Best institutions to study Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills in the field maintenance and repair of heavy equipment, and in the general maintenance and overhaul of such equipment.
53 U.S. institutions graduated 859 Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 47.0302, a specialization of Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians (CIP 47.03), and leads most directly to the Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines occupation (BLS SOC 49-3042).
About Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills in the field maintenance and repair of heavy equipment, and in the general maintenance and overhaul of such equipment. Includes instruction in inspection, maintenance, and repair of tracks, wheels, brakes, operating controls, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, electrical circuitry, engines and in techniques of welding and brazing.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills in the maintenance and repair of heavy equipment. This program is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in mechanic and repair technologies, focusing on the upkeep of essential machinery used in various industries.
Students will learn critical skills in inspection, maintenance, and repair of heavy equipment components, including tracks, brakes, hydraulic systems, and engines. Coursework emphasizes practical techniques such as welding, brazing, and the use of diagnostic tools.
Credentials awarded
What Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year306 graduates / yr · 22 institutions36%
- Associate's degree230 graduates / yr · 23 institutions27%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years161 graduates / yr · 9 institutions19%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years150 graduates / yr · 16 institutions18%
- Bachelor's degree12 graduates / yr · 1 institution1.4%
Graduates over time
Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 570 |
| 2013 | 536 |
| 2014 | 632 |
| 2015 | 1,073 |
| 2016 | 1,051 |
| 2017 | 1,122 |
| 2018 | 1,056 |
| 2019 | 961 |
| 2020 | 990 |
| 2021 | 882 |
| 2022 | 923 |
| 2023 | 873 |
| 2024 | 813 |
| 2025 | 859 |
Top 50 institutions for Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nashville Auto - Diesel College Nashville, TNPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 144 | 68% | $28,799 | $42,213 |
| 2 | Wake Technical Community College Raleigh, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 79 | 33% | — | — |
| 3 | San Joaquin Delta College Stockton, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 58 | 35% | — | — |
| 4 | Tyler Junior College Tyler, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 50 | 27% | — | — |
| 5 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Green Bay, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 43 | 51% | — | — |
| 6 | Ferris State University Big Rapids, MIPublicAssociate'sBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 36 | 47% | — | $55,532 |
| 7 | Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, PAPublicAssociate's | 32 | 53% | — | $56,365 |
| 8 | South Georgia Technical College Americus, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 29 | 61% | — | $53,379 |
| 9 | Santa Ana College Santa Ana, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 23 | 31% | — | — |
| 10 | Dakota County Technical College Rosemount, MNPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 20 | 58% | — | $67,618 |
| 11 | San Diego Miramar College San Diego, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 19 | 48% | — | — |
| 12 | Western Technical College La Crosse, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 19 | 34% | — | $46,591 |
| 13 | Rio Hondo College Whittier, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 16 | 25% | — | — |
| 14 | West Georgia Technical College Waco, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 16 | 35% | — | — |
| 15 | Immokalee Technical College Immokalee, FLPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 16 | 86% | — | — |
| 16 | Mesa Community College Mesa, AZPublicAssociate's | 14 | 16% | — | — |
| 17 | Gwinnett Technical College Lawrenceville, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 14 | 32% | — | — |
| 18 | Lincoln Technical Institute - South Plainfield South Plainfield, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 14 | 77% | $29,654 | $42,213 |
| 19 | Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 14 | 47% | — | — |
| 20 | Western Nebraska Community College Scottsbluff, NEPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 13 | 37% | — | — |
| 21 | Putnam Career and Technical Center Eleanor, WVPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 84% | — | — |
| 22 | Eastern Maine Community College Bangor, MEPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 10 | 32% | — | — |
| 23 | Minnesota North College Hibbing, MNPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 10 | 42% | — | $47,380 |
| 24 | Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire, WIPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 10 | 50% | — | $49,667 |
| 25 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Memphis Memphis, TNPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 9 | 55% | — | — |
| 26 | Mid - State Technical College Wisconsin Rapids, WIPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 9 | 52% | — | — |
| 27 | Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology Pleasant Gap, PAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 95% | — | $33,506 |
| 28 | Rend Lake College Ina, ILPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 63% | — | $61,677 |
| 29 | Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Perkinston, MSPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 8 | 48% | — | — |
| 30 | Central Piedmont Community College Charlotte, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 31% | — | — |
| 31 | Linn - Benton Community College Albany, ORPublicAssociate's | 8 | 29% | — | — |
| 32 | Madison Area Technical College Madison, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 8 | 29% | — | — |
| 33 | Hillsborough College Tampa, FLPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 7 | 34% | — | — |
| 34 | University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, AKPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 6 | 30% | — | — |
| 35 | College of Southern Idaho Twin Falls, IDPublicAssociate's | 6 | 33% | — | — |
| 36 | Southeast Community College Area Lincoln, NEPublicAssociate's | 6 | 38% | — | — |
| 37 | Dixie Technical College Saint George, UTPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 6 | 77% | — | — |
| 38 | Albany Technical College Albany, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 42% | — | — |
| 39 | Spoon River College Canton, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 42% | — | — |
| 40 | Lansing Community College Lansing, MIPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 5 | 25% | — | — |
| 41 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology Crump Crump, TNPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 5 | 63% | — | — |
| 42 | Blackhawk Technical College Janesville, WIPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 4 | 34% | — | — |
| 43 | Buckeye Joint Vocational School New Philadelphia, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 88% | — | — |
| 44 | Tooele Technical College Tooele, UTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 81% | — | — |
| 45 | Chattahoochee Technical College Marietta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 38% | — | — |
| 46 | Johnson College Scranton, PAPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 3 | 55% | $20,807 | — |
| 47 | Northwood Technical College Rice Lake, WIPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 3 | 56% | — | $55,793 |
| 48 | Washington County Community College Calais, MEPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 2 | 55% | — | — |
| 49 | Coastal Pines Technical College Waycross, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 48% | — | — |
| 50 | College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, NVPublicAssociate's | 1 | 19% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians field (CIP 47.03) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 23 states
Where Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 49-3042, Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, among other roles. The job outlook is promising, with a projected growth rate of 5.8% and approximately 16,500 annual openings. The median wage for this field is around $63,980, typically requiring a high school diploma or equivalent.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 47.0302
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Enginesprimary SOC 49-3042 | $65,510 | +5.8% Faster than average | ~16,500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door SOC 49-9012 | $74,340 | +1.3% Little or no change | ~3,900 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Rail Car Repairers SOC 49-3043 | $67,530 | +2.8% About as fast as average | ~1,500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Repair and replace damaged or worn parts.
- Test mechanical products and equipment after repair or assembly to ensure proper performance and compliance with manufacturers' specifications.
- Operate and inspect machines or heavy equipment to diagnose defects.
- Read and understand operating manuals, blueprints, and technical drawings.
- Dismantle and reassemble heavy equipment using hoists and hand tools.
- Overhaul and test machines or equipment to ensure operating efficiency.
Tools and technology used
Other Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians specializations
The 2 other 6-digit CIP codes under Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians (CIP 47.03).
Common questions
What types of credentials can I earn?+
You can earn various credentials, including an Associate's degree or awards ranging from 12 weeks to 4 academic years.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills such as critical thinking, mechanical knowledge, and proficiency in reading technical documents.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic, Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, or in related fields.
What is the job outlook for heavy equipment technicians?+
The job outlook is faster than average, with a growth rate of 5.8% and about 16,500 annual job openings.
What is the CIP code for Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician?+
Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician is CIP 47.0302 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians (CIP 47.03). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills in the field maintenance and repair of heavy equipment, and in the general maintenance and overhaul of such equipment. Includes instruction in inspection, maintenance, and repair of tracks, wheels, brakes, operating controls, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, electrical circuitry, engines and in techniques of welding and brazing.
How many institutions offer Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician programs?+
53 U.S. institutions reported Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 23 states, awarding 859 credentials in the year. That is 8.5% of all Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines occupation, which Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $65,510 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians field report median earnings of $53,379 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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