Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

SOC: 47-2073 O*NET: 47-2073.00
Median Salary
$58,710
per year
Job Growth
➑️ 3.6%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
41.9
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2

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.

Overview

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.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Distribution by Percentile

Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.

10th
$35,226
25th
$46,968
50th (Median)
$58,710
75th
$70,452
90th
$88,065

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

  • βœ“Health Insurance
  • βœ“Dental Insurance
  • βœ“Vision Insurance
  • βœ“Mental Health Support
  • βœ“Wellness Programs

Financial Benefits

  • βœ“401(k) Retirement Plan
  • βœ“Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
  • βœ“Profit Sharing
  • βœ“Stock Options
  • βœ“Performance Bonuses

Work-Life Balance

  • βœ“Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
  • βœ“Paid Sick Leave
  • βœ“Flexible Work Arrangements
  • βœ“Remote Work Options
  • βœ“Parental Leave

Professional Development

  • βœ“Tuition Reimbursement
  • βœ“Professional Certifications
  • βœ“Conference Attendance
  • βœ“Training Programs
  • βœ“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.

Job Market Intelligence

Job Market Intelligence

Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk

Current Employment

National Employment:489,300

10-Year Outlook

Growth Rate:+3.6%
Annual Openings:41,900

Employment Projections

2024 (Current)489,300
Current
2034 (Projected)507,100
+3.6%
+17,800
Employment Change
+3.6%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection

Growth Category: As fast as average

Key Growth Factors

  • β€’Average growth expected

Top Skills

βœ“
Operation and Control
Operation and Control
βœ“
Operations Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
βœ“
Equipment Maintenance
Equipment Maintenance
βœ“
Monitoring
Monitoring
βœ“
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
βœ“
Time Management
Time Management
βœ“
Active Listening
Active Listening

Key Knowledge Areas

βœ“
Mechanical
βœ“
English Language
βœ“
Public Safety and Security

Education & Training

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