Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
SOC Code: 47-2073
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators carries a 25% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $58,710 and +3.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 489,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (SOC 47-2073) carries an AI exposure score of 25%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 489,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.6% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $58,710, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Registered Apprenticeship Pathway Available
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators is a recognized registered apprenticeship occupation under the DOL RAPIDS system. Earn while you train — apprentices typically start at ~$16/hr and reach $28–$46/hr upon completion, depending on the specific trade and region.
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 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. Check fuel supplies at sites to ensure adequate availability.
- 4. Start engines, move throttles, switches, or levers, or depress pedals to operate machines, such as bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders, or backhoes.
- 5. Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
- 6. Align machines, cutterheads, or depth gauge makers with reference stakes and guidelines or ground or position equipment, following hand signals of other workers.
- 7. Locate underground services, such as pipes or wires, prior to beginning work.
- 8. Signal operators to guide movement of tractor-drawn machines.
- 9. Repair and maintain equipment, making emergency adjustments or assisting with major repairs as necessary.
- 10. Load and move dirt, rocks, equipment, or other materials, using trucks, crawler tractors, power cranes, shovels, graders, or related equipment.
Key Skills Required
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Equipment Maintenance
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Troubleshooting
- Time Management
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Transportation
- Building and Construction
- Engineering and Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators?
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators has an AI exposure score of 25%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators is projected to grow by 3.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 489,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators?
Key skills for Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators include Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Equipment Maintenance, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators earn?
The median annual wage for Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators is $58,710, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators?
The typical entry-level education for Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators?
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).