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Transportation and Logistics

Dredge Operators

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

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Dredge Operators
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Median pay

$48,430
Median annual pay for Dredge Operators.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

1.2%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

1,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Dredge Operators in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

0
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Reading Comprehension

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Public Safety and Security
  4. 4Administration and Management
  5. 5Production and Processing
  6. 6Mathematics

Abilities

  1. 1Control Precision
  2. 2Multilimb Coordination
  3. 3Depth Perception
  4. 4Arm-Hand Steadiness
  5. 5Manual Dexterity
  6. 6Reaction Time

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Controlling Machines and Processes
  2. 2Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  3. 3Handling and Moving Objects
  4. 4Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  5. 5Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  6. 6Getting Information

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  4. 4Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  5. 5Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  6. 6Contact With Others

Representative tasks

  • Move levers to position dredges for excavation, to engage hydraulic pumps, to raise and lower suction booms, and to control rotation of cutterheads.
  • Start and stop engines to operate equipment.
  • Start power winches that draw in or let out cables to change positions of dredges, or pull in and let out cables manually.
  • Pump water to clear machinery pipelines.
  • Lower anchor poles to verify depths of excavations, using winches, or scan depth gauges to determine depths of excavations.
  • Direct or assist workers placing shore anchors and cables, laying additional pipes from dredges to shore, and pumping water from pontoons.

Software and tools

Global positioning system GPS softwareHYPACK DREDGEPACKProgrammable logic controller PLC softwareTeledyne Odom Hydrographic ODOM eChartTrimble HYDROproWeb browser software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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