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Skid Steer Operator

Explore pathways, unlock opportunities, and shape the future by becoming a

Skid Steer Operator

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Average Weekly Salary

$2,500

Employability

Strong job prospects due to demand outpacing workforce growth in the industry.

Future Demand

High

Primary Industries

Construction, Mining

Thinking About a Career as a Skid Steer Operator? Here’s the Lowdown

If you’re the type who loves being outdoors, working with your hands, and jumping on machines that can do just about anything, then a career as a skid steer operator could be right up your alley. Skid steers might look small compared to some of the giants on a worksite, but don’t be fooled – these compact loaders are rugged, versatile, and in demand. From construction and landscaping to civil jobs, skilled operators are needed everywhere. Here’s everything you should know before you jump into the driver’s seat.

Why Skid Steer Operators Are in Demand

Skid steers are the workhorses of construction and civil sites. They’re used for:

  • Shifting materials
  • Clearing land
  • Excavating and grading
  • Loading and carrying

Because they’re so versatile, you’ll find them on all sorts of projects – big city builds, residential sites, roadworks, and even landscaping jobs. The bottom line? If you can run a skid steer, there’ll be plenty of work for you.

What’s the Pay Like?

Here’s a ballpark look at what skid steer operators in Australia can make:

  • Starting: $65,000–$75,000 a year
  • Experienced operators: $80,000–$95,000
  • Senior operators: $100k+ (especially in civil, mining, or large-scale infrastructure)

Hourly rates vary depending on the job and location, but you’ll often see site allowances, overtime and bonuses on top. Add in extra machinery tickets, and your earning potential only goes up.

Where Can the Job Take You?

Operating a skid steer is a great starting point in construction. Once you’ve got some hours under your belt, you might move into roles like:

  • Excavator or backhoe operator
  • Site supervisor
  • Plant manager
  • Civil construction foreperson

The more machines and skills you stack, the more opportunities you’ll have..

How Do You Become a Skid Steer Operator?

1. Get Qualified with a Nationally Recognised Course

The RIIMPO318F Conduct civil construction skid steer loader operations course is the ticket you need. At Multiskills, we’ll take you through:

  • Planning and prepping the job
  • Doing all the proper pre-start checks
  • Safe operation of the skid steer
  • Lifting, carrying, and placing loads properly
  • Cleaning and maintaining the machine

Once you’re done, you’ll walk away with a Statement of Attainment that’s recognised across Australia – making you site-ready straight away..

2. Learn on the Job

Some people start by watching and learning on-site. But here’s the catch – more and more employers want to see proper proof of training.Having that ticket shows you’re serious, safe, and skilled, and it can make all the difference when it comes to landing work.

Is Skid Steer Operating Right for You?

This job could be a good fit if you:

  • ✅ Enjoy operating machinery
  • ✅ Have solid hand-eye coordination
  • ✅ Put safety first
  • ✅ Can work solo and in a team
  • ✅ Want a career that’s active and practical

Ready to Get Started?

At Multiskills, we keep training clear, practical, and hands-on. No jargon, no fuss. If you’re keen to start a career as a skid steer operator, our course will give you the skills, confidence, and qualification you need to hit the ground running.

Check out our next Skid Steer Operator course intake and let’s get you on the right track.

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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a crane operator?
To become a crane operator, you will need to complete a crane operator training course from a registered training organisation. You must also be over 18 years of age and if successful, you will obtain a WorkSafe licence to perform high risk work. Our C6 Crane Licence Training course is an excellent place to start.
In Australia, the average crane operator salary is $2,500 per week, which is higher than many other physical or trade roles. With full-time work often averaging 50 hours per week, the earning potential is substantial.
Anyone looking to get their crane licence will need to undertake a crane operator training course. The cost of this is $2500 per person. We offer an affordable fee structure to all participants.

Real Stories from MultiSkills graduates

Today I’m very excited to finish my Civil Construction Plant Operations course. It was a wonderful experience. The trainers, students and staff are welcoming and cooperating. I learnt a lot from this training.

– Sayidka

I’ve been coming to Multiskills for the past few months and although construction is an area I’m very new to, every time I walk away feeling confident in the skills that I’ve learnt on site. Each trainer has a different yet effective style of teaching but regardless, you’re always in good hands. I just finished my Basic Rigging with Denis who was very patient, supportive and encouraging (like all the other trainers I’ve had so far – Sally, Dave and Jamie). Thank you all for making it a great experience so far!

– Maxine 

Did my basic rigging here recently and Denis was a great instructor, really clear instruction and teaching method. Felt in safe hands the whole time.

– Celso 

 
 
 
 
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Completed the two day forklift course and I must say I’ve come a long way. I didn’t feel comfortable nor had the belief in myself that I’d successfully pass the course! Macca was a big help in that getting me over the line, taking his time in assessing me and answering any questions I had.

I’m grateful I was able to have him as my trainer and assessor I can definitely say my confidence to operator a forklift has improved compared to how I was when I first started!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Had Kit as my teacher, super informative and adjusts his teaching to the classes experience level which makes the courses less dry for people with prior experience.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Ryan Wells 
 
 
 
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I’ve had Adam for my dogging, basic rigging and intermediate rigging. He has a lot of knowledge in the industry and highly recommend getting your high risk work licenses through Multiskills.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Pat Bolton 
 
 
 
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Intermediate Rigging course was well structured and organised, Our trainer Adam was very knowledgeable. It was great having someone with real world experience teaching the course.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Matthew delivered the course information exceptionally. Thank you SO much
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Mat was very helpful, easy to understand and made the course meaningful
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Very good training organisation..
Special thanks to the trainer Matt McKenzie , he has got wealth of knowledge and experience in civil construction. Thanks to all the the other trainers
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Never seen a missing assessment to the rest of the class that can’t be fixed
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Thank you to Multiskills for providing excellent forklift training.
Kit Moores is a fantastic trainer, very outgoing and professional, explaining everything clearly and answering any questions thoroughly.
Overall great experience.
Getting Started
Accredited by both ASQA and VicRoads, we are incredibly proud of the world-class, nationally recognised training we deliver. We hire and support the industry’s best trainers so you can take that next step in your career.
Assessments
Pick up and apply skills you need to put yourself into the best position to get a job in your chosen field.
Exams
Reinforce the knowledge and understanding you gain and apply it to certifications and exams to prove your proficiency.
Practicals
With practical hands-on training, you’ll gain the best experience possible in gaining your competency.
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