Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Operators
Description OES Code: 87708
Operate equipment used for applying concrete, asphalt, or other materials to road beds, parking lots, or airport runways and taxiways, or equipment used for tamping gravel, dirt, or other materials. Include Concrete and Asphalt Paving Machine Operators, Form Tampers, Tamping Machine Operators, and Stone Spreader Operators.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $12.92
25th Percentile $14.87
50th Percentile $19.57
75th Percentile $26.93

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Most workers in this industry work full time, many over 40 hours a week. In 1998, more than 1 in 5 wage and salary construction workers worked 45 hours or more a week; over half of self-employed individuals worked over 45 hours a week.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 7,800
Projected Employment 2008 8,900
Percent Change 1998-2008 14.1%
Separations 1998-2008 2,100

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 140
Projected Employment 2006 170
Percent Change 1999-2006 21.4%
Separations 1999-2006 30

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Many construction equipment operators work outdoors, in nearly every type of climate and weather condition. Some machines, including bulldozers, scrapers, and especially tampers and pile drivers, are noisy and shake or jolt the operator. Operating heavy construction equipment can be dangerous. As with most machinery, accidents generally can be avoided by observing proper operating procedures and safety practices. Construction equipment operators can expect to be cold in the winter and hot in the summer, and often get dirty, greasy, muddy, or dusty.

Advancement
Beginning construction equipment operators, handle light equipment under the guidance of an experienced operator. Later, they may operate heavier equipment.

Getting the Job & Other Information
For further information about apprenticeships or work opportunities for paving, surfacing, and tamping operators and other construction equipment operators, contact a local of the International Union of Operating Engineers; a local apprenticeship committee; or the nearest office of the State apprenticeship agency. In addition, the local office of the State employment service may provide information about apprenticeship and other training programs.

For general information about the work of construction equipment operators, contact:

National Center for Construction Education and Research, University of Florida, P.O. Box 141104, Gainesville, FL 32614-1104.

Associated General Contractors of America, Inc., 1957 E St. NW., Washington, DC 20006.

International Union of Operating Engineers, 1125 17th St. NW., Washington, DC 20036.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Paving, surfacing, and tamping operators and other construction equipment operators usually learn their skills on the job. Employers of construction equipment operators generally prefer to hire high school graduates, although some employers may train persons having less education to operate some types of equipment.

Some construction equipment operators, however, train in formal 3-year operating engineer apprenticeship programs administered by union-management committees of the International Union of Operating Engineers and the Associated General Contractors of America. Because apprentices learn to operate a wider variety of machines than other beginners, they usually have better job opportunities. Apprenticeship programs consist of at least 3 years, or 6,000 hours, of on-the-job training and 144 hours a year of related classroom instruction.

Private vocational schools offer instruction in the operation of certain types of construction equipment. Completion of such a program may help a person get a job as a trainee or apprentice. However, persons considering such training should check the reputation of the school among employers in the area.

Skills & Other Requirements
Operators need a good sense of balance, the ability to judge distance, and good eye-hand-foot coordination. The more technologically advanced construction equipment has computerized controls, which require different operating skills than in the past. Operators of such equipment may need more training and some understanding of electronics. Mechanical aptitude and high school training in automobile mechanics are helpful because workers may perform some maintenance on their machines. Experience operating related mobile equipment, such as farm tractors or heavy equipment in the Armed Forces, is an asset.

References
US Bureau Of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Related Occupations: Heavy Truck Drivers, Busdrivers, Logging Equipment Operators, Refuse Collector

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)