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Engineering and Construction Technology Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Engineering and Construction Technology Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For hands-on people who want to work on construction sites and projects rather than in a design office. Use the tools below to see which engineering and construction technology roles fit your background and goals.

This major is applied and field-focused, preparing students for construction management and technical support roles rather than design-engineer roles. Use the tools below to explore Engineering and Construction Technology-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like Construction Technician, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Construction Project Manager or Estimator. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certification, that can help you move up the career ladder.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link

This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from Engineering and Construction Technology careers/jobs, (2) Find Engineering and Construction Technology job listings, (3) Prepare for Engineering and Construction Technology careers, and (4) Provide Engineering and Construction Technology career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Engineering and Construction Technology careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Engineering and Construction Technology Careers - 2023 to 2033 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Engineering and Construction Technology careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Engineering and Construction Technology, so relevant Engineering and Construction Technology jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Engineering and Construction Technology Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Engineering and Construction Technology Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Engineering and Construction Technology careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 40 Engineering and Construction Technology Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job

14 Engineering and Construction Technology careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2023 to 2033 est.). Engineering and Construction Technology-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033 (% change) Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 12.5% Civil Engineering Professor; Civil Engineering Teacher
Occupation: Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 12.5% Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Civil Engineering Professor; Civil Engineering Teacher
Construction Managers 11.5% Commercial Construction Project Manager; Construction Area Manager; Construction Management Supervisor; Construction Manager; Construction Project Manager; Construction Services Manager; Environmental Construction Program Manager
Occupation: Construction Managers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 11.5% Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Commercial Construction Project Manager; Construction Area Manager; Construction Management Supervisor; Construction Manager; Construction Project Manager; Construction Services Manager; Environmental Construction Program Manager
Fire Inspectors and Investigators 8.9% Building Inspector
Occupation: Fire Inspectors and Investigators U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.9% Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Building Inspector
Aerospace Engineers 8.3% Civil Aviation Engineer
Occupation: Aerospace Engineers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.3% Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Civil Aviation Engineer
Civil Engineers 8.2% Civil Engineer; Civil Engineering Intern; Civil Project Engineer; Construction Engineer; Construction Project Engineer; Land Development Civil Engineer; Site Civil Engineer; Wastewater Plant Civil Engineer; Zoning Engineer
Occupation: Civil Engineers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.2% Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Civil Engineer; Civil Engineering Intern; Civil Project Engineer; Construction Engineer; Construction Project Engineer; Land Development Civil Engineer; Site Civil Engineer; Wastewater Plant Civil Engineer; Zoning Engineer
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists 7% Construction Safety Manager
Occupation: Occupational Health and Safety Specialists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7% Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Construction Safety Manager
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products 6.1% Green Building Materials Distributor
Occupation: Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 6.1% Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Green Building Materials Distributor
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators 5.4% Construction Engineer
Occupation: Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5.4% Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Construction Engineer
Architectural and Engineering Managers 4.1% Civil Engineering Manager
Occupation: Architectural and Engineering Managers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 4.1% Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Civil Engineering Manager
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects 3.9% Marine Civil Engineer
Occupation: Marine Engineers and Naval Architects U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 3.9% Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Marine Civil Engineer
Environmental Engineers 3.7% Civil Engineer
Occupation: Environmental Engineers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 3.7% Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Civil Engineer
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians 1.8% Civil Engineer Helper; Civil Engineering Assistant; Civil Engineering Technician; Civil Engineering Technologist; Construction Engineering Technician (Construction Engineering Tech)
Occupation: Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 1.8% Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Civil Engineer Helper; Civil Engineering Assistant; Civil Engineering Technician; Civil Engineering Technologist; Construction Engineering Technician (Construction Engineering Tech)
Architectural and Civil Drafters -0.9% Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter); Architectural CAD Technician (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician); Civil Engineering Designer
Occupation: Architectural and Civil Drafters U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -0.9% Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter); Architectural CAD Technician (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician); Civil Engineering Designer
Construction and Building Inspectors -2.9% Building Code Inspector; Building Equipment Inspector; Building Inspector; Combination Building Inspector; Residential Building Inspector
Occupation: Construction and Building Inspectors U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -2.9% Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Building Code Inspector; Building Equipment Inspector; Building Inspector; Combination Building Inspector; Residential Building Inspector

16 Engineering and Construction Technology careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Engineering and Construction Technology-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs

Architectural and Engineering Managers $ 165,370 Civil Engineering Manager
Occupation: Architectural and Engineering Managers National Median Salary: $ 165,370 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Civil Engineering Manager
Aerospace Engineers $ 130,720 Civil Aviation Engineer
Occupation: Aerospace Engineers National Median Salary: $ 130,720 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Civil Aviation Engineer
Quality Control Systems Managers $ 116,970 Construction Quality Control Manager
Occupation: Quality Control Systems Managers National Median Salary: $ 116,970 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Construction Quality Control Manager
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $ 106,910 Civil Engineering Professor; Civil Engineering Teacher
Occupation: Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 106,910 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Civil Engineering Professor; Civil Engineering Teacher
Construction Managers $ 104,900 Commercial Construction Project Manager; Construction Area Manager; Construction Management Supervisor; Construction Manager; Construction Project Manager; Construction Services Manager; Environmental Construction Program Manager
Occupation: Construction Managers National Median Salary: $ 104,900 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Commercial Construction Project Manager; Construction Area Manager; Construction Management Supervisor; Construction Manager; Construction Project Manager; Construction Services Manager; Environmental Construction Program Manager
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects $ 100,270 Marine Civil Engineer
Occupation: Marine Engineers and Naval Architects National Median Salary: $ 100,270 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Marine Civil Engineer
Environmental Engineers $ 100,090 Civil Engineer
Occupation: Environmental Engineers National Median Salary: $ 100,090 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Civil Engineer
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $ 99,710 Green Building Materials Distributor
Occupation: Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products National Median Salary: $ 99,710 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Green Building Materials Distributor
Civil Engineers $ 95,890 Civil Engineer; Civil Engineering Intern; Civil Project Engineer; Construction Engineer; Construction Project Engineer; Land Development Civil Engineer; Site Civil Engineer; Wastewater Plant Civil Engineer; Zoning Engineer
Occupation: Civil Engineers National Median Salary: $ 95,890 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Civil Engineer; Civil Engineering Intern; Civil Project Engineer; Construction Engineer; Construction Project Engineer; Land Development Civil Engineer; Site Civil Engineer; Wastewater Plant Civil Engineer; Zoning Engineer
Transportation Engineers $ 95,890 Civil Transportation Engineer; Highway Civil Engineer
Occupation: Transportation Engineers National Median Salary: $ 95,890 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Civil Transportation Engineer; Highway Civil Engineer
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $ 81,140 Construction Safety Manager
Occupation: Occupational Health and Safety Specialists National Median Salary: $ 81,140 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Construction Safety Manager
Fire Inspectors and Investigators $ 74,160 Building Inspector
Occupation: Fire Inspectors and Investigators National Median Salary: $ 74,160 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Building Inspector
Construction and Building Inspectors $ 67,700 Building Code Inspector; Building Equipment Inspector; Building Inspector; Combination Building Inspector; Residential Building Inspector
Occupation: Construction and Building Inspectors National Median Salary: $ 67,700 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Building Code Inspector; Building Equipment Inspector; Building Inspector; Combination Building Inspector; Residential Building Inspector
Architectural and Civil Drafters $ 61,820 Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter); Architectural CAD Technician (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician); Civil Engineering Designer
Occupation: Architectural and Civil Drafters National Median Salary: $ 61,820 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter); Architectural CAD Technician (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician); Civil Engineering Designer
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $ 60,700 Civil Engineer Helper; Civil Engineering Assistant; Civil Engineering Technician; Civil Engineering Technologist; Construction Engineering Technician (Construction Engineering Tech)
Occupation: Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians National Median Salary: $ 60,700 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Civil Engineer Helper; Civil Engineering Assistant; Civil Engineering Technician; Civil Engineering Technologist; Construction Engineering Technician (Construction Engineering Tech)
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $ 56,160 Construction Engineer
Occupation: Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators National Median Salary: $ 56,160 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Construction Engineer

18 Engineering and Construction Technology careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Engineering and Construction Technology-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs

Architectural and Engineering Managers 5 Civil Engineering Manager
Occupation: Architectural and Engineering Managers Education/Preparation: 5 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Civil Engineering Manager
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Civil Engineering Professor; Civil Engineering Teacher
Occupation: Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Civil Engineering Professor; Civil Engineering Teacher
Transportation Engineers 4 Civil Transportation Engineer; Highway Civil Engineer
Occupation: Transportation Engineers Education/Preparation: 4 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Civil Transportation Engineer; Highway Civil Engineer
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products 4 Green Building Materials Distributor
Occupation: Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products Education/Preparation: 4 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Green Building Materials Distributor
Civil Engineers 4 Civil Engineer; Civil Engineering Intern; Civil Project Engineer; Construction Engineer; Construction Project Engineer; Land Development Civil Engineer; Site Civil Engineer; Wastewater Plant Civil Engineer; Zoning Engineer
Occupation: Civil Engineers Education/Preparation: 4 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Civil Engineer; Civil Engineering Intern; Civil Project Engineer; Construction Engineer; Construction Project Engineer; Land Development Civil Engineer; Site Civil Engineer; Wastewater Plant Civil Engineer; Zoning Engineer
Quality Control Systems Managers 4 Construction Quality Control Manager
Occupation: Quality Control Systems Managers Education/Preparation: 4 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Construction Quality Control Manager
Construction Managers 4 Commercial Construction Project Manager; Construction Area Manager; Construction Management Supervisor; Construction Manager; Construction Project Manager; Construction Services Manager; Environmental Construction Program Manager
Occupation: Construction Managers Education/Preparation: 4 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Commercial Construction Project Manager; Construction Area Manager; Construction Management Supervisor; Construction Manager; Construction Project Manager; Construction Services Manager; Environmental Construction Program Manager
Environmental Engineers 4 Civil Engineer
Occupation: Environmental Engineers Education/Preparation: 4 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Civil Engineer
Aerospace Engineers 4 Civil Aviation Engineer
Occupation: Aerospace Engineers Education/Preparation: 4 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Civil Aviation Engineer
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists 4 Construction Safety Manager
Occupation: Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Education/Preparation: 4 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Construction Safety Manager
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects 4 Marine Civil Engineer
Occupation: Marine Engineers and Naval Architects Education/Preparation: 4 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Marine Civil Engineer
Fire Inspectors and Investigators 3 Building Inspector
Occupation: Fire Inspectors and Investigators Education/Preparation: 3 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Building Inspector
First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators 3 Building Materials Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators Education/Preparation: 3 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Building Materials Supervisor
Construction and Building Inspectors 3 Building Code Inspector; Building Equipment Inspector; Building Inspector; Combination Building Inspector; Residential Building Inspector
Occupation: Construction and Building Inspectors Education/Preparation: 3 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Building Code Inspector; Building Equipment Inspector; Building Inspector; Combination Building Inspector; Residential Building Inspector
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians 3 Civil Engineer Helper; Civil Engineering Assistant; Civil Engineering Technician; Civil Engineering Technologist; Construction Engineering Technician (Construction Engineering Tech)
Occupation: Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians Education/Preparation: 3 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Civil Engineer Helper; Civil Engineering Assistant; Civil Engineering Technician; Civil Engineering Technologist; Construction Engineering Technician (Construction Engineering Tech)
Architectural and Civil Drafters 3 Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter); Architectural CAD Technician (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician); Civil Engineering Designer
Occupation: Architectural and Civil Drafters Education/Preparation: 3 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter); Architectural CAD Technician (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician); Civil Engineering Designer
First-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, Hand 2 Building Materials Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, Hand Education/Preparation: 2 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Building Materials Supervisor
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators 2 Construction Engineer
Occupation: Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Education/Preparation: 2 Engineering and Construction Technology-Related Jobs: Construction Engineer

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 40 specific Engineering and Construction Technology job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
You can use this form two ways:

hidden filler

Filter - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles below

Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:



Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Find Job Listings: Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.


Search results will open in a new tab.

Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

Description: Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.

U.S. Total Employment (2023):
408,500
U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
430,700
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
22,200 (5.4%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
46,000
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Learn and follow safety regulations.
Importance: 99 (%) Description: Drive and maneuver equipment equipped with blades in successive passes over working areas to remove topsoil, vegetation, or rocks or to distribute and level earth or terrain.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Operate equipment to demolish or remove debris or to remove snow from streets, roads, or parking lots.
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Start engines, move throttles, switches, or levers, or depress pedals to operate machines, such as bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders, or backhoes.
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Operate tractors or bulldozers to perform such tasks as clearing land, mixing sludge, trimming backfills, or building roadways or parking lots.
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Load and move dirt, rocks, equipment, or other materials, using trucks, crawler tractors, power cranes, shovels, graders, or related equipment.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Operate loaders to pull out stumps, rip asphalt or concrete, rough-grade properties, bury refuse, or perform general cleanup.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Keep records of material or equipment usage or problems encountered.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, or falling objects.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Locate underground services, such as pipes or wires, prior to beginning work.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Monitor operations to ensure that health and safety standards are met.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Adjust handwheels and depress pedals to control attachments, such as blades, buckets, scrapers, or swing booms.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Repair and maintain equipment, making emergency adjustments or assisting with major repairs as necessary.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Select and fasten bulldozer blades or other attachments to tractors, using hitches.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Signal operators to guide movement of tractor-drawn machines.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Connect hydraulic hoses, belts, mechanical linkages, or power takeoff shafts to tractors.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Align machines, cutterheads, or depth gauge makers with reference stakes and guidelines or ground or position equipment, following hand signals of other workers.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Check fuel supplies at sites to ensure adequate availability.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Drive tractor-trailer trucks to move equipment from site to site.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Push other equipment when extra traction or assistance is required.
Importance: 55 (%) Description: Talk to clients and study instructions, plans, or diagrams to establish work requirements.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Operate road watering, oiling, or rolling equipment, or street sealing equipment, such as chip spreaders.
Importance: 51 (%) Description: Operate compactors, scrapers, or rollers to level, compact, or cover refuse at disposal grounds.
Importance: 50 (%) Description: Turn valves to control air or water output of compressors or pumps.
Importance: 43 (%) Description: Test atmosphere for adequate oxygen or explosive conditions when working in confined spaces.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Performing General Physical Activities: Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Assist skilled construction or extraction personnel.
Communicate with clients about products, procedures, and policies.
Compact materials to create level bases.
Drive trucks or truck-mounted equipment.
Install equipment attachments or components.
Load or unload materials used in construction or extraction.
Locate equipment or materials in need of repair or replacement.
Maintain construction tools or equipment.
Monitor construction operations.
Move construction or extraction materials to locations where they are needed.
Operate equipment or vehicles to clear construction sites or move materials.
Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment.
Operate pumps or compressors.
Operate road-surfacing equipment.
Position construction or extraction equipment.
Record operational or environmental data.
Remove debris or vegetation from work sites.
Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
Select construction equipment.
Signal equipment operators to indicate proper equipment positioning.
Test air quality at work sites.
Update job related knowledge or skills.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Operations Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Dispose of waste or debris.
Activity: Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
Activity: Inspect commercial, industrial, or production systems or equipment.
Activity: Load products, materials, or equipment for transportation or further processing.
Activity: Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise.
Activity: Maintain operational records.
Activity: Maintain tools or equipment.
Activity: Monitor operations to ensure adequate performance.
Activity: Move materials, equipment, or supplies.
Activity: Operate construction or excavation equipment.
Activity: Operate pumping systems or equipment.
Activity: Operate transportation equipment or vehicles.
Activity: Perform general construction or extraction activities.
Activity: Position tools or equipment.
Activity: Read documents or materials to inform work processes.
Activity: Select materials or equipment for operations or projects.
Activity: Set up equipment.
Activity: Signal others to coordinate work activities.
Activity: Test sites or materials for environmental hazards.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
Emerging Tech Skills
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software:
Microsoft Windows
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
General Software Tools
Facilities management software:
Maintenance record software
Time accounting software:
Work record software
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

These occupations involve following instructions and often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include dishwashers, landscaping and groundskeeping workers, counter and rental clerks, dental laboratory technicians, and security guards.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 81.7 (%) Level of Education: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 16.3 (%) Level of Education: Some College Courses
Frequency of Attainment: 1.4 (%) Level of Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Frequency of Attainment: 0.6 (%) Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 36.6 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 22.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 19.9 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 16.3 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 3.3 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Frequency of Attainment: 0.4 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 0.4 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Frequency of Attainment: 0.2 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Up to and including 1 month
Local Salary Information
Certifications
Certifications
These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?
Forklift Inspector & Operator External Link
Forklift Operator External Link
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) External Link
Job Listings
Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings
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Bulldozer Engineer
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Bush Hog Operator
Cable Engineer
Car Runner
Catshovel Driver
Clamshell Engineer
Construction Backhoe Operator
Construction Bulldozer Operator
Construction Engineer
Construction Equipment Operator
Construction Shovel Operator
Crane Engineer
Derrick Engineer
Digging Machine Operator
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Excavator
Forklift Operator
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Grader
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Heavy Machinery Operator
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Hoe Runner
Hoisting Engineer
Hot Mix Asphalt Operator
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Land Leveler
Landfill Grader
Landfill Heavy Equipment Operator (Landfill HEO)
Lift Slab Operator
Locomotive Crane Engineer
Machine Operator
Maintainer Operator
Maintenance Operator
Motor Grader Operator
Muck Operator
Mucker Operator
Mucking Machine Operator
Operating Engineer
Power Grader Operator
Power Shovel Engineer
Road Equipment Operator
Road Grader
Road Grader Operator
Road Hogger Operator
Road Machine Operator
Road Machine Runner
Road Roller Engineer
Rooter Operator
Rotary Soil Stabilizer
Sander
Sanitary Landfill Operator
Scarifier Operator
Scrap Drop Engineer
Scraper Operator
Shovel Engineer
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Related Careers to Consider


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators" occupation.






Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus of Business Management at Mt. San Antonio College and author of the Harvard Business Impact article "What to Do When Students Ask You for Career Advice." - Full bio. © 2026 About This Page