Heavy equipment operator schools in California

Looking for heavy equipment operator schools in California? There are 4, including 4 public colleges. Heavy equipment operators in California earn a median $87,160 a year, according to the BLS.

Schools
4
Public colleges
4
Median pay in CA
$87,160

4 heavy equipment operator schools

School results

  1. Butte College

    Oroville, CA · Public

    • Heavy equipment operator
    • HVAC technician
    • Welding
    • +14

  2. Coalinga College

    Coalinga, CA · Public

    • Heavy equipment operator
    • HVAC technician
    • Welding
    • +2

  3. Santiago Canyon College

    Orange, CA · Public

    • Heavy equipment operator
    • Electrician
    • Carpentry
    • +3

  4. Hear from the best fits

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  5. Shasta College

    Redding, CA · Public

    • Heavy equipment operator
    • Welding
    • CNC machining
    • +12

What heavy equipment operators earn in California

Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.

Heavy equipment operator salary in CaliforniaHow to become a heavy equipment operator

Median pay
$87,160
$41.90 an hour
Typical range
$52,760–$132,210
10th to 90th percentile
Jobs in CA
36,020
Job growth, 2025–35
+4.6%
39,200 openings a year (U.S.)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, and Employment Projections.

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Frequently asked questions

How many heavy equipment operator schools are in California?

We list 4 schools in California with heavy equipment operator programs: 4 public colleges. Campuses are in Oroville, Coalinga, Orange, and Redding.

Are there community college heavy equipment operator programs in California?

Yes. 4 public colleges in California offer heavy equipment operator. Public programs often cost less and are usually eligible for federal financial aid. Confirm costs and aid with each school.

How much does heavy equipment operator school cost in California?

Among the 4 schools here that report it to the U.S. Department of Education, the average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) ranges from $2,129 to $10,477. That figure covers the whole school, not just this program, so ask each school for the program's total cost.

How much do heavy equipment operators make in California?

The median pay for heavy equipment operators in California is $87,160 a year, and most earn between $52,760 and $132,210, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How do I choose a heavy equipment operator school in California?

Ask each school about accreditation, total cost after financial aid, hands-on lab hours, certification exam prep, class sizes and job placement. Request info from two or three schools so you can compare their answers side by side.

Other programs in California

All trade schools in California

Heavy equipment operator schools in other states