Operating Engineers & Other Construction Equipment Operators

Also Called: Equipment Operator (EO), Heavy Equipment Operator, Machine Operator, Operating Engineer

High School Diploma/GED

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$38,410

Entry Salary

Average

Job outlook

What Operating Engineers & Other Construction Equipment Operators do

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.

  • Learn and follow safety regulations.
  • Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, or falling objects.
  • Start engines, move throttles, switches, or levers, or depress pedals to operate machines, such as bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders, or backhoes.
Industry Areas:

Automotive & Machine Repair • Transportation

Training Program Areas:

Heavy Equipment Mechanic • Heavy Equipment Operations • Heavy Truck Driving • OCT-Only Automotive & Machine Repair • OCT-Only Transportation • Roustabout

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  • Consequence of Error
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Frequency of Decision Making

Tools

  • Dump trucks
  • Hydraulic truck cranes
  • Power saws
  • Scrubbing machines
  • Water trucks

Technology

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Facilities management software
Maintenance record software

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Operation and Control
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Operation Monitoring
  • Monitoring
  • Active Listening

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
mechanical
Arts and Humanities
English language
Safety and Government
public safety and security

Education

  • % High school diploma or equivalent
  • % Some college, no degree
  • % Less than high school diploma

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Operating Engineers & Other Construction Equipment Operators Currently Selected

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Crane & Tower Operators

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades & Extraction Workers

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Construction Managers

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

  • Earle C. Clements - Job Corps

    Morganfield, Kentucky

  • Loring - Job Corps

    Limeston, Maine

ACT & College

  • Academy of Careers and Technology

    Beckley, WV

  • Alamance Community College

    Graham, NC

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

Military

The Military offers exciting career opportunities that align with your interests. Click here to explore military careers and find a recruiter near you.

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Conventional (Organizer)
    • Investigative (Thinker)
    • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Dependability
  • Initiative
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Independence

Values

  • Support
  • Relationships
  • Working Conditions

Abilities

  • Controlled Movement
  • Hand and Finger Use
  • Vision
  • Attention

This is what Operating Engineers & Other Construction Equipment Operators across the country typically make.

$18.47 / hour
$38,410 /year

Entry Level

$27.00 / hour
$56,160 /year

Median Level

$45.95 / hour
$95,570 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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