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ConstructionTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.Green JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.Critical OccupationOccupation identified by industry partners as critical to business success.Climate CriticalOne of the 20 occupation classifications Colorado identified as essential to meeting the state's climate goals and needing focused workforce investment.

Operating Engineer and Equipment Operator

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.

Annual openings

1,224

Median wage

$62,620

Typical education

High school preferred, plus moderate length on-the-job training

Growth 2026–2032

+6%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school preferred, plus moderate length on-the-job training

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

Entry-level

Work-based learning

Build Colorado provides more information about this job.

There is a high need for these jobs on big infrastructure construction projects as well as maintaining infrastructure, such as at the Colorado Dept of Transportation (CDOT).

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Start engines, move throttles, switches, or levers, or depress pedals to operate machines, such as bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders, or backhoes.
  2. Align machines, cutterheads, or depth gauge makers with reference stakes and guidelines or ground or position equipment, following hand signals of other workers.
  3. Locate underground services, such as pipes or wires, prior to beginning work.
  4. Repair and maintain equipment, making emergency adjustments or assisting with major repairs as necessary.
  5. Load and move dirt, rocks, equipment, or other materials, using trucks, crawler tractors, power cranes, shovels, graders, or related equipment.
  6. Drive and maneuver equipment equipped with blades in successive passes over working areas to remove topsoil, vegetation, or rocks or to distribute and level earth or terrain.
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