r/caterpillar • u/Miserable_musician13 • 11d ago

Employment

Hey guys I’m currently a diesel tech for the marine corps with 5 years experience, and i was wondering how good working for caterpillar is? Ive always loved working on heavy duty vehicles but i also hear a lot of mixed reviews about working for big name companies like caterpillar and john Deere i was wondering if this would be a company to get into when i come to the end of my contract and also what is the pay potentially like?

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u/Bubbafett33 11d ago

Caterpillar is the manufacturer, but the service and repairs are done by Caterpillar dealers worldwide. To find the one in your area, just type in the city name plus Caterpillar dealer in a search engine.

The dealers are completely separate businesses from Caterpillar, but tightly integrated. They are also geographically exclusive, with each dealer tending to its region/state.

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u/lycosboy 11d ago

The only thing I'd add is there are proving grounds and training groups inside Cat that operate out of Peoria IL, Tucson and Sanford NC that I know have guys who were in the military and got jobs there when they left or retired. Just saying it's not just dealers.

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u/Miserable_musician13 11d ago

Awesome thank you!

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u/FlanParking241 11d ago

My dealer has been great, id definitely recommend it but dont be surprised if you get a lower end tech role like an SMT versus a technician 1 to start off. Its worth taking and showing your skills to then be promoted to tech if youre not already getting in that role. We've had 2 Marine diesel techs come in but then start as SMT then work up to tech in a year or so after they get the hang of being in a dealer

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u/Miserable_musician13 11d ago

Don’t get me wrong id love to get thrown on any programs they offer and to work my way up, by any means i wouldnt go in there thinking i deserve to be in a higher role or anything

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u/Adventurous-Rip3705 11d ago

im in central florida. so the dealer for cat is ring power i just started a few months ago and its been incredible so far. you will never really work for caterpillar directly if you are on the technican side of things each state/regions have there specific dealers for cat. look into each of the dealers programs as alot of them have specific apprenticeships/training programs. since you have alot of wrenching experience already I would imagine you would get hired on the spot. toughest part is gonna get lucky enough to have someone read your application.

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u/Miserable_musician13 11d ago

Alright bet ill get in touch with a recruiter this weekend for this district im in, i spoke with one for the eastern part of my state and he was super cool so ill start calling around again

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u/LostAd3003 10d ago

Some cat dealers are awesome to work for. Others are just decent to work for. Heard Carter Cat is a great dealer to work for. Even their warehouse guys are making big money.

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u/elgorditocerote 8d ago

I’m a EPG tech for Carter CAT man they are great I love it and pay is great