How much does a equipment operator make?

In the U.S., pay can rise with experience and skill, and apprentices earn less while learning; useful credentials can also matter. It varies by employer and location, the machines and task complexity, and available hours or night shifts—construction can be seasonal.

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. Excludes “Extraction Workers” (47-5000) and “Crane and Tower Operators” (53-7021).

What's a typical day like?

After checking hazards and buried pipes, they use a bulldozer, grader, or loader to dig, move soil, and level a road site. They follow hand signals, watch the machine, and make routine repairs.

Most start after high school or an equivalent, often around age 18, and learn on the job, at vocational school, or through a 3–4-year apprenticeship. A CDL may be needed to haul machines, and a few states require special equipment licenses.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

In an O*NET survey, all respondents in this job group said they work outdoors in all kinds of weather every day.

The US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.