Texas has no state license for equipment operators. Many learn through an operating engineers apprenticeship; crane operators also need certification under federal OSHA rules.
Facts from the official pages, checked October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm on the linked page before you apply.
An apprenticeship is a paid job with training, and your pay goes up as you learn.
Check their site for when applications open
Heavy Equipment Operator · 3 years (4,000–6,000 paid work hours)
Operating Engineers Local 450 · IUOE Local 450 Apprenticeship & Training (Dayton, TX)
You'll need: 18+, diploma or GED, able to get a Class A CDL, background check, hair drug test, fit-for-duty exam; aptitude test and interview in Dayton
What heavy equipment operators do all day, the training and the pay nationwide, in about 90 seconds.
Video from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Tap CC on the player for captions. On CareerOneStop ↗
Issued by IUOE
Three to four years on job sites and in class, paid from about half the journey-level rate and rising.
| Where | Middle half (25th–75th) | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | $22.50 – $29.76 | $24.54 |
| Dallas–Fort Worth | $22.95 – $29.04 | $24.70 |
| San Antonio | $22.15 – $28.28 | $23.44 |
| Austin | $23.09 – $29.38 | $24.50 |
| All of Texas | $22.17 – $28.84 | $24.26 |
An hour, for all workers in the occupation, not by license level. BLS: “Someone new to the field may expect wages near the 10th or 25th percentile, whereas those with more experience and education could expect wages near the 75th or 90th percentile.” BLS
Pay: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators). bls.gov/oes
U.S. Department of Labor and the Texas Workforce Commission
An apprenticeship is a paid job with classes. Texas helps pay for the classes, but programs may still charge an application fee, tuition or books.
Texas Workforce Commission
If you qualify, your local Workforce Solutions board can pay a school for an approved training program. Each board sets its own limit, and money depends on its budget.
the mikeroweWORKS Foundation
A scholarship for trade school programs of two years or less. You'll need a tuition bill from your school, a short video and references.
We're not connected with the mikeroweWORKS Foundation. Apply on their site.
Training money in Austin, Houston, DFW and San Antonio →Veteran or still serving? →
Checked Oct 2026 from each program's own site. Amounts and rules can change; their page has the final word.
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After the apprenticeship you work with less guidance.
Jobs that list this level: 1 in Texas
Other options at this stage
Ask about getting into this trade in Texas. Our team answers.
Schools and programs within 25 miles, nearest first. Ask each one about cost, start dates and help paying.
Engineering, Other
The University of Texas at Austin · Austin · 1.3 mi
Certificate, 12 weeks to less than 1 year · In-person
Engineering Science
The University of Texas at Austin · Austin · 1.3 mi
Bachelor's degree, usually 4 years · In-person
Engineering, General
The University of Texas at Austin · Austin · 1.3 mi
Beyond bachelor's degree · In-person
Engineering Mechanics
The University of Texas at Austin · Austin · 1.3 mi
Beyond bachelor's degree · In-person
Architectural Engineering
The University of Texas at Austin · Austin · 1.3 mi
Bachelor's degree, usually 4 years · In-person
Industrial Engineering
The University of Texas at Austin · Austin · 1.3 mi
Beyond bachelor's degree · In-person
From CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Listed by schools and certifying organizations; we don't check them.
Nationally recognized certifications that can help you get hired or move up. Optional unless an employer asks for one.
International Union of Operating Engineers
National Center for Construction Education and Research
National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators
From CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Listed by schools and certifying organizations; we don't check them.