Dredge operators
SOC Code: 53-7031Also known as:
Dredge Boat Engineer, Dredge Deckhand, Dredge Engineer, Dredge Hand, Dredge Lever Operator
Median Annual Salary
$48,430
+1.2% growth (2024-2034)
100
Openings/Year
1K
Current Jobs
What Dredge operators Do
Operate dredge to remove sand, gravel, or other materials in order to excavate and maintain navigable channels in waterways.
💰 Salary
$48,430
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.2%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
100
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
1,100
Projected Employment (2034)
1,200
Related Careers
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
$58,710 •
+3.6% growth
Rotary drill operators, oil and gas
$65,010 •
+0.2% growth
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining
$52,550 •
-0.4% growth
Helpers--extraction workers
$48,400 •
-1.7% growth
Hoist and winch operators
$52,310 •
-1.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Coordination
Judgment and Decision Making
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Move levers to position dredges for excavation, to engage hydraulic pumps, to raise and lower suction booms, and to control rotation of cutterheads.
- Start and stop engines to operate equipment.
- Start power winches that draw in or let out cables to change positions of dredges, or pull in and let out cables manually.
- Pump water to clear machinery pipelines.
- Lower anchor poles to verify depths of excavations, using winches, or scan depth gauges to determine depths of excavations.
- Direct or assist workers placing shore anchors and cables, laying additional pipes from dredges to shore, and pumping water from pontoons.
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Dredge operators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a dredge operators:
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
1,131 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Dredge operators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become dredge operators.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dredge operators make?
The median annual salary for dredge operators is $48,430.
What education do dredge operators need?
Most dredge operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation.
Is becoming dredge operators a good career choice?
Dredge operators is projected to see +1.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for dredge operators?
Top colleges for aspiring dredge operators include
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, State Technical College of Missouri, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Pontotoc Technology Center, Buckeye Joint Vocational School.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to dredge operators?
Dredge operators may also be known as: Dredge Boat Engineer, Dredge Deckhand, Dredge Engineer, Dredge Hand, Dredge Lever Operator, Dredge Mate, Dredge Operator, Dredge Worker, Dredgemaster, Dredger, Hydraulic Leverman.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.