Military Construction Equipment Operators
Military Career
General Information
Description
Construction equipment operators control or manage the use of bulldozers, cranes, graders, drilling rigs, and other heavy equipment in military construction. They manage daily activities devoted to the construction and maintenance of runways, aircraft parking aprons, roads, and wooden, metal, and concrete buildings. They direct and coordinate the efforts of crews in the use of earth moving, quarrying, well digging, mixing, asphalt batching, and paving equipment. They also oversee demolition efforts and ensure adherence to environmental regulations.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Construction equipment operators work outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions. They often sit for long periods and are subject to loud noise and vibrations. They may work indoors while repairing equipment.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Architecture & Construction
Related Military Careers
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Enlisted
- Hands-on/specialized
- High school diploma required
Military Workforce
Construction Equipment Operators in the Military
27,512
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$50,937
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$22,069 - $229,900
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
-
High school 81%
-
Some college 16%
-
Less than high school 1%
-
Master's degree 0%
-
Doctoral degree 0%
-
Bachelor's degree 0%
-
Associate's degree 0%
-
Post baccalaureate 0%
-
Post-doctoral training 0%
-
Post-master's certificate 0%
-
First professional degree 0%
-
Post-secondary certificate 0%
Military training
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Job training for construction equipment operators consists of classroom and on-the-job instruction, including practice in operating construction equipment. Training content varies depending on specialty, and may include: Operation of different types of construction and rough terrain equipmentPreventive maintenance and repair of equipmentGeneral construction principles and informationIdentification of soil types and placement of grade stakesShop operations and record keeping
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Related College Majors
Select major to see colleges that offer it
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program