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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Dredge Operators

Median Salary
50,440
Job Outlook
+3%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Operate dredge to remove sand, gravel, or other materials in order to excavate and maintain navigable channels in waterways.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of material moving machine operators is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 85,500 openings for material moving machine operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$44,370

10%

$50,440

Median

$66,250

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    79%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    8%

  • Less than high school

    7%

  • Some college

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Mechanical
  • English Language
  • Administration and Management
  • Education and Training
  • Production and Processing

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.