Operating Engineers
Overview
Introduction
Operating engineers operate various types of power-driven construction machines such as shovels, cranes, tractors, bulldozers, pile drivers, concrete mixers, and pumps. There are approximately 405,750 operating engineers and other construction equipment operators employed in the United States.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
The median annual salary in May 2019 for all operating engineers and other construction equipment operators was $48,980, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Salaries ranged from less than $32,300 to more than $85,640 a year.
Often, workers are paid by the hour. Rates vary according to the area of the country and the employer. In highway, street, and bridge construction, the ...
Work Environment
Operating engineers consider dirt and noise a part of their jobs. Some of the machines on which they work constantly shake and jolt them. This constant movement, along with the strenuous, outdoor nature of the work, makes this a physically tiring job. Since the work is done almost entirely outdoors in almost any kind of weather, operating engineers must be willing to work under conditions that ...
Outlook
Employment of construction equipment operators is projected to grow by 10 percent, faster than average for all careers, through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Job opportunities for pile-drivers will be even better, growing much faster than the average for all careers. There will be many opportunities for operating engineers. They will be needed to assist with the repair of hig...
