Career Facts for Heavy Equipment Operator
Where are equipment operators employed?
Employment is expected to increase as population and business growth create a need for new houses, industrial facilities, schools, hospitals, offices and other structures. More construction equipment operators will be needed as a result of expected growth in highway, bridge, and street construction. Bridge construction is expected to grow the fastest, due to the need to repair or replace structures before they become unstable. Poor highway conditions also will spur demand for highway maintenance and repair. In the last several years, Congress has passed substantial public works bills to provide money for such construction projects, including mass transit systems. In addition to job growth, many job openings will arise because of the need to replace experienced construction equipment operators who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
What is the average salary?
Earnings for construction equipment operators vary. In May 2006, median hourly earnings of wage and salary operating engineers and other construction equipment operators were $17.74. The middle 50 percent earned between $13.89 and $23.98. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $11.54, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $30.83. Median hourly earnings of wage and salary paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators were $15.05 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.98 and $19.71. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.97, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $25.30. In May 2006, median hourly earnings of wage and salary piledriver operators were $22.20. The middle 50 percent earned between $16.31 and $31.65. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $12.83, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $37.28. Hourly pay is relatively high, particularly in large metropolitan areas. However, annual earnings of some workers may be lower than hourly rates would indicate because work time may be limited by bad weather.
What else do I need to
know?
For
more information, contact: Instructors for the Heavy Equipment Operator
program are contracted through AIS Construction Equipment Corporation
at www.aisequip.com. Please
call the Transportation Technologies Department Office at (517)
267-5880 for specific questions regarding instruction.
