Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

SOC code 47-2073 · O*NET-SOC 47-2073.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay

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

Median pay

$59,850

a year

Hourly

$28.78

per hour

10th$42,190Median$59,85090th$101,090

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

Average pay

$66,290

$31.87 per hour

Middle 50%

$48,680 – $77,170

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$42,190 – $101,090

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

478,090

nationwide

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

10th percentile: $42,190; $20.28/hr
25th percentile: $48,680; $23.40/hr
Median percentile: $59,850; $28.78/hr
75th percentile: $77,170; $37.10/hr
90th percentile: $101,090; $48.60/hr

What do operating engineers and other construction equipment operators do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Learn and follow safety regulations.
Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, or falling objects.
Check fuel supplies at sites to ensure adequate availability.
Start engines, move throttles, switches, or levers, or depress pedals to operate machines, such as bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders, or backhoes.
Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
Align machines, cutterheads, or depth gauge makers with reference stakes and guidelines or ground or position equipment, following hand signals of other workers.
Locate underground services, such as pipes or wires, prior to beginning work.
Signal operators to guide movement of tractor-drawn machines.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 82% 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)82%
Some College Courses16%
Less than a High School Diploma1%
Post-Secondary Certificate1%

Common questions

How much does an operating engineers and other construction equipment operators earn?

The national median is $59,850 a year. The full range runs from $42,190 at the 10th percentile to $101,090 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an operating engineers and other construction equipment operators 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

Monitoring3.1/5
Active Listening3.0/5
Reading Comprehension2.9/5
Speaking2.9/5
Critical Thinking2.9/5

Knowledge areas

Mechanical3.6/5
English Language3.3/5
Public Safety and Security3.1/5
Mathematics2.8/5
Administration and Management2.8/5
Customer and Personal Service2.7/5
Education and Training2.6/5
Transportation2.5/5

Transferable strengths: Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Time Management.