Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators: A Vital Role in the Construction Industry

Construction is one of the most critical industries globally as it contributes significantly to economic development, infrastructure development, and job creation. Within the construction industry, skilled professionals such as operating engineers and other construction equipment operators play an essential role in ensuring buildings, highways, and other structures are built efficiently and safely. In this article, we’ll look at what an operating engineer does, some examples of this job, and how to get into this field.

What is an Operating Engineer?

An operating engineer operates and maintains heavy machinery and equipment used in the construction industry. Their primary job is to ensure that the equipment runs smoothly and is correctly used. An operating engineer’s primary task is to operate cranes, bulldozers, pavers, excavators, and similar heavy equipment. They also inspect equipment as needed to check whether repairs or maintenance are essential.

Operating engineers are skilled professionals who ensure that construction sites are safe for other workers. They work in different places such as construction sites, mines, and oil refineries.

Examples of Job Roles in Operating Engineer and Construction Equipment Operators

As mentioned earlier, operating engineers and construction equipment operators operate heavy equipment such as bulldozers, scrapers, cranes, and loaders. Here are some examples of responsibilities associated with different operating engineer and construction equipment operator jobs:

• Crane Operator: Crane operators use cranes to lift and move heavy materials on construction sites or industrial plants.
• Excavator Operator: Excavator operators dig holes, foundations, or trenches on construction sites using excavators.
• Bulldozer Operator: Bulldozer operators use bulldozers to move soil and other building materials around construction sites, prepare roads, and clear land.
• Paving Equipment Operators: Paving equipment operators operate machines that spread and level asphalt or concrete on roads, bridges, and other structures.

Education, Training, and Career Progression to Becoming an Operating Engineer

Most of the operating engineers and construction equipment operators learn their trade through on-the-job training or apprenticeship programs. To become an operating engineer, you need a high school diploma or GED, which is the minimum educational requirement. However, getting an associate’s degree or attending a specialized trade school can be a benefit.

Apprenticeship programs offer a more specialized kind of training that combines both on-the-job experience and classroom instruction. These programs usually last three to four years and may be found through unions, trade associations, or construction companies. Throughout the apprenticeship program, you get to learn different skills such as safety guidelines, equipment maintenance, and operation techniques.

Career progression in the operating engineer and construction equipment operator field is based on experience and expertise. An operating engineer with years of experience and a good work history will be more likely to get promoted to supervisors or management positions over time.

Getting into the Field

If you are interested in getting into the field as an operating engineer or construction equipment operator, there are various ways to go about it. Here are some recommended paths to consider:

• Join an apprenticeship program: An apprenticeship program is an excellent way to gain the experience, knowledge, and skills needed to be an operating engineer.
• Get certified: Certification programs provide proof of competency in equipment operation and safety. These certifications may improve your job prospects and may set you apart from other candidates in the job market.
• Join a union: Unions usually provide both training and employment opportunities to their members. Becoming a union member as you begin your career can be a great start and may lead to many benefits over time.

In conclusion, operating engineers and other construction equipment operators are vital professionals in the construction industry. These skilled professionals operate and maintain heavy machinery and equipment used in the construction industry. If you are interested in getting into this field, an apprenticeship program, certification, or union membership may be viable options.

Salary Data

Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators have varying salary data depending on their level of experience and whether they are a part of a union or not. According to US National Average data, an entry-level operating engineer earns around $42,910.40 while an experienced operating engineer can earn up to $64,022.40. Union workers earn an average of $76,086.40 while nonunion workers earn an average of $52,104.00.

The effects of unions on this job vary greatly, with union workers earning significantly more than their nonunion counterparts. In Urban Honolulu, HI, union operating engineers and other construction equipment operators have the highest average salary of $99,216.00 while nonunion operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in the South Georgia nonmetropolitan area have the lowest average salary of $35,297.60.

It is important for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators to carefully consider their union membership in order to potentially earn a higher salary.