What is the salary of a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators?

The typical salary range is $36,155 - $72,310 per year.

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Which studies lead to becoming a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators?

ConstructionStable

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators

Operational-level

Also known as: Asphalt Distributor Operator, Asphalt Distributor Tender, Asphalt Equipment Crew Member, Asphalt Equipment Operator

ConstructionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Operate equipment used for applying concrete, asphalt, or other materials to road beds, parking lots, or airport runways and taxiways or for tamping gravel, dirt, or other materials. Includes concrete and asphalt paving machine operators, form tampers, tamping machine operators, and stone spreader operators.

Paving OperationsHeavy Equipment OperationRoad ConstructionAsphalt & Concrete PavingConstructionCivil InfrastructureSkilled TradesBuildingSkilled Trade

A Day in the Life

You arrive at the construction site just as dawn breaks over the suburban development. The air is cool, but you know the day will bring heat. After a quick walk-around inspection of your asphalt paver, checking fluid levels and clearing any overnight debris, you join the crew for the morning briefing. The foreman outlines today's goal: laying the base layer for a new section of road. You climb into the operator's seat, the heavy machinery already feeling familiar beneath your hands.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

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

Hot technologies

Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-0.9%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

3,100

per year (US)

Jobs today

42,300

in 2025 → 41,900 (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

Moderate

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

Moderate

Freedom to make decisions

Moderate

Time pressure

Moderate

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 career has a stable outlook through 2035, with about 3,100 job openings expected each year. The median annual wage is around $53,340. You can advance from roles like construction laborer or equipment helper to become a paving crew supervisor or construction foreman.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Construction Laborer
Heavy Equipment Assistant Operator
Site Assistant

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators

Where it can lead

Paving Crew Supervisor
Construction Foreman
Heavy Equipment Technician

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will increasingly integrate with paving and tamping equipment, leading to more autonomous or semi-autonomous machines for precision work. Operators will likely transition to roles involving monitoring, programming, and overseeing fleets of smart equipment, rather than direct manual control. This could enhance efficiency and safety but require new technical skills.

Salary

$53,340

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position