Is Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators a good career in 2026?▼
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators has a Career Health Score of 57/100, rated "Fair." Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators shows mixed signals. ai resilience is a plus, but work-life balance raise concerns. The median salary is $47,630 per year. Employment is projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, which is as fast as average.
How much do Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators make?▼
The median annual salary for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators is $47,630 as of 2023. The bottom 10% earn around $31,870, while the top 10% earn over $77,110. The 75th percentile salary is $61,850.
What education do you need to become a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operator?▼
The typical entry-level education for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators is high school diploma or equivalent. New hires typically receive moderate-term on-the-job training of on-the-job training.
Will AI replace Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators?▼
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators are relatively safe from AI automation, with an AI exposure score of 11%. The overall impact is classified as "Minimal Impact." Key tasks that remain difficult to automate include operating paving machines on active roadways and variable terrain and coordinating with flaggers, dump trucks, and rollers in convoy operations.
What is the job outlook for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators?▼
Employment for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators is projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, which is as fast as average. The economy is expected to add approximately 7,500 openings per year, including replacements for workers who transfer or retire.
What skills do Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators need?▼
The most important skills for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators include Heavy Equipment Operation, Safety Awareness, Physical Stamina, Mechanical Aptitude, Teamwork. Key technical skills include Heavy Equipment Operation, Physical Stamina, Mechanical Aptitude. Strong soft skills like Teamwork are also essential.