Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.
Median salary
$59,850/yr
Typical range
$48,680 – $77,170
Education
High school diploma
Time to entry
No degree required — short-term training or on-the-job learning
What a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators does
You'll operate heavy machinery like excavators, bulldozers, and cranes to move materials and shape terrain on construction sites. This role requires licensure and expertise in multiple equipment types.
Education & path
The typical entry point is a high school diploma. No degree required — short-term training or on-the-job learning.
Estimated cost of that path: No degree cost. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.
Related careers
- Construction Laborers — $47,120/yr
- Solar Energy Installation Managers — $79,920/yr
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers — $79,920/yr
- Electricians — $63,190/yr
- Carpenters — $60,580/yr
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