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How to become paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operatorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$53,340
25th–75th pct. $45,610–$64,720
Top pay (est.)
$119,900
Top 10% $92,230
Pay in 5 years
$61,900est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$71,900est.
$61,800–$83,500
Outlook score
46/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
13%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
−0.9%
3,100 openings / yr

How to become paving, surfacing, and tamping 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 Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators

Key skills

Coordination
3.1
Operations Monitoring
3.1
Operation and Control
3.1
Repairing
3.0
Equipment Maintenance
3.0
Quality Control Analysis
2.9
Troubleshooting
2.9
Critical Thinking
2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Building and Construction
5.5
Mechanical
3.8
Physics
3.0
Customer and Personal Service
2.9
Engineering and Technology
2.9
Mathematics
2.8
Design
2.8
Public Safety and Security
2.7

What the work involves

Performing General Physical ActivitiesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentControlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving ObjectsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Important abilities

Multilimb CoordinationControl PrecisionReaction TimeRate ControlTrunk StrengthStatic Strength

Education of workers

Less than high school
41%
High school diploma
38%
Post-secondary certificate
21%

Training before entry

1–3 months
28%
4–10 years
13%
2–4 years
6%
6–12 months
6%

Related work experience

1–2 years
46%
None
13%
1–3 months
13%
8–10 years
13%
2–4 years
11%
6–12 months
2%

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

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators

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

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.