Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
SOC Code: 47-2071
Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators carries a 17% AI exposure score (Low automation risk), with a median annual wage of $51,650 and +3.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 47,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 17% AI exposure, Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators sits 20 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 3% of them. It ranks among the more AI-resilient roles in the dataset.
Where Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators has ai exposure of 17%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators (SOC 47-2071) carries an AI exposure score of 17%, placing it in the Low 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 47,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.2% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $51,650, 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 Paving, surfacing, and tamping 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
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Start machine, engage clutch, and push and move levers to guide machine along forms or guidelines and to control the operation of machine attachments.
- 2. Fill tanks, hoppers, or machines with paving materials.
- 3. Control paving machines to push dump trucks and to maintain a constant flow of asphalt or other material into hoppers or screeds.
- 4. Observe distribution of paving material to adjust machine settings or material flow, and indicate low spots for workers to add material.
- 5. Coordinate truck dumping.
- 6. Drive machines onto truck trailers, and drive trucks to transport machines and material to and from job sites.
- 7. Inspect, clean, maintain, and repair equipment, using mechanics' hand tools, or report malfunctions to supervisors.
- 8. Set up and tear down equipment.
- 9. Operate machines to spread, smooth, level, or steel-reinforce stone, concrete, or asphalt on road beds.
- 10. Light burners or start heating units of machines, and regulate screed temperatures and asphalt flow rates.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Equipment Maintenance
Knowledge Areas
- Building and Construction
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- Chemistry
- Administration and Management
- Design
- Law and Government
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators?
Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators has an AI exposure score of 17%, indicating a low 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 Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators is projected to grow by 3.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 47,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators?
Key skills for Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators earn?
The median annual wage for Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators is $51,650, 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 Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators?
The typical entry-level education for Paving, surfacing, and tamping 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 Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators?
Paving, surfacing, and tamping 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
Low automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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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).