Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Stan T.Career, Overview

Construction Equipment Operators

Construction Equipment Operators 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.

Salary
$55280
Becoming One
Easy
Education
No degree required
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



Job description

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators 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.
  • Locate underground services, such as pipes or wires, prior to beginning work.
  • Monitor operations to ensure that health and safety standards are met.
Read more about what does an Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.



Salary

Average salary
$53030 per year

Average hourly wage
$26 per hour


Construction Equipment Operators with little to no experience tend to make between $31320 and $37230 while the more experienced ones can earn over $63540 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
NY $39 $81,930
HI $38 $78,470
IL $37 $77,090
NJ $36 $75,150
CA $35 $73,130

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as an Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator is to move to a higher paying state like NY. Right now, the highest paying states for Construction Equipment Operators are NY, HI, IL, NJ and CA.

However, a higher pay at NY doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at NY might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as an Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.


Requirements

Recommended degree level
No degree required

We asked other Construction Equipment 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
Mobil Crane Operation/Operator
Read more about how to become an Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator and the degree, training and education you need.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being an Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator.

PROS
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.
Normal working hours (40 hours per week)
CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to help and teach others
Salary is below average

What is the job like

Job satisfaction
65%

Is this job meaningful
57%


65% of Construction Equipment Operators said they were satisfied with their job and 57% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.


Is this right for me

Best personality for this career
The Builders and The Organizers

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.



Learn more about Construction Equipment Operators

Summary (You are here)
Job Description
Salary
Requirements
Quiz

Related career information

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