Career Profile Operating Engineers & Other Construction Equipment Operators Education HS diploma or less This is the typical education required for an entry-level position. Earnings $45,500 This is the typical median salary earned for an entry-level position. Construction equipment operators drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, buildings and other structures. General Information 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. Excludes Extraction Workers (47-5000) and Crane and Tower Operators (53-7021). Watch a brief video about this occupation. Watch Video Operating Engineers & Other Construction Equipment Operators Occupational Outlook For the Rural Capital Area 249 Job Opportunities Over the next five years, an average of 249 openings per year are projected for Operating Engineers & Other Construction Equipment Operators. +13.9% Employment Change Employment for Operating Engineers & Other Construction Equipment Operators is forecasted to increase on par with the regional average by 13.9% between 2023 and 2028. $21.87 Earnings Potential An average worker in this occupation is paid $21.87/hour. Entry level workers are paid $17.71, while experienced workers are paid $24.68. The median wage is comparable to average regional wages across occupations. Local Employment Opportunities There are 1,738 Operating Engineers & Other Construction Equipment Operators in the RCA region. By 2028 this number could reach 1,979. Top Employing Industries, Locally The top industries employing Operating Engineers & Other Construction Equipment Operators are Other Specialty Trade Contractors, Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction, and Utility System Construction. Knowledge Areas The top most significant knowledge categories for Operating Engineers & Other Construction Equipment Operators include Mechanical, English Language, and Public Safety and Security. Educational Attainment Patterns The most common level of education for Operating Engineers & Other Construction Equipment Operators is HS diploma or less. 0% of people employed in these roles have some form of college degree. Sources: BLS JobsEQ® ONET
