Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
SOC Code: 47-2073Also known as:
Angle Dozer Operator, Asphalt Roller Operator, Back Hoe Operator, Backhoe Operator, Blade Grader Operator
Median Annual Salary
$58,710
+3.6% growth (2024-2034)
42K
Openings/Year
489K
Current Jobs
What Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators Do
Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.
💰 Salary
$58,710
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.6%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
42K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
489,300
Projected Employment (2034)
507,100
Related Careers
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$52,550 •
-0.4% growth
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$63,380 •
+0.6% growth
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$63,980 •
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$52,310 •
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$46,390 •
+1.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Equipment Maintenance
Monitoring
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Learn and follow safety regulations.
- Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, or falling objects.
- Start engines, move throttles, switches, or levers, or depress pedals to operate machines, such as bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders, or backhoes.
- Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
- Align machines, cutterheads, or depth gauge makers with reference stakes and guidelines or ground or position equipment, following hand signals of other workers.
- Locate underground services, such as pipes or wires, prior to beginning work.
- Signal operators to guide movement of tractor-drawn machines.
- Repair and maintain equipment, making emergency adjustments or assisting with major repairs as necessary.
- Load and move dirt, rocks, equipment, or other materials, using trucks, crawler tractors, power cranes, shovels, graders, or related equipment.
- Drive and maneuver equipment equipped with blades in successive passes over working areas to remove topsoil, vegetation, or rocks or to distribute and level earth or terrain.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a operating engineers and other construction equipment operators:
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
1,131 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become operating engineers and other construction equipment operators.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do operating engineers and other construction equipment operators make?
The median annual salary for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators is $58,710.
What education do operating engineers and other construction equipment operators need?
Most operating engineers and other construction equipment operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation.
Is becoming operating engineers and other construction equipment operators a good career choice?
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators is projected to see +3.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 41,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators?
Top colleges for aspiring operating engineers and other construction equipment 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 operating engineers and other construction equipment operators?
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators may also be known as: Angle Dozer Operator, Asphalt Roller Operator, Back Hoe Operator, Backhoe Operator, Blade Grader Operator, Blade Operator, Bulldozer Engineer, Bulldozer Operator, Bush Hog Operator, Cable Engineer, Car Runner, Catshovel Driver, Clamshell Engineer, Construction Backhoe Operator, Construction Bulldozer Operator, Construction Engineer, Construction Shovel Operator, Crane Engineer, Derrick Engineer, Digging Machine Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.