If you're looking for a career that allows you to capitalize on your skills and be proud of your work, consider becoming a Cat® dealer technician. Our dealer technicians maintain the Cat equipment that builds and powers much of the world's infrastructure. That means Cat dealer technicians are helping build civilization and building a career that can take them anywhere.
Working for a Cat dealer means working with the best in the business. Being a dealer technician is a high-tech, hands-on career that's in high demand. And whether you're interested in heavy equipment, on-highway trucks, marine engines or more, chances are there's a Cat dealership looking for you.
Cat dealerships all over the world are looking for quality people who want to be challenged in their work and are committed to excellence. Working for a Cat dealer gives you a ton of advantages:
High-tech machines: You'll have the opportunity to work on the most advanced and powerful machines and equipment on earth.
Competitive pay: You'll enjoy the rewards that come with being a highly skilled professional in a demanding field.
Career advancement: Ongoing technical and managerial training means dealer technicians follow exciting and fulfilling career paths.
Team environment: Each Cat dealer is a collaborative business that functions best as a team.
Pride in what you do: You're helping maintain equipment that has an impact on your community.
Whether you choose to follow a career path as a shop technician, field technician or supervisor, advancement opportunities will be within your reach
Check out this example of an advancement path many technicians take to get where they want to be.
The trades need you to survive
Mike Rowe and Caterpillar team up to boost skilled labor
With a skills gap growing and the construction industry going strong, skilled workers with good training are as vital as ever. The world as we know it depends on hard workers like you getting the right training and support. That's why Caterpillar and Mike Rowe have teamed up to promote good jobs in the skilled trades.
Below, Mike Rowe explains more about why he teamed up with Caterpillar, and why if you're a technician - or just mechanically inclined - it's time to consider a career as a Cat dealer technician.
Frequently Asked Questions
» Am I a good candidate for a career as a Cat dealer technician?
Being a Cat dealer technician is great if you like to work with your head and your hands. As a Cat dealer technician, you should also be ready to handle different challenges every day – in the shop or in the field.
Being a Cat dealer technician takes an educated, skilled professional...but it's no desk job. You'll get physical with large–scale, high-tech engines and machines. You'll work on all kinds of job sites or in a big service shop (sometimes both in one day).
You'll be part of the team that helps get important work done – like road construction, building projects, and other jobs that shape the world we live in. You'll be the expert who diagnoses problems, finds solutions, and performs the service or repairs. If that sounds like your kind of challenge, this career is for you.
» What kind of training do I need?
Cat dealers need applicants with basic training in subjects like diesel engines, power trains, hydraulics, electronic systems and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). Military training and skills also serve as a great background to become a Cat technician.
» Where can I get training?
Quality training programs are available at many high school and college/post-secondary public schools as well as private schools and military services. Click here to learn more »
» Are training programs available through Cat dealers?
Yes, although program availability varies in some areas. Caterpillar, Cat dealers, and community and technical colleges are working together to provide the education and training you need to begin a Cat dealer technician career.
Cat dealers support many one-year and two-year programs. One-year programs get you ready to start your career by exposing you to the fundamentals of diesel engines, power trains, hydraulics and electrical systems. Two-year programs offer more in-depth training in these areas.
One unique two-year program Cat dealers support is the Cat Dealer Technician Program – also known as ThinkBIG. Many dealers in North America work with specific colleges to host this program. ThinkBIG teaches you how to service Cat equipment using cutting-edge diagnostic and maintenance systems, advanced technologies and high-tech tools. Graduates of this program receive an associate degree in applied science. Click here for more information on this program - and a four-year program called ThinkBIGGER.
» Are internships available?
Many programs offer on-the-job training through internships at local Cat dealers. You'll have the opportunity to work directly with Cat machines and engines, assist trained technicians, and learn how it feels to be a valuable member of the Cat dealer family. Click here to enquire about internship opportunities »
» What kinds of work could I be doing?
As a Cat dealer technician, you'll be on a career path to become a specialized expert, skilled in electronically controlled engines, satellite-based navigation systems, sophisticated computer-based diagnostics, state-of-the-art hydraulics, transmissions, and more.
You'll have the chance to work with more than 300 different Cat machines and engines in industries including:
Earthmoving
Forestry
Power Generation
Construction
Road Building
Mining
Trucking & Transport
And More
» Where are the jobs located?
Cat dealerships service territories throughout North America. Get the training and you can go to work just about wherever you want to live. Click here to find dealer locations »
» What kind of salary can I expect?
The heavy-equipment industry pays well, and Cat dealers lead the way in offering great salaries.
» Do Cat dealers provide benefit packages?
Yes, Cat dealers have been in business for many years. They are well established and are able to offer benefit packages that are among the best in the business.
» Are there opportunities for advancement?
Absolutely. With good performance and ongoing learning, you can take your career as far as you want. Cat dealers are big companies with lots of room to grow. You'll have opportunities to move into more advanced technician jobs as well as supervisory and dealership management positions.
» What about job security?
There's currently a worldwide shortage of trained heavy-equipment technicians. Good jobs are available now in numerous locations.
You'll have a great future as a Cat dealer technician because your skills will always be in demand. Cat on-the-job training, Caterpillar's technology advantage, and the Cat dealer reputation for service excellence will give your career value that lasts a lifetime.
» How can I find more information?
Your local Cat dealer is ready to discuss your opportunity to become a Cat dealer technician. Begin the conversation. Click here to submit an inquiry form »
Don't just take our word for it.
Technician testimonials
Want to know more about why people like you choose Cat? Look below for what current Cat dealer technicians have to say.
DUSTY ALDERIN - FIELD SERVICE TECH
Meet Dusty Alderin. A field technician for Butler Machinery based in Bismark, North Dakota. Dusty shares with us why he likes being a Caterpillar Dealer Technician. From Butler's industry reputation to team work, Dusty is making a career at Butler Machinery.
Meet Jesse Larson. An agriculture equipment technician for Butler Machinery based in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Jesse shares with us why he likes being a Caterpillar Dealer Technician. From Butler's commitment to personal development to career advancement, Jesse is making a career at Butler Machinery.
Looking for a new Career? Hear what it's like to work at Western States Cat. You will hear from their equipment technicians, parts consultants, sales professionals, rental experts, and administration team.
TOM HARRIS - PRESIDENT OF WESTERN STATES EQUIPMENT
Tom Harris, President of Western States Equipment, stresses that he can't take a chance on a technician who can't do the job. Advanced technical training is essential to keep Idaho industry moving forward.
So you're looking for a new career, but not sure you have the right skills?
ThinkBIG about your career
If you have the talent and desire, but just need the know-how, Cat dealers can help you get started. Dealers offer a variety of ways to get new technicians trained for this rewarding career.
One program Cat dealers support is known as ThinkBIG. In this unique two-year program, dealers partner with colleges to teach you how to service Cat equipment using cutting-edge diagnostics, advanced technologies, and high-tech tools. What's more, in addition to valuable skills, graduates of ThinkBIG receive an associate degree in applied science.
In addition to ThinkBIG, Caterpillar and Cat dealers work together with community and technical colleges to support education and training programs. These programs range from one to two years and offer various levels of training for your career.
See below for a full listing of the schools that Caterpillar dealers partner with to prepare the next generation of technicians. And if you don't see a partner school in your area, contact your local Cat dealer for recommendations on how to start your career. Contact your Cat dealer.
Your information has been received and is being forwarded to our Cat® dealer network. You will be contacted if there is an opening available for which you qualify.
Please note: Submitting your information does not guarantee an interview or employment with Caterpillar or participating Cat dealers. Additional information and interviews will be required.
.png){kind=icon}
Social Media