Construction Equipment Operator

Your Fit

Income

$59K

Preparation

Some

Growth

2.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Construction Equipment Operator?

A Construction Equipment Operator is a skilled professional who operates heavy machinery used in the construction of roads, buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. They handle equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, graders, and other heavy machinery.

Sample job titles:

Equipment Operator (EO), Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO), Machine Operator, Operating Engineer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Construction Equipment Operator.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Construction Equipment Operator earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$40K per year	$48K per year	$59K per year	$76K per year	$101K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $9.21K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Construction Equipment Operator do?

Work environment

Construction Equipment Operators typically work outdoors on construction sites. The work environment can be noisy and dusty, and operators are exposed to a variety of weather conditions. Safety is a key concern due to the nature of the work and the machinery involved.

Quick task list

Operates heavy machinery to dig, lift, and move materials.
Inspects equipment for safety and efficiency.
Coordinates with other construction professionals on site.
Performs basic maintenance on equipment.
Complies with safety regulations and procedures.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Excavation and Grading: Operating excavators and graders for site preparation and grading.
Road Construction: Specializing in machinery used for building roads, like asphalt pavers and rollers.
Pipeline Construction: Operating equipment for laying pipes and constructing pipelines.
Demolition: Using heavy machinery to demolish structures safely.
Material Handling: Specializing in equipment for moving and placing materials on construction sites.

Description

Construction Equipment Operators are essential in the construction industry, contributing significantly to building and maintaining infrastructure. They operate a variety of heavy machinery, each serving a specific purpose in construction projects. These operators need to have a deep understanding of how each machine works and must be able to control them with precision and safety in mind.

The role requires good hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, and the ability to concentrate for long periods. It's physically demanding and requires operators to be alert at all times. Understanding of safety practices is crucial to prevent accidents and injuries on the construction site.

Construction Equipment Operators often work in collaboration with other construction professionals, playing a pivotal role in ensuring projects stay on schedule. The occupation can be highly satisfying, providing tangible results and a sense of accomplishment in contributing to the creation of vital infrastructure.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Active participation in building important structures and infrastructure.
Operating and mastering various types of heavy machinery.
The dynamic and physically active nature of the work.
Opportunities for advancement and specialization.

You might make a good Construction Equipment Operator if you are...

Interested in operating and maintaining heavy machinery.
Physically fit and able to adapt to various outdoor conditions.
Able to focus and concentrate for long periods.
A team player with good communication skills.
Committed to safety and precision in your work.

Pros:

High demand in the construction industry.
Opportunities to work on diverse projects.
Potential for high wages and overtime pay.

Cons:

Physically demanding and potentially hazardous work.
Exposure to extreme weather conditions and loud noise.
Often requires long hours and potential weekend work.

How to become a Construction Equipment Operator

Typical education

Most Construction Equipment Operators learn their trade on the job or through an apprenticeship program. A high school diploma or equivalent is often required. Formal apprenticeship programs can last 3-4 years.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop classes or vocational training in mechanics and construction.
Mathematics for understanding measurements and calculations.
Physical Education to maintain fitness and stamina.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a robotics or engineering club to develop mechanical skills.
Participating in team sports to enhance physical fitness and teamwork skills.
Volunteering in community construction projects.

Preparation after high school

Enrolling in vocational training or apprenticeship programs for heavy equipment operation.
Obtaining certifications for specific types of construction equipment.
Gaining experience through entry-level positions in construction companies.

More resources

National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) - Provides training and certification for construction trades.
International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) - Offers apprenticeship and training programs for equipment operators.
Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) - Provides resources and information for the construction industry.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Offers safety training and guidelines for construction work.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.