Earnings for construction equipment operators vary. In 2002, median hourly earnings of operating engineers and other construction equipment operators were $16.94. The middle 50 percent earned between $12.96 and $22.98. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $10.61, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $28.93. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of operating engineers in 2002 were:
| Highway, street, and bridge construction | $19.81 |
| Other specialty trade contractors | 17.56 |
| Utility system construction | 17.48 |
| Other heavy and civil engineering construction | 16.89 |
| Local government | 14.88 |
Median hourly earnings of paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators were $13.87 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $10.73 and $19.12. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.07, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $25.99. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators in 2002 were:
| Highway, street, and bridge construction | $14.46 |
| Other specialty trade contractors | 14.40 |
| Local government | 13.07 |
In 2002, median hourly earnings of piledriver operators were $21.84. The middle 50 percent earned between $14.89 and $29.24. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $11.73, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $33.97.
Pay scales generally are higher in large metropolitan areas. Annual earnings of some workers may be lower than hourly rates would indicate because worktime may be limited by bad weather.
Construction equipment operators use machinery to move construction materials, earth, and other heavy materials and to apply asphalt and concrete to roads and other structures. Operators control equipment by moving levers or foot pedals, operating switches, or turning dials. The operation of much of this equipment is becoming more complex as a result of computerized controls. Construction equipment operators may also set up and inspect equipment, make adjustments, and perform some maintenance and minor repairs.
Construction equipment operators include operating engineers and other construction equipment operators; paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators; and piledriver operators. Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators operate one or several types of power construction equipment. They may operate excavation and loading machines equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets that dig sand, gravel, earth, or similar materials and load it into trucks or onto conveyors. In addition to the familiar bulldozers, they operate trench excavators, road graders, and similar equipment. Sometimes, they may drive and control industrial trucks or tractors equipped with forklifts or booms for lifting materials or with hitches for pulling trailers. They also may operate and maintain air compressors, pumps, and other power equipment at construction sites. Construction equipment operators who are classified as operating engineers are capable of operating several different types of construction equipment.
Paving and surfacing equipment operators use levers and other controls to operate machines that spread and level asphalt or spread and smooth concrete for roadways or other structures. Asphalt paving machine operators turn valves to regulate the temperature and flow of asphalt onto the roadbed. They must take care that the machine distributes the paving material evenly and without voids, and make sure that there is a constant flow of asphalt going into the hopper. Concrete paving machine operatorscontrol levers and turn handwheels to move attachments that spread, vibrate, and level wet concrete within forms. They must observe the surface of concrete to identify low spots into which workers must add concrete. They use other attachments to smooth the surface of the concrete, spray on a curing compound, and cut expansion joints. Tamping equipment operators operate tamping machines that compact earth and other fill materials for roadbeds. They also may operate machines with interchangeable hammers to cut or break up old pavement and drive guardrail posts into the earth.
Piledriver operators operate piledrivers—large machines, mounted on skids, barges, or cranes, that hammer piles into the ground. Piles are long heavy beams of wood or steel driven into the ground to support retaining walls, bulkheads, bridges, piers, or building foundations. Some piledriver operators work on offshore oil rigs. Piledriver operators move hand and foot levers and turn valves to activate, position, and control the pile-driving equipment.
.Job opportunities for construction equipment operators are expected to be good through 2012 — due, in part, to the shortage of adequate training programs. In addition, many potential workers may choose not to enter training programs because they prefer work that is less strenuous and has more comfortable working conditions.
Employment of construction equipment operators is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2012 even with improvements in equipment expected to continue to raise worker productivity and to moderate demand for these workers. Employment is expected to increase as population and business growth create a need for new houses, industrial facilities, schools, hospitals, offices, and other structures. More construction equipment operators also will be needed as a result of expected growth in highway, bridge, and street construction. Bridge construction is expected to grow the fastest, due to the need to repair or replace structures before they become unsafe. Poor highway conditions also will spur demand for highway maintenance and repair. In the last several years, Congress has passed substantial public works bills to provide money for such construction projects, including mass transit systems. In addition to job growth, many job openings will arise because of the need to replace experienced construction equipment operators who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
Like that of other construction workers, employment of construction equipment operators is sensitive to fluctuations in the economy. Workers may experience periods of unemployment when the level of construction activity falls.
.Construction equipment operators usually learn their skills on the job. However, it is generally accepted that formal training provides more comprehensive skills. Some construction equipment operators train in formal 3-year operating engineer apprenticeship programs administered by union-management committees of the International Union of Operating Engineers and the Associated General Contractors of America. Because apprentices learn to operate a wider variety of machines than do other beginners, they usually have better job opportunities. Apprenticeship programs consist of at least 3 years, or 6,000 hours, of on-the-job training and 144 hours a year of related classroom instruction.
Employers of construction equipment operators generally prefer to hire high school graduates, although some employers may train nongraduates to operate some types of equipment. Technologically advanced construction equipment has computerized controls and improved hydraulics and electronics, requiring more skill to operate. Operators of such equipment may need more training and some understanding of electronics. Mechanical aptitude and high school training in automobile mechanics are helpful because workers may perform some maintenance on their machines. Also, high school courses in science and mechanical drawing are useful. Experience operating related mobile equipment, such as farm tractors or heavy equipment, in the Armed Forces or elsewhere is an asset.
Private vocational schools offer instruction in the operation of certain types of construction equipment. Completion of such a program may help a person get a job as a trainee or apprentice. However, persons considering such training should check the school’s reputation among employers in the area.
Beginning construction equipment operators handle light equipment under the guidance of an experienced operator. Later, they may operate heavier equipment such as bulldozers and cranes. Operators need to be in good physical condition and have a good sense of balance, the ability to judge distance, and eye-hand-foot coordination. Some operator positions require the ability to work at heights.
.Other workers who operate heavy mechanical equipment include bus drivers; truck drivers and driver/sales workers; farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers; agricultural workers; and forest, conservation, and logging workers.
For further information about apprenticeships or work opportunities for construction equipment operators, contact a local of the International Union of Operating Engineers, a local apprenticeship committee, or the nearest office of the State apprenticeship agency or employment service.
For general information about the work of construction equipment operators, contact:
There are more than 500 occupations registered by the U.S. Department of Labor's National Apprenticeship system. For more information on the Labor Department's registered apprenticeship system and links to State apprenticeship programs, check their website: http://www.doleta.gov
Hourly pay is relatively high but, because some construction equipment operators cannot work in inclement weather, total annual earnings may be reduced. Operators control equipment by moving levers or foot pedals, operating switches, or turning dials. Construction equipment operators include operating engineers and other construction equipment operators; paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators; and piledriver operators. Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators operate one or several types of power construction equipment. Some operators work in remote locations on large construction projects, such as highways and dams, or in factory or mining operations.
Summary of: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos255.htm
Related Careers Construction Managers Glaziers Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Technicians Industrial Machinery Repairers Ironworkers Did You Know. Construction equipment operators use machinery to move construction materials, dig soil, pave and surface roads, and much more. Construction equipment is becoming more computerized and takes special training to operate. Work for a local construction company in the summers. As population and business growth create a need for new houses, factories, schools, hospitals, offices, and highways, more construction equipment operators will be needed.
Summary of: http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/101604.html
Opportunities in this area are projected to be excellent for incoming workers. As more equipment becomes computerized it requires more complex actions and greater knowledge. Operators may also be responsible for their equipment even when not actually using it, which can involve inspecting, repairing, maintaining, and set up. There are many types of construction equipment operators. Individuals who complete apprenticeships will have better employment prospects as they’ll gain expertise in a number of diverse areas.
Summary of: http://www.careeroverview.com/equipment-operator-careers.html
Some move materials on or off trucks and ships. Operators control equipment by moving levers or foot pedals, operating switches, or turning dials. Over 33 percent of all material moving equipment operators worked in transportation, public utilities, wholesale trade or retail trade industries. Both construction and manufacturing are very sensitive to changes in economic conditions, so the number of job openings for operators in these industries may fluctuate from year to year. The middle 50 percent earned between $19,170 and $29,760 a year.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh20002001/142.htm
Airfields, roads, dams and buildings can't be created without moving tons of earth and building materials. Construction equipment operators use bulldozers, cranes, graders and other heavy equipment to complete these kinds of projects. General Construction Equipment Operators are responsible for operating air compressors and special purpose construction machines engaged in compaction, ditching, pumping and auguring. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field. As an advanced level General Construction Equipment Operator, you may also be involved in operating all general construction equipment and directing operational maintenance on assigned equipment.
Summary of: http://www.goarmy.com/JobDetail.do?id=84
We offer training in heavy equipment operation, using equipment by Caterpillar, John Deere, and Case. Our three and six week programs teach students the fundamentals of equipment operation and grade reading including laser and transit operation. Today's heavy equipment operator is someone who knows more than you might think. In order to complete the job an operator must understand more than just the equipment. Soil analysis, site preparation, checking a grade, and calculating yardage are subjects which also come into play.
Summary of: http://www.heavy-equipment-school.com/
Operators control equipment by moving levers or foot pedals, operating switches, or turning dials. Material moving equipment operators usually are classified by the type of machines they operate. Some operate many kinds of equipment; others only one. Although some cranes are used on construction sites, most are used in manufacturing and other industries. Although many work in the construction industry, grader, dozer, and scraper operators also work for State and local governments, mainly in maintenance and repair work.
Summary of: http://www2.jobtrak.com/help_manuals/outlook/ocos243.html
Select correct color bar mmLoadMenus(); Access the search page. Tons of earth and building materials must be moved to build airfields, roads, dams, and buildings. Construction equipment operators use bulldozers, cranes, graders, and other heavy equipment in military construction. Work Environment Construction equipment operators work outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions. Civilian Counterparts Civilian construction equipment operators work for building contractors, state highway agencies, rock quarries, well drillers, and construction firms.
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