Material moving machine operators use machinery to transport various objects. Some operators move construction materials around building sites or excavate earth from a mine. Others move goods around a warehouse or onto container ships.

Most material moving machine operators work full time, and overtime for them is common. Because materials are shipped around the clock, some operators—especially those in warehousing—work overnight shifts.

Education and training requirements vary by occupation. Crane operators and excavating machine operators usually have several years of experience in related occupations.

The median annual wage for material moving machine operators was $33,640 in May 2015.

Employment of material moving machine operators is projected to grow 3 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations. Job openings should result from the need to replace workers who leave these occupations.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for material moving machine operators.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of material moving machine operators with similar occupations.

Learn more about material moving machine operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.