Get to Know Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators

Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators are an important part of the construction industry as they ensure that roads, runways, and other surfaces are flat, smooth and durable. These operators are responsible for operating machines to spread and level asphalt, concrete, and other materials on roads, airports, and parking lots.

Examples of Job Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators include:

• Reading plans and blueprints to understand the work requirements
• Operating and maintaining equipment such as paving machines, rollers, and tampers
• Ensuring that the surface is level, smooth, and free of bumps or cracks
• Measuring and placing markers to guide the machines
• Directing the flow of traffic around the work site
• Communicating effectively with other workers and supervisors

Education and Training for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators

There are no formal educational requirements for becoming a paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operator. However, most employers prefer to hire candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent.
Additionally, vocational schools and community colleges offer courses in heavy equipment operation and safety. These courses may cover various topics, including how to operate and maintain machinery, safety procedures, and the basics of construction math.

Progressing Between the Levels of Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators

Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators typically start as laborers and progress to the equipment operator position after gaining some experience. As they gain more experience and acquire additional skills, they may be promoted to supervisory or management positions.

How to Get into the Field If You’re New

If you’re interested in becoming a paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operator, the best way to get started is by gaining some general construction experience. This can be done by working as a laborer or helper on a construction site. You can also enroll in training programs at vocational schools or community colleges to learn the necessary skills and gain experience operating heavy equipment.

In conclusion, paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators are essential to the construction industry. They ensure that roads, runways, and other surfaces are flat, smooth and durable. While formal education is not always required, it is important to have some experience in construction work. With the right training and experience, a career as a paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operator can be fulfilling and lucrative.

Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators have a national average salary of $51,646.40 for level 05 workers and $55,785.60 for those not able to be leveled. However, unionized workers have a significantly higher salary with an average of $70,990.40 for all levels. Nonunion workers have an average salary of $46,758.40 for all levels.

Full-time workers in this field have an average salary of $53,393.60 for all levels, $51,646.40 for level 05, and $56,222.40 for those not able to be leveled. Time-based workers have an average salary of $52,748.80 for all levels. In Ohio, paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators have an average salary of $64,292.80 for full-time workers and $63,897.60 for time-based workers.

The presence or absence of a union can have a significant impact on the salary of paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators. Unionized workers can earn significantly more than nonunion workers.