Job prospects Excavating Machine Operator in Manitoba

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

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