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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators to increase by 4.6% between 2024 and 2034, from 489,500 to 511,800 jobs. Its estimate of 39,200 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($59,850), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
489,500
Projected employment (2034)
511,800
Projected change (2024–2034)
5%
Annual openings (projected average)
39,200
Pay & Preparation
$59,850
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operation and Control (4.12/5) • Operations Monitoring (3.25/5) • Equipment Maintenance (3.25/5) • Monitoring (3.12/5) • Active Listening (3/5) • Troubleshooting (3/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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