Dredge Operators
Dredge Operators operate dredge to remove sand, gravel, or other materials in order to excavate and maintain navigable channels in waterways.
Table of Contents
Job description
Dredge Operators operate dredge to remove sand, gravel, or other materials in order to excavate and maintain navigable channels in waterways.
- Move levers to position dredges for excavation, to engage hydraulic pumps, to raise and lower suction booms, and to control rotation of cutterheads.
- Start and stop engines to operate equipment.
- Start power winches that draw in or let out cables to change positions of dredges, or pull in and let out cables manually.
- Pump water to clear machinery pipelines.
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Salary
Dredge Operators with little to no experience tend to make between $30760 and $36630 while the more experienced ones can earn over $55100 per year.
Top 5 paying states | Hourly | Annual |
---|---|---|
CA | $30 | $62,270 |
SC | $26 | $53,800 |
IN | $24 | $49,510 |
MO | $23 | $47,750 |
LA | $22 | $46,670 |
One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Dredge Operator is to move to a higher paying state like CA. Right now, the highest paying states for Dredge Operators are CA, SC, IN, MO and LA.
However, a higher pay at CA doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at CA might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.
Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Dredge Operator is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.
Requirements
We asked other Dredge Operators what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a High School Diploma followed by a Post-Secondary Certificate.
Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation |
Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Dredge Operator.
PROS |
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Suitable for people who likes practical and hands-on work |
Suitable for people who wants to work in a supportive work environment |
This career is perfect for people who love to work outdoors. |
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career. |
CONS |
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Not suitable for people who likes to help and teach others |
Salary is below average |
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week) |
What is the job like
61% of Dredge Operators said they were satisfied with their job and 47% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.
Is this right for me
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..
They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.
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