Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Did You Know:
- Construction equipment operators are trained either through a formal apprenticeship program, through on-the-job training, through a paid training program or a combination of these programs.
- Job opportunities are expected to be good.
- Hourly pay is relatively high, but operators of some types of equipment cannot work in inclement weather, so total annual earnings may be reduced.
Industry Areas
- Other Specialty Trade Contractors
- Local Government (OES Designation)
- Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction
Day-to-Day Tasks
- Learn and follow safety regulations.
- Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, or falling objects.
- Adjust handwheels and depress pedals to control attachments, such as blades, buckets, scrapers, or swing booms.
Overall Kind of Work
Construction equipment operators use machinery to move construction materials, earth and other heavy materials at construction sites and mines. They operate equipment that clears and grades land t...
Work Environment
Military
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.
Status
What is the difference between enlisted and officer?
Enlisted:Enlisted members enter the Military with a high school diploma (in some cases a GED), at a minimum. They are employed in almost every type of military career, often in hands-on roles.
Officers: Officers either enter the Military with a four-year college degree or greater or served previously as enlisted members, and are generally employed in management roles or highly specialized fields that require intensive training.
Officer
Enlisted
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
2,955 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the military
Service Branches
Construction Equipment Operators work in the following services:
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
Data: 
People:
Things: 
Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
Verbal skills:
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:
Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
Math & Science Skills:
Technology Design & Control: 
Leadership:
Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
Responsibility:
Exposure to Job Hazards:
Physical Activity:
Decision Making:
Repetitiveness:
Level of Competition:
Time Pressure: