Paving and surfacing equipment operators: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Paving and surfacing equipment operators control the machines that spread and level asphalt or spread and smooth concrete for roadways or other structures.
- Asphalt spreader operators turn valves to regulate the temperature and flow of asphalt being applied to the roadbed. They must ensure a constant flow of asphalt into the hopper and that the machine distributes the paving material evenly.
- Concrete paving machine operators control levers and turn handwheels to move attachments that spread, vibrate, and level wet concrete. They must watch the surface of the concrete carefully to identify low spots that need additional concrete.
- Tamping equipment operators use machines that compact earth and other fill materials for roadbeds, railroads, or other construction sites. They also may operate machines with interchangeable hammers to cut or break up old pavement and drive guardrail posts into the ground.
- Education Required
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required for most jobs. Vocational training and math courses are useful, and a course in auto mechanics can be helpful because workers often perform maintenance on their equipment.
- Training Required
- Many workers learn their jobs by operating light equipment under the guidance of an experienced operator. Later, they may operate heavier equipment, such as bulldozers. Some construction equipment with computerized controls requires greater skill to operate. Operators of such equipment may need more training and some understanding of electronics.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 12% (Faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Licenses/Certifications
- Construction equipment operators often need a commercial drivers license (CDL) to haul their equipment to various jobsites. State laws governing CDLs vary.
- Median pay: How much do Construction Equipment Operators make?
- $45,040 Annual Salary
- $21.65 per hour
Careers for Construction Equipment Operators
- Angle dozer operators
- Asphalt pavers
- Asphalt paving machine operators
- Asphalt roller operators
- Asphalt tamping machine operators
- Blacktop-paver operators
- Blade grader operators
- Bulldozer operators
- Concrete paving machine operators
- Diesel pile hammer operators
- Ditching machine operating engineers
- Grader operators
- Hydraulic pile hammer operators
- Hydraulic press-in operators
- Motor grader operators
- Operating engineers
- Paver operators
- Paving equipment operators
- Pile-driver operators
- Road graders
- Scraper operators
- Screed operators
- Steam shovel operating engineers
- Steam shovel operators
- Surfacing equipment operators
- Tamping equipment operators
- Vibratory pile drivers