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.
Using precise hand and finger movements to control tools, equipment, or materials.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
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
Many workers learn how to operate construction equipment on the job after earning a high school diploma or equivalent; others learn through an apprenticeship or by attending vocational schools. PayThe median annual wage for construction equipment operators was $59,600 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of construction equipment operators is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 42,500 openings for construction equipment operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many 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 construction equipment operators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of construction equipment operators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about construction equipment 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 construction equipment operators was $59,600 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of construction equipment operators is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 42,500 openings for construction equipment operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many 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 construction equipment operators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of construction equipment operators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about construction equipment operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of construction equipment operators is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 42,500 openings for construction equipment operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many 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 construction equipment operators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of construction equipment operators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about construction equipment operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Construction equipment operators drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, buildings, and other structures.
Work Environment
Construction equipment operators may work even in unpleasant weather. Most operators work full time, and some have irregular work schedules that include nights.
How to Become a Construction Equipment Operator
Many workers learn how to operate construction equipment on the job after earning a high school diploma or equivalent; others learn through an apprenticeship or by attending vocational schools.
Pay
The median annual wage for construction equipment operators was $59,600 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of construction equipment operators is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 42,500 openings for construction equipment operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many 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 construction equipment operators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of construction equipment operators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about construction equipment operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Construction equipment operators may work even in unpleasant weather. Most operators work full time, and some have irregular work schedules that include nights.
How to Become a Construction Equipment Operator
Many workers learn how to operate construction equipment on the job after earning a high school diploma or equivalent; others learn through an apprenticeship or by attending vocational schools.
Pay
The median annual wage for construction equipment operators was $59,600 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of construction equipment operators is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 42,500 openings for construction equipment operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many 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 construction equipment operators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of construction equipment operators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about construction equipment 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 construction equipment operators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of construction equipment operators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about construction equipment operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about construction equipment 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.