How to become Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

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

How to become Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

Key skills

Operation and Control

4.1

Equipment Maintenance

3.2

Operations Monitoring

3.2

Critical Thinking

3.0

Monitoring

3.0

Active Listening

3.0

Troubleshooting

3.0

Repairing

3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical

4.4

Mathematics

3.2

English Language

3.1

Public Safety and Security

3.1

Education and Training

2.7

Administration and Management

2.6

Customer and Personal Service

2.6

Transportation

2.5

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

Less than high school

Training before entry

1–3 months

21%

Up to 1 month

19%

3–6 months

1–2 years

Related work experience

2–4 years

37%

6–12 months

23%

1–2 years

20%

3–6 months

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Construction Laborers Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites.	$47,120	67/100	8%
2	First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.	$79,920	71/100	16%
3	Electricians Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures.	$63,190	78/100	7%
4	Carpenters Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors.	$60,580	67/100	9%
5	Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases.	$63,800	76/100	7%
6	Painters, Construction and Maintenance Paint walls, equipment, buildings, bridges, and other structural surfaces, using brushes, rollers, and spray guns.	$49,400	66/100	9%

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.