What is the salary of a Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator?

The typical salary range is $41,097 - $82,194 per year.

ConstructionStableBright Outlook

Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator

Operational-level

Also known as: Angle Dozer Operator, Asphalt Roller Operator, Back Hoe Operator, Backhoe Operator

ConstructionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

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.

Heavy Equipment OperationConstruction EquipmentEarthmovingConstruction TradesSite PreparationConstructionMechanical SkillsBuildingSkilled Trade

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Windows

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+4.6%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

39,200

per year (US)

Jobs today

489,500

in 2025 → 511,800 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

Low

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

Moderate

Working outdoors

High

Indoor, climate-controlled

Low

Dealing with customers

Moderate

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This field maintains steady employment levels with consistent demand. Job opportunities remain available with moderate competition.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Manœuvre de la construction
Assistant opérateur d'équipement
Apprenti en équipement lourd

Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator

Where it can lead

Chef d'équipe de construction
Superviseur de construction
Chef de projet de construction

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will likely introduce autonomous heavy equipment, reducing the need for direct manual operation in some tasks. Operators may transition to roles involving remote monitoring, drone operation for site surveying, and managing AI-driven machinery. Predictive maintenance powered by AI will also optimize equipment upkeep, potentially changing maintenance routines.

Salary

$59,850

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position