Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Also called: Operating Engineers
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.
Also called: Angle Dozer Operator, Asphalt Roller Operator, Back Hoe Operator, Backhoe Operator, Blade Grader Operator, Blade Operator
Median pay
$59,850
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$42,190 – $101,090
People employed
478,090
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 2.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 3.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 4.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Tight deadlines are common
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in every state →
What operating engineers and other construction equipment operators do
- 01Learn and follow safety regulations.
- 02Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, or falling objects.
- 03Check fuel supplies at sites to ensure adequate availability.
- 04Start engines, move throttles, switches, or levers, or depress pedals to operate machines, such as bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders, or backhoes.
- 05Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
- 06Align machines, cutterheads, or depth gauge makers with reference stakes and guidelines or ground or position equipment, following hand signals of other workers.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining93% · −4%
- Continuous Mining Machine Operators88% · +3%
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas85% · +1%
- Hoist and Winch Operators84% · −6%
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators83% · +17%
Change into operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining93% · $57,430
- Dredge Operators89% · $49,640
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners89% · $49,880
- Continuous Mining Machine Operators88% · $61,810
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas88% · $60,190
Majors that lead here
- Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
- Mobil Crane Operator/Operation
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.