Heavy Equipment Operator: what the job is, what it pays, and how to get hired.

Median pay

$59,850

BLS May 2025

Employed in the U.S.

478,090

BLS May 2025

Preparation

Job Zone 1-2 of 5

very little to some preparation

Data Government data groups this job as Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators (O*NET-SOC 47-2073.00). Figures on this page are for that occupation.

1. Learn and follow safety regulations.
2. Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, or falling objects.
3. Start engines, move throttles, switches, or levers, or depress pedals to operate machines, such as bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders, or backhoes.
4. Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
5. Align machines, cutterheads, or depth gauge makers with reference stakes and guidelines or ground or position equipment, following hand signals of other workers.
6. Locate underground services, such as pipes or wires, prior to beginning work.
7. Signal operators to guide movement of tractor-drawn machines.
8. Repair and maintain equipment, making emergency adjustments or assisting with major repairs as necessary.

Telework available

less than 0.5%

of workers had the ability to telework

Workday sitting

64.6%

mean share of the day required to sit

Most common strength level

Heavy

41.9% of workers

Self-paced workload

less than 0.5%

of workers set their own workload

Employer-changed schedules

72.1%

of workers had schedules changed by the employer week to week

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey. Estimates are preliminary; ranges are shown as published.

1. Heavy and civil engineering construction28.6% of all jobs in this occupation · +4.4% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $73,650
2. Specialty trade contractors27.8% of all jobs in this occupation · +5.9% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $67,800
3. Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals17.3% of all jobs in this occupation · +3.2% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $56,750
4. Construction of buildings4.6% of all jobs in this occupation · +5.0% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $70,640
5. Mining (except oil and gas)3.8% of all jobs in this occupation · +0.5% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $62,260
6. Waste management and remediation services3.5% of all jobs in this occupation · +8.4% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $57,790

Sources: BLS 2025–35 National Employment Matrix (share of the occupation's jobs, projected change) and BLS OEWS May 2025 industry estimates (mean wage). Different industry estimates are not a pay forecast for any person.

Knowledge areas: Mechanical, English Language, Public Safety and Security.

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Also called: Back Hoe Operator, Engineering Equipment Operator, Equipment Operator (EO), Forklift Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO), Hot Mix Asphalt Operator.