Operating Engineers
Description OES Code: 97956
Operate several types of power construction equipment, such as compressors, pumps, hoists, derricks, cranes, shovels, tractors, scrapers, or motor graders 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. Exclude workers who specialize in operation of a single type of heavy equipment, such as a bulldozer or crane.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $17.32
25th Percentile $19.88
50th Percentile $26.18
75th Percentile $32.08

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $18.00
25th Percentile $20.47
50th Percentile $30.68
75th Percentile $33.30

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Most Operating Engineers work full time and average 38 hours per week. Most employers provide medical, dental and vision insurance in addition to vacation and retirement plans.

Most of the Operating Engineers in California belong to the International Union of Operating Engineers. Wages paid to union workers vary with the type of equipment operated and the area in which the work is located. Generally, higher wages are paid to workers operating or repairing the larger or more complex machines.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 13,500
Projected Employment 2008 15,600
Percent Change 1998-2008 15.6%
Separations 1998-2008 2,600

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 130
Projected Employment 2006 170
Percent Change 1999-2006 30.8%
Separations 1999-2006 20

Employment Trends by California County

Advancement
Operating engineers may increase their hourly pay by learning to operate machines requiring higher skill. Persons with above-average ability may be promoted to foreman, superintendent, or project manager. Some workers become owner-operators, furnishing both machine and operator at a specified rental rate.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Operating engineers who are union members find work by dispatch from out-of-work lists at union offices. The date of registration for work and competence in operating the equipment specified in the employer's job order determine the order of dispatch. Other workers find jobs by word-of-mouth leads, newspaper advertisements, contacting employers directly, and by referral from Employment Development Department offices.

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

Education and Training
Apprenticeship involves on-the-job training in the form of paid employment, together with supplemental related training at a designated training center. In general, apprenticeship program applicants must be age 18 or older and may be required to submit evidence of good physical condition and completion of high school education or equivalent (GED). Applicants meeting minimum qualifications are given a written test that measures basic reading and math abilities and mechanical understanding. Scores on the test determine which applicants will be selected for admission to the program from each county; applicants compete only with other individuals residing in the same county.

The apprentice selects one of several branches of work for specialization. The four most popular categories are construction equipment operation, dredges, plant equipment operation, and heavy-duty repair. In the first three categories, the apprentices learn to operate and maintain a variety of equipment and make routine repairs. In the fourth category, the emphasis is on repair. Persons seeking an apprenticeship should contact the nearest district office of the Operating Engineers Union to determine when applications will be accepted.

A number of private schools offer instruction in the operation of construction equipment. Persons considering such training should contact employers in the area to determine the schools' performance. Training in the operation of construction equipment may also be available through the Navy Civil Engineering Corps and the Army Corps of Engineers. Persons wanting to enter the trade without formal training frequently find employment as a laborer, truck driver or in some other capacity where they have the opportunity to work with the equipment.

Skills & Other Requirements
The difficulty of the Operating Engineer's work depends largely on the complexity of the machine being used and the demands of the job. Operating a large crane, particularly in handling a heavy load or lifting materials of all sizes to great heights, requires a high degree of skill, while operating an air compressor requires less skill. Most workers specialize in operating the equipment; however, many others work as heavy-equipment mechanics who specialize in maintenance and repair.

References
Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)