Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Operating engineers operate heavy construction equipment like bulldozers, motor graders, excavators, and front-end loaders to move earth, grade land, and prepare sites for building. They work on construction sites, road projects, and infrastructure developments, often outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against operating engineers and other construction equipment operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves moving to different job sites to operate assigned equipment. Operating engineers position machinery to excavate soil, move materials, or level ground according to project specifications. They perform daily equipment inspections, make minor adjustments, and communicate with supervisors and crew members about site conditions and progress. Work varies by season and project phase.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer hands-on work with clear, concrete tasks and established procedures. You're comfortable working independently with machinery and have mechanical aptitude. You value straightforward work environments where rules are defined and results are measurable.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $73,200 | $115,860 | $121,780 | 2,380 |
| Illinois | $69,230 | $97,740 | $109,320 | 12,290 |
| New Jersey | $64,100 | $89,660 | $126,330 | 5,980 |
| California | $65,230 | $87,160 | $125,560 | 36,020 |
| Washington | $64,390 | $81,700 | $114,640 | 10,290 |
| New York | $60,540 | $80,980 | $112,920 | 14,490 |
| Indiana | $58,240 | $79,580 | $93,300 | 11,520 |
| Minnesota | $63,310 | $79,130 | $95,740 | 8,590 |
| Connecticut | $64,720 | $78,750 | $101,610 | 2,860 |
| Alaska | $66,830 | $77,810 | $99,890 | 3,050 |
| Massachusetts | $62,370 | $76,820 | $107,550 | 9,680 |
| Wisconsin | $61,520 | $75,280 | $94,610 | 8,140 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Heavy Equipment Operator - Compaction Equipment Roller — National Center for Construction Education and Research
- Heavy Equipment Operator: Motor Grader — National Center for Construction Education and Research
- Heavy Equipment Operator: Skid Steer — National Center for Construction Education and Research
- Forklift Inspector & Operator — Crane Institute of America
- Forklift Operator — National Safety Council
- Heavy Equipment Operator: Dozer — National Center for Construction Education and Research
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against operating engineers and other construction equipment operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-2073.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.