Job prospects Construction Equipment Operator in Manitoba

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "construction equipment operator" in Manitoba or across Canada.

Job opportunities in Manitoba

These outlooks were updated on December 11, 2024.

Prospects over the next 3 years

The employment outlook will be good for Heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in Manitoba for the 2024-2026 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
• A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

• According to the Manitoba Labour Market Outlook (2022-2026), labour shortages are expected in the construction trades for the forecast period.  
• BuildForce Canada estimates Manitoba's construction sector will need to recruit 13,100 workers between 2024-2033, primarily driven by the expected retirement of 9,100 workers. After accounting for new entrants, there will still be an estimated labour gap of 2,900 workers. 
• Province of Manitoba and private sector investment for the upgrade and construction of schools, health care facilities, highways, and manufacturing facilities will support employment opportunities in non-residential construction for the forecast period.  
• Growing levels of investment and expenditures on mineral exploration, and mining development support employment opportunities in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about Heavy equipment operators in Manitoba:

• Approximately 3,200 people work in this occupation.
• Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Construction (NAICS 23): 69%
  • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%
  • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 6%
• 53% of heavy equipment operators work all year, while 47% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
• 5% of heavy equipment operators are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
• The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
  • Men: 94% compared to 53% for all occupations
  • Women: 6% compared to 47% for all occupations
• The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
  • no high school diploma: 35% compared to 12% for all occupations
  • high school diploma or equivalent: 46% compared to 31% for all occupations
  • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 13% compared to 12% for all occupations
  • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations
  • bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 20% for all occupations
  • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

Breakdown by region

Explore job prospects in Manitoba by economic region.

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology

Job prospects elsewhere in Canada

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "construction equipment operator" Heavy equipment operators (except crane) (NOC 73400) or across Canada.

Learn more