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For Educators: Military Resources

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators

Median Salary
48,980
Job Outlook
+4%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Operate equipment used for applying concrete, asphalt, or other materials to road beds, parking lots, or airport runways and taxiways or for tamping gravel, dirt, or other materials. Includes concrete and asphalt paving machine operators, form tampers, tamping machine operators, and stone spreader operators.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of construction equipment operators is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 45,700 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.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$27,810

10%

$48,980

Median

$102,220

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Less than high school

    40%

  • High school

    38%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    20%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Building and Construction
  • Mechanical
  • Physics
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Engineering and Technology

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

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.

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

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.