Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
SOC Code: 47-2071Also known as:
Asphalt Distributor Operator, Asphalt Distributor Tender, Asphalt Equipment Crew Member, Asphalt Equipment Operator, Asphalt Paver
Median Annual Salary
$51,650
+3.2% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
47K
Current Jobs
What Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators Do
Operate equipment used for applying concrete, asphalt, or other materials to road beds, parking lots, or airport runways and taxiways or for tamping gravel, dirt, or other materials. Includes concrete and asphalt paving machine operators, form tampers, tamping machine operators, and stone spreader operators.
💰 Salary
$51,650
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.2%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
4K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
47,000
Projected Employment (2034)
48,600
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Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Coordination
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Start machine, engage clutch, and push and move levers to guide machine along forms or guidelines and to control the operation of machine attachments.
- Fill tanks, hoppers, or machines with paving materials.
- Control paving machines to push dump trucks and to maintain a constant flow of asphalt or other material into hoppers or screeds.
- Observe distribution of paving material to adjust machine settings or material flow, and indicate low spots for workers to add material.
- Coordinate truck dumping.
- Drive machines onto truck trailers, and drive trucks to transport machines and material to and from job sites.
- Inspect, clean, maintain, and repair equipment, using mechanics' hand tools, or report malfunctions to supervisors.
- Set up and tear down equipment.
- Operate machines to spread, smooth, level, or steel-reinforce stone, concrete, or asphalt on road beds.
- Light burners or start heating units of machines, and regulate screed temperatures and asphalt flow rates.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators:
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
1,131 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators make?
The median annual salary for paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators is $51,650.
What education do paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators need?
Most paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation.
Is becoming paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators a good career choice?
Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators is projected to see +3.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 4,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators?
Top colleges for aspiring paving, surfacing, and tamping 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 paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators?
Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators may also be known as: Asphalt Distributor Operator, Asphalt Distributor Tender, Asphalt Equipment Crew Member, Asphalt Equipment Operator, Asphalt Paver, Asphalt Paver Operator, Asphalt Paving Machine Operator, Asphalt Paving Operator, Asphalt Plant Operator, Asphalt Raker, Asphalt Roller Operator, Asphalt Screed Operator, Asphalt Screedman, Asphalt Spreader Operator, Asphalt Surface Heater Operator, Asphalt Tamping Machine Operator, Bituminous Paving Machine Operator, Black Top Machine Operator, Black Top Paver Operator, Black Top Roller.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.