Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators

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Career Profile

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators

What they do

Operate equipment used for applying concrete, asphalt, or other materials to road beds, parking lots, or airport runways and taxiways or for tamping gravel, dirt, or other materials. Includes concrete and asphalt paving machine operators, form tampers, tamping machine operators, and stone spreader operators.

Also Called: Asphalt Paver Operator, Asphalt Paving Machine Operator, Asphalt Raker, Asphalt Roller Operator, Equipment Operator (EO), Loader Operator, Maintenance Equipment Operator (MEO), Paver Operator, Roller Operator, Screed Operator, Asphalt Paver Operator, Asphalt Paving Machine Operator, Asphalt Raker, Asphalt Roller Operator, Equipment Operator (EO), Loader Operator, Maintenance Equipment Operator (MEO), Paver Operator, Roller Operator, Screed Operator

TX Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$37,280
Starting Salary (2025)
$47,060
Median Salary (2025)
3.2%
Projected Job Growth
3,940
TX Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Inspect, clean, maintain, and repair equipment, using mechanics' hand tools, or report malfunctions to supervisors.
Start machine, engage clutch, and push and move levers to guide machine along forms or guidelines and to control the operation of machine attachments.
Operate machines to spread, smooth, level, or steel-reinforce stone, concrete, or asphalt on road beds.
Operate tamping machines or manually roll surfaces to compact earth fills, foundation forms, and finished road materials, according to grade specifications.
Shovel blacktop.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Integrity
Independence
Self-Control
Achievement/Effort

What key skills are needed for this job?

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Repairing
Troubleshooting

Expected Knowledge

Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Common Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Less than high school 41%
  • High school diploma 38%
  • Post-secondary certificate 21%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Construction Laborers
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
Segmental Pavers
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.