasible option than an actual heavy equipment operator training program. Total Equipment Training, for example, will provide on-site heavy equipment training that is customized for your organization and will ensure your crew has the knowledge to comply with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations.

Additional costs for heavy equipment operator certification may add up pretty quick. In addition to the actual price tag of the training, additional costs to take into consideration when planning a heavy equipment training program are:

  • Third-party testing fees (NCCCO)
  • Travel and Accommodations
  • Supplies and Tools
  • Books or Training Material
  • And don’t forget to factor in lost wages for your crew. This should not be an overlooked as part of your overall cost.

Total Equipment Training’s customized onsite training vs. a basic generic training program will provide your organization with a better overall training experience. Cut down some of your overall costs, like travel and accommodations, by scheduling your onsite training with TET. Our expert instructors will come to YOUR worksite, using YOUR equipment to help get your staff certified.

Heavy Equipment Operator Training Online

While not common due to the hands-on nature of the equipment and the job, there are some online heavy equipment operator training resources available.

It is important to use a reputable source for your online heavy equipment operator training. If online training is your only option, thoroughly review the courses and programs to ensure they meet the criteria such as being accredited with NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators).

Most training models offer a hybrid model with a portion of the training handled with classroom instruction and a portion of actual hands-on training. Contact TET to discuss virtual heavy equipment training options.

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What Is Included in Heavy Equipment Operator Training?

There is no one heavy equipment curriculum that must be followed. Each heavy equipment operator training is going to have some unique customizations. In general, the things included in heavy equipment training for operators are safety reviews, an overview of the equipment, and basic operational procedures.

How Long is Heavy Equipment Operator Training?

Depending on the level of training you need, the heavy equipment operator training can take anywhere from three to eight weeks. The type of training that is needed will factor into the length of time for the training. For a personalized estimate on your needs, contact TET.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRAINING COMPANY COMPARISON

Most Major Competitors Total Equipment Training Logo
Advanced Rigger
AWP
Basic Rigger
Bobcat
Boom Bucket Truck
Bulldozer
Forklift
Front End Loader/Backhoe
Material Handler
Mobile Crane Inspector
Mobile Crane Operator
Overhead Crane Operator
Signal Person
Crane Inspection
NCCCO Mobile Crane
NCCCO Signal Person
NCCCO Rigger 1

Total Equipment Training for your Heavy Equipment Operator Training

Weigh the pros and cons of taking your crew to a training program vs. bringing an instructor onboard. Total Equipment Training provides instructors directly to your site. There are many added benefits to this, including time and money saved on travel and cost, as well as the benefit of having a trained instructor at your site to train your crew on your own equipment.

The instructors at Total Equipment Training are the best in the business, with a minimum of ten years of experience operating heavy construction equipment. The training is customized to your needs. With the skills, expertise, and overall experience, Total Equipment Training is the right fit for your heavy equipment training needs. Contact Total Equipment Training today.

Contact Total Equipment Training Today



Barb Fullman- CEO of Total Equipment Training
About the Author

As the owner of Total Equipment Training, Barb Fullman has been an active contributor to the heavy equipment training industry for over 23 years. Barb, a Penn State University graduate, is recognized as the highest ranking women-owned heavy equipment training business in the US. As a leading authority and provider of heavy equipment training, training manuals and tests based on OSHA Standards and Regulations, Total Equipment Trainings’ client list is composed of most of the Fortune 1000 companies focusing on energy, construction, heavy highway, and manufacturing.

Barb’s motto is “Stay safe, stay up to date”. She is committed to up-to-date & technically correct training, whether it is via in-person or through our library of online heavy equipment resources. With over 50 OSHA qualifying training topics to choose from with TET, the most popular heavy equipment training subjects are mobile cranes, NCCCO, all “dirt equipment”, rigging, crane inspections, and train-the-trainer.