Most acquire their skills on the job, but some construction equipment operators complete formal apprenticeship programs. Employment is expected to grow slowly due to slow overall growth in the construction industries. Workers in these occupations often have high pay rates, but many cannot work in inclement weather, thus reducing earnings.
Operators control equipment by moving levers or foot pedals, operating switches, or turning dials.
The operation of much of this equipment is becoming more complex as a result of computerized controls. Construction equipment operators may also set up and inspect equipment, make adjustments, and perform minor repairs. Construction equipment operators include grader, bulldozer, and scraper operators, operating engineers, and paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators. Grader, bulldozer, and scraper operators gouge out, distribute, level, and grade earth with vehicles equipped with a concave blade attached across the front. In addition to the familiar bulldozers, they operate trench excavators, road graders, and similar equipment.