For Educators: Military Resources
Military Construction Equipment Operators
Median Salary
58,891
Workforce Count
24,074
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
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 coordinate the efforts of crews using earth moving, quarrying, well digging, mixing, asphalt batching, and paving equipment. They also oversee demolition efforts and ensure adherence to environmental regulations.
What is the work environment like?
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.
How many people have this role in the Military?
24,074
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$94,434
2 Years
$69,974
6 Years
$94,434
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
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 equipment
- Preventive maintenance and repair of equipment
- General construction principles and information
- Identification of soil types and placement of grade stakes
- Shop operations and record keeping
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Realistic
You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.
Conventional
You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.
Investigative
You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC Test