Also called: Asphalt Paver Operator, Roller Operator
Runs the machines that lay and compact asphalt and concrete on roads.
You drive the paver at a slow, steady pace as dump trucks feed it hot asphalt, while the screed operator controls thickness. It's hot, loud, and satisfying to see a smooth new road behind you.
Approximate BLS figures.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. On-the-job training or apprenticeship through operating engineers unions.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Apprenticeship. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Heavy Equipment Operation (trade school).
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). Tied to road construction.
Medium risk for 10 years. GPS-guided and semi-autonomous pavers and rollers are spreading; operators remain, with fewer per crew.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to paving contractors as a laborer; operators train you on rollers and pavers
Classes: Construction CTE, Small engines.
Official data: O*NET occupation 47-2071.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.