Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Using precise hand and finger movements to control tools, equipment, or materials.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Education requirements vary by occupation. Crane and tower operators typically need work experience in a related occupation. PayThe median annual wage for material moving machine operators was $46,670 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of material moving machine operators is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 70,700 openings for material moving machine operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for material moving machine operators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of material moving machine operators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about material moving machine operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for material moving machine operators was $46,670 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of material moving machine operators is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 70,700 openings for material moving machine operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for material moving machine operators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of material moving machine operators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about material moving machine operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of material moving machine operators is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 70,700 openings for material moving machine operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for material moving machine operators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of material moving machine operators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about material moving machine operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Material moving machine operators use equipment to transport objects.
Work Environment
Most material moving machine operators work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Because materials are shipped around the clock, some operators work overnight shifts.
How to Become a Material Moving Machine Operator
Education requirements vary by occupation. Crane and tower operators typically need work experience in a related occupation.
Pay
The median annual wage for material moving machine operators was $46,670 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of material moving machine operators is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 70,700 openings for material moving machine operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for material moving machine operators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of material moving machine operators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about material moving machine operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most material moving machine operators work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Because materials are shipped around the clock, some operators work overnight shifts.
How to Become a Material Moving Machine Operator
Education requirements vary by occupation. Crane and tower operators typically need work experience in a related occupation.
Pay
The median annual wage for material moving machine operators was $46,670 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of material moving machine operators is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 70,700 openings for material moving machine operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for material moving machine operators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of material moving machine operators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about material moving machine operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for material moving machine operators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of material moving machine operators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about material moving machine operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about material moving machine operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.