Operate dredge to remove sand, gravel, or other materials in order to excavate and maintain navigable channels in waterways.
Dredge Operators
SOC: 53-7031 O*NET: 53-7031.00
Median Salary
$48,430
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.2%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Operate dredge to remove sand, gravel, or other materials in order to excavate and maintain navigable channels in waterways.
What does a Dredge Operators do?
How much can you earn?
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$29,058
25th
$38,744
50th (Median)
$48,430
75th
$58,116
90th
$72,645
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:1,100
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.2%
Annual Openings:100
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)1,100
Current
2034 (Projected)1,200
+1.2%
0
Employment Change
+1.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operation and Control
100%
#2
Operations Monitoring
86%
#3
Coordination
70%
#4
Critical Thinking
56%
#5
Judgment and Decision Making
40%
Skills Overview
Operation and Control
advanced5.0
100%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Coordination
intermediate3.5
70%
Critical Thinking
basic2.8
56%
Judgment and Decision Making
basic2.0
40%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operation and Control
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Coordination
intermediateImportance70%
skills
3.5/5.0
Critical Thinking
basicImportance56%
abilities
2.8/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Fallers67%
4 shared skills
Bridge and Lock Tenders63%
5 shared skills
Pourers and Casters, Metal57%
4 shared skills
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas57%
4 shared skills
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels50%
5 shared skills
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers50%
4 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Critical Thinking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Operation and Control
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Operation and Control
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Dredge Operators
Technology Intensity
Medium
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
VERY HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet very high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What education is required?
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience Required
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Job Training
Training of a few months to a year