Will AI replace Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?AI replacement risk 15% and how the work is changing
Median annual pay
$59,850
25th–75th pct. $48,680–$77,170
Top pay (est.)
$131,400
Top 10% $101,090
Pay in 5 years
$70,400est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$82,700est.
$71,200–$96,100
Outlook score
58/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
15%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+4.6%
39K openings / yr
Will AI replace Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators? AI replacement risk
15%
Very low
Ranked #69 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high
How AI is changing this job
A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.
AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →
Skills, education and requirements for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Controlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving ObjectsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Important abilities
Control PrecisionMultilimb CoordinationReaction TimeDepth PerceptionNear VisionOral Comprehension
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.