Skip to content
CIP 49.0202 Transportation and Materials Moving

Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

100

2025 · 9 schools

International share

0.0%

0 international students

Overview

The Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation program is designed to equip students with the practical skills and technical knowledge necessary to operate heavy machinery used in construction and earthmoving activities. This field is essential for the successful completion of construction projects, infrastructure development, and land management.

Students in this program typically engage in hands-on training with various types of heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, backhoes, and graders. They learn about the operation, maintenance, and safety protocols associated with these machines, ensuring that they can perform tasks efficiently while adhering to industry standards. The curriculum often covers key topics such as equipment mechanics, site management, and environmental considerations in construction.

Additionally, this program emphasizes safety training, as operating heavy machinery poses risks that require careful attention and adherence to safety regulations. Students may receive certifications in operating specific equipment, which can enhance their employability in the field.

Graduates of this program find opportunities in construction companies, civil engineering firms, and landscaping businesses, among others. They play a critical role in various projects, from residential buildings to large-scale infrastructure developments such as highways and bridges. Overall, the Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation program prepares students for a rewarding career in a vital sector of the economy, contributing to the development and maintenance of essential infrastructure.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2004 to 2025, graduates grew 1,329% and the international share went from 0.0% to 0.0%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
94.0%
Asian
0.0%
Hispanic
3.0%
Black
1.0%
Other
2.0%
Intl.
0.0%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 9 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
— SUNY College of Technology at Alfred New York 33 0
— Pennsylvania College of Technology Pennsylvania 30 0
— Hocking College Ohio 13 0
— Lake Area Technical College South Dakota 12 0
— Central Arizona College Arizona 4 0
— Cuyahoga Community College District Ohio 4 0
— Ivy Tech Community College Indiana 2 0
— Central Community College Nebraska 1 0
— College of Southern Nevada Nevada 1 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators 478,090 $31.87 $66,290
Highway Maintenance Workers 154,960 $25.52 $53,080
Crane and Tower Operators 42,890 $34.68 $72,130
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators 41,820 $28.37 $59,000
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining 34,480 $28.81 $59,930
Material Moving Workers, All Other 23,480 $21.94 $45,640
Logging Equipment Operators 21,060 $25.57 $53,190
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators 19,580 $33.05 $68,740
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas 19,450 $30.21 $62,830
Continuous Mining Machine Operators 14,000 $31.27 $65,050
Extraction Workers, All Other 5,540 $27.83 $57,890
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters 5,100 $32.04 $66,640
Underground Mining Machine Operators, All Other 3,180 $33.59 $69,860
Hoist and Winch Operators 2,600 $32.55 $67,710
Pile Driver Operators 2,310 $38.81 $80,710
Dredge Operators 1,040 $26.98 $56,120

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2004–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.