Dredge Operators

SOC code 53-7031 · O*NET-SOC 53-7031.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Transportation

Dredge Operators pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$49,640

a year

Hourly

$23.86

per hour

10th$41,080Median$49,64090th$74,140

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$56,120

$26.98 per hour

Middle 50%

$46,430 – $62,070

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$41,080 – $74,140

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

1,040

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $41,080; $19.75/hr
25th percentile: $46,430; $22.32/hr
Median percentile: $49,640; $23.86/hr
75th percentile: $62,070; $29.84/hr
90th percentile: $74,140; $35.65/hr

What does a dredge operator do?

Operate dredge to remove sand, gravel, or other materials in order to excavate and maintain navigable channels in waterways.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Move levers to position dredges for excavation, to engage hydraulic pumps, to raise and lower suction booms, and to control rotation of cutterheads.
Start and stop engines to operate equipment.
Start power winches that draw in or let out cables to change positions of dredges, or pull in and let out cables manually.
Pump water to clear machinery pipelines.
Lower anchor poles to verify depths of excavations, using winches, or scan depth gauges to determine depths of excavations.
Direct or assist workers placing shore anchors and cables, laying additional pipes from dredges to shore, and pumping water from pontoons.

How to become a dredge operator

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 80% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)80%
Post-Secondary Certificate9%
Less than a High School Diploma7%
Some College Courses4%

Common questions

How much does a dredge operator earn?

The national median is $49,640 a year. The full range runs from $41,080 at the 10th percentile to $74,140 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a dredge operator without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.0/5
Active Listening2.9/5
Speaking2.9/5
Monitoring2.9/5

Knowledge areas

Mechanical4.1/5
English Language3.4/5
Public Safety and Security3.2/5
Administration and Management3.1/5
Production and Processing2.9/5
Mathematics2.8/5
Education and Training2.6/5

Transferable strengths: Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making, Troubleshooting, Social Perceptiveness.