Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in California
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. In California the median pay is $87,160 a year, 46% above the national median of $59,850.
$87,160median pay in California, per year
$65,230–$125,560middle half earn
36,020employed in California
$59,850U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against operating engineers and other construction equipment operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against operating engineers and other construction equipment operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Who is hiring in California
8open roles like this on employer career sites, 3 in California or remote
4employers hiring
3posted in the last 7 days
CA · MA · Remotewhere most openings are
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Operation and ControlOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceMonitoringActive ListeningTroubleshootingTime ManagementReading Comprehension
Knowledge areas
MechanicalEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityMathematics (knowledge)Administration and ManagementCustomer and Personal Service
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.
Licenses and training in California
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay in other states
Hawaii · $115,860Illinois · $97,740New Jersey · $89,660Washington · $81,700New York · $80,980Indiana · $79,580Minnesota · $79,130Connecticut · $78,750Alaska · $77,810Massachusetts · $76,820
Related occupations
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment OperatorsPile Driver OperatorsBoilermakersBrickmasons and BlockmasonsStonemasonsCarpentersCarpet InstallersFloor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against operating engineers and other construction equipment operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
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. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.