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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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 Tommy Balmer 
 
 
 
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Josh was a great instructor. Was extremely knowledgeable and has a lot of patience.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Ryan Carnovale 
 
 
 
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Been completing a cert 3 in rigging and various other courses multi skills has to offer. All the staff are great and they give you all the information required to get your HRWL's and competencies.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Aman kharanger 
 
 
 
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Completed my Certificate III in Civil Construction and finished all my machine tickets here — could not have asked for a better experience. Josh was my trainer and honestly one of the best out there: knows the material inside out, explains things clearly, and keeps the sessions genuinely fun without losing focus on getting you job-ready. If you get trained by Josh, you're in good hands. Highly recommend Multiskills to anyone looking
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Goitome Hailu 
 
 
 
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Josh was an Excellent civil construction trainer! Very knowledgeable, professional, patient, and easy to learn from. He explains everything clearly and makes sure everyone understands both the practical work and the safety requirements before moving on. What I appreciated most was the hands-on approach and the real industry knowledge he brought to the training. He took the time to answer questions, correct mistakes properly, and build everyone’s confidence without making anyone feel uncomfortable for asking. You can tell he genuinely cares about his students becoming competent and safe workers, not just getting them through the course. I walked away with a much better understanding of civil construction and a lot more confidence in my skills. Highly recommend him to anyone looking to get into civil construction or improve their existing skills. One of the best trainers I’ve had.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Alex Jansen 
 
 
 
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I just finished my third ticket with Graham and am very happy—he's a great trainer and has a wide array of knowledge/experience in the construction and mining industries. He took the time to get to know us and communicated clearly what's expected in order to be competent and pass the assessments, while being helpful and understanding throughout the process.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Pete 
 
 
 
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Hey all curious and keen up and comers, This is Brendo-step right up and face your fears, trust me !!! MULTISKILLS WERRIBEE = GREAT VIBES AND PROFESSIONALISM - as soon as i entered the gates of Multiskills heaven any anxietys or self doubts were quickly distinguished by the friendly pleasant admin staff and perfectionist instructors- especially SEAN "THE GUN" LOMAS - the master perfectionist!!! I was lucky enough to have Sean as my first instructor at Multiskills in the Cert 3 Plant Operations - his eye for detail was refreshing and ON POINT critique was emphatic - he really did pack a punch ripping through all of my class like lightning! I say this because from sucking up my pride and mistakes during the course and listening to and watching Sean closely and implementing his superior knowledge and demonstrations into my practicals i constantly improved and my confidence soared - i would definately be confident entering the civil construction work field  with the valuable plant machine tickets i have aquired and the skills i have achieved thanks to Multiskills!!  A special mention must go to JOSH....Seans wingman , what a team!!! Josh was another instructor teaching another equivalent class who cared enough to take his time to chip in and help us achieve excellence to the best of our ability - we were getting tag teamed by years of experience - my definition of BLISS!! I will most definately be spending more time at Multiskills over the next 2 years riding the clouds of Multiskills heaven learning all that is offered by Sean, Josh and the extended team, thanks everyone, BANG ON!!!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Dylan Grace 
 
 
 
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Massive thanks to Macca who ran our 2 day forklift license course. Very thorough and very personable aswell. A couple of different stages of experience amongst our group and he did well accomadating everyone. It was good having an instructor who was there to pass on and share his vast knowledge without trying to blow his own trumpet. Will be back 100% for any other licenses i need in the future.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Paul Donovan 
 
 
 
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Course No. 3 with MultiSkills now. Can highly recommend for Forklift Training, EWP & Dogging. All instructors really pushed us to study, study study. This is what got me through. Thanks to Justin, Graeme & Macca.
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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