Tamping machine operator vs paver operator

The differences between tamping machine operators and paver operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a tamping machine operator and a paver operator. Additionally, a paver operator has an average salary of $42,531, which is higher than the $32,069 average annual salary of a tamping machine operator.

The top three skills for a tamping machine operator include grade specifications, CDL and track structure. The most important skills for a paver operator are asphalt, highway construction, and loaders.

Tamping machine operator vs paver operator overview

	Tamping Machine Operator	Paver Operator
Yearly salary	$32,069	$42,531
Hourly rate	$15.42	$20.45
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	53,712	34,683
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 56%	High School Diploma, 59%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	2	2

Tamping machine operator vs paver operator salary

Tamping machine operators and paver operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Tamping Machine Operator	Paver Operator
Average salary	$32,069	$42,531
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $41,000	Between $32,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between tamping machine operator and paver operator education

There are a few differences between a tamping machine operator and a paver operator in terms of educational background:

	Tamping Machine Operator	Paver Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 56%	High School Diploma, 59%
Most common major	Engineering	Business
Most common college	-	-

Tamping machine operator vs paver operator demographics

Here are the differences between tamping machine operators' and paver operators' demographics:

	Tamping Machine Operator	Paver Operator
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1%	Male, 98.5% Female, 1.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 5.8% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 0.9% White, 74.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.0%	Black or African American, 5.8% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 0.9% White, 74.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.0%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between tamping machine operator and paver operator duties and responsibilities

Tamping machine operator example responsibilities.

Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
Crane operator, Bidwell paving machine operator and setup.

Paver operator example responsibilities.

Receive MSHA training and implement safety procedures daily.
Crane operator, Bidwell paving machine operator and setup.
Help to ensure EPA and OSHA standards and procedures are followed.
Install dies, cutters, and extensions to screeds onto machines, using hand tools.
Train to operate equipment in a safe and effective manner in accordance to MSHA regulations.
Start engine and control paving machine to push dump truck and maintain constant flow of asphalt into hopper.

Tamping machine operator vs paver operator skills

Common tamping machine operator skills

Grade Specifications, 35%
CDL, 34%
Track Structure, 27%
Tampers, 4%

Common paver operator skills

Asphalt, 51%
Highway Construction, 9%
Loaders, 8%
OSHA, 7%
Construction Sites, 6%
Safety Standards, 4%

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Tamping Machine Operator vs Paver Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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