Looking for a High-Paying Career in Construction or Mining?
An Excavator Ticket Can Get You There
If you’re looking to break into the construction, mining, or earthmoving industries, earning your Excavator Ticket is one of the fastest ways to land a high-demand job. With salaries ranging from $78,000 to $85,000 per year, certified excavator operators are essential for major infrastructure and development projects across Australia.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What an Excavator Ticket is
- How to get certified
- Job opportunities and salary expectations
- How to enrol in training with Major Training
What Is an Excavator Ticket?
An Excavator Ticket is a nationally recognised qualification that certifies you to operate excavators safely on construction, civil, and mining sites. This qualification proves you meet the safety and compliance standards required in the industry.
Excavators are used for a range of tasks, including:
- Earthmoving – clearing land and moving soil or debris
- Trenching – digging for pipes, cables, and drainage systems
- Demolition – safely breaking down structures
- Mining – extracting and relocating raw materials
How to Get Your Excavator Ticket
Step 1: Enrol in a 3-Day Excavator Training Course
To become a certified operator, you’ll need to complete a 3-day training course.
This includes:
- Classroom theory – machine controls, safety regulations, site protocols
- Hands-on practical – operating an excavator in real worksite conditions
- Final assessment – demonstrating safe and effective operation
Major Training’s expert instructors guide you through every step to ensure you gain confidence and skills that translate directly to the worksite. With this 3 day course, we aim to give you as much time in the seat as possible to make sure you are and feel competent when you leave.
Step 2: Pass the Excavator Ticket Assessment
You’ll complete both a practical and theoretical assessment covering:
- Safe and efficient excavator operation
- Compliance with workplace safety rules
- Trenching, digging, and material loading techniques
Step 3: Receive Your Excavator Ticket & Start Applying for Jobs
Upon passing your assessments, you’ll receive a Statement of Attainment and wallet card. This certifies you as a qualified excavator operator and allows you to apply for roles across Australia.
Job Opportunities for Excavator Operators
With your Excavator Ticket, you can work in a variety of industries including construction, mining, and civil engineering.
Roles include:
- Excavator Operator – handling site prep and material movement
- Utility Installation – trenching for pipelines, cabling, and drainage
- Demolition Specialist – deconstructing structures with precision
- Mining Operator – working on large-scale extraction projects
With strong demand in both metro and regional areas, skilled excavator operators are highly sought after across the country.
How Much Do Excavator Operators Earn?
Average salaries range between $78,000 and $85,000 annually. Entry-level jobs typically pay around $35 to $40 per hour, while highly experienced operators in mining or large-scale construction can command even more.
Get Your Excavator Ticket with Major Training
Major Training offers practical, industry-recognised training designed to get you site-ready fast. We’re one of Queensland’s most trusted RTOs with more than 25 years of experience.
- 3-day hands-on training course
- Nationally recognised qualification
- Trainers with real industry experience
- Job-ready skills for high-paying roles
Enrol today and start your career as an excavator operator.
Call us on 1300 790 822 to book in.
