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

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

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

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

Career ladder

Often before this role

Ouvrier en construction
Aide-opérateur d'équipement lourd
Manœuvre de chantier

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators

Where it can lead

Contremaître de construction
Superviseur d'équipe de pavage
Technicien en équipement lourd

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