Paving Equipment Operators

Career summary

#No alternate titles CJ

Paving equipment operators usually specialize in one type of machinery. All paving equipment operators set up and inspect the machines they use. They also make adjustments and minor repairs. Operators coordinate truck dumping and drive equipment to and from job sites.

Asphalt paving machine operators

Asphalt paving machine operators run machines that apply asphalt to roadbeds. They turn valves that regulate the temperature and control the flow of asphalt. They make sure there is a steady flow of asphalt into the hopper. They watch to be sure the machine pours the asphalt evenly and without leaving empty areas.

Concrete paving machine operators

Concrete paving machine operators run machines that spread and level wet concrete. They move levers and turn wheels to operate the vehicle and control attachments. Operators observe the surface of the concrete to point out low spots where workers should add more concrete. Operators use other attachments to spray on a compound that cures the concrete, or to cut joints so the concrete can expand.

Tamping equipment operators

Tamping equipment operators use machines to compact soil and other fill materials such as rocks. They may operate machines that cut or break up old pavement.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Crane and Tower Operators
• Farm and Ranch Workers
• Forklift Operators
• Loggers
• Material Moving Machine Operators
• Mining Machine Operators
• Operating Engineers and Construction Equipment Operators
• Pipelayers
• Roustabouts

Military careers

• Construction Equipment Operators

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to paving equipment operators.

• Move levers and turn wheels to operate and control equipment.
• Set up and inspect equipment. Make adjustments and minor repairs.
• Watch to be sure machines distribute the materials evenly.
• Observe the surface of concrete to point out low spots for workers to add concrete.
• Operate equipment with computerized controls.
• Coordinate truck dumping.
• Turn valves to regulate the temperature of asphalt and control its flow onto the roadbed.
• Make sure there is a constant flow of asphalt going into the hopper.
• Operate tamping machines that compact earth and other fill materials for roadbeds.
• Set up guidelines for curbs, using a variety of materials.
• Shovel blacktop.
• Fill equipment with paving materials.
• Operate machines that cut or break up old pavement.
• Drive equipment to and from job sites.
• Install equipment onto machines, using hand tools.
• Use other attachments to spray on a curing compound or cut expansion joints.

Common work activities

Paving equipment operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Control machines and processes
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Handle and move objects
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Perform for or work with the public
• Get information needed to do the job
• Evaluate information against standards
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Teach others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Update and use job-related knowledge

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, paving equipment operators:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of job-required social contact. They work with others most of the time.
• Communicate with coworkers daily in person.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of other workers.
• Are responsible for work outcomes and results of other workers.
• Often are placed in conflict situations.
• Sometimes deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals.
• Sometimes communicate with coworkers by telephone.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Nearly always work outdoors.
• Always wear protective attire, such as hard hats.
• Are exposed to contaminants on a daily basis, such as concrete sealer and asphalt.
• Are exposed to hazardous equipment on a daily basis. However, accidents can be avoided by following safety practices.
• Are always exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures when working outdoors.
• Are exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable on a daily basis. They use equipment that is noisy.
• Are exposed to hazardous conditions or situations on a daily basis. They may get cuts or minor burns.
• Are often exposed to very bright or dim lighting conditions.
• Often are exposed to whole body vibrations from the machines they operate. This is especially true for tamping machine operators.
• Are sometimes exposed to cramped work places that require getting into awkward positions.
• Work in open equipment on a daily basis. Often operate enclosed equipment.
• Work near other people, but usually have a few feet of space separating them from others.

Work performance

• Must allow the work pace to be set by the speed of the paving equipment.
• Must be sure that their work is exact. Errors could result in safety hazards.
• Repeat the same physical activities, such as shoveling blacktop.
• Make decisions on a weekly basis that strongly impact other workers. They can make most decisions without talking to a supervisor.
• Are able to set some tasks for the day without talking to a supervisor.
• Must meet strict deadlines on a weekly basis.

Hours/travel

• Generally do not have a set schedule each week. Their schedules depend on the weather, and availability of work.
• Usually work more than 40 hours a week.
• May work in remote locations.

Physical demands

Paving equipment operators frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for paving equipment operators to be able to:

• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for paving equipment operators to be able to:

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.

Skills and abilities

Paving equipment operators need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Heavy Equipment Operations

Training

To work as a paving equipment operator, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required beyond high school.

Work experience

Experience operating farm equipment or other types of heavy equipment is good preparation for this occupation.

On-the-job training

Many paving equipment operators learn their skills informally on the job. In this case, an experienced worker teaches you the job. This type of training takes about one year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be construction equipment operators. Training lasts from four to 12 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

If you receive this type of training in the military, you may earn credit for previous work experience when you enter a civilian apprenticeship program.

Washington apprenticeships

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Added this WA subheading and contact info 3/22/07, CJ. Checked info 3/19/09 & 3/16/11, 4/15/13, 3/17/15, 12/13/16 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Diesel Mechanics and Repair
• Driver Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers usually prefer to hire people who have a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some employers may train people with less education. Employers who use equipment with computerized controls may require previous training or an understanding of electronics.

Employers look for applicants who have mechanical aptitude. High school training in auto mechanics is often helpful. Experience operating other types of mobile equipment is also an asset.

Employers look for operators who have a good sense of balance and the ability to judge distance. Operators also need good eye-hand-foot coordination.

Washington State Department of Transportation workers must undergo pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.

Tips

Equipment operation or mechanical training is beneficial. Get a part-time summer job to gain experience.

Costs to workers

Paving equipment operators may have to supply protective clothing. Union members pay an initiation fee and quarterly or monthly dues. Operators may pay their own housing costs when working at sites away from their homes.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by area of the country. Pay generally is higher in large cities. Earnings can sometimes be reduced because of work time lost due to bad weather.

Paving equipment operators who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Local government agencies (street repair)
• Highway and street construction companies
• Utility construction companies
• Heavy construction companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will grow faster than average. Job growth for paving equipment operators will result from increased government spending on highways, bridges, roads, and dams.

Job openings will arise because of the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. Job prospects are best for those who are trained on several types of equipment.

Paving equipment operators sometimes have periods of unemployment. This is due to the short-term nature of many jobs and the cyclical nature of the industry. During economic slowdowns, the number of job openings for paving equipment operators declines.

Other resources

Operating Engineers Regional Training Program 
16921 Vantage Highway
Ellensburg, WA 98926
509.968.3203

Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council 
906 Columbia Street SW, Suite 107
Olympia, WA 98501
360.357.6778

Western States Operating Engineers 
23500 South Operating Engineers Lane
Spangle, WA 99031-0210
509.235.9393

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators (47-2071.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Asphalt-paving-machine Operator (853.663-010) 
• Concrete-paving-machine Operator (853.663-014) 
• Curb-machine Operator (853.683-010) 
• Form-tamper Operator (869.683-010) 
• Heater-planer Operator (853.683-014) 
• Joint-cleaning-and-grooving-machine Operator (853.683-018) 
• Reinforcing-steel-machine Operator (859.683-022) 
• Road-mixer Operator (859.683-026) 
• Road-oiling-truck Driver (853.663-018) 
• Road-roller Operator (859.683-030) 
• Stone-spreader Operator (853.663-022) 
• Tamping-machine Operator (869.683-018) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled