Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
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National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Dredge operators are specialized equipment operators who work in a relatively small occupation, with national employment of 1,000. The role combines physical capabilities with technical and problem-solving skills, making it suited to people who are comfortable working with machinery and using both hands-on and analytical abilities. The national median salary of $48,430 places this career in a moderate earning range, with some states offering higher pay. The job outlook shows projected employment growth of 1.2%, indicating modest expansion rather than rapid change. Career progress within this field can be supported by developing strong fine motor skills, mechanical aptitude, and physical strength and stamina, along with interpersonal and leadership abilities. For individuals interested in related paths, similar occupations include loading and moving machine operators in underground mining, logging workers (all other), refractory materials repairers (except brickmasons), textile, apparel, and furnishings workers (all other), and pourers and casters, metal. Overall, dredge operator roles can appeal to people who value operating machinery, solving problems, and applying practical skills on the job.
Nationally, dredge operators earn a median annual salary of $48,430. Earnings can vary meaningfully by location. Among the top states by CareerGPS opportunity score, New Jersey reports a median salary of $63,810, the highest in this group. Iowa also offers relatively higher pay at $57,990. Florida and Ohio fall in a mid-range, with median salaries of $52,800 and $53,310, respectively. Nebraska’s median salary of $45,290 is somewhat lower than the national median, illustrating that pay can differ even among states with solid opportunity scores. At the metro level, Kansas City, MO-KS shows a median salary of $48,980, closely aligned with the national median. These differences suggest that location choice can have a significant impact on earnings, and individuals may want to weigh salary levels alongside employment levels and opportunity scores when considering where to pursue dredge operator positions.
Dredge operators work in a small occupation nationally, with employment of 1,000. Projected employment growth is 1.2%, indicating limited but positive expansion over the projection period. Annual openings are reported as 0, which highlights how few positions may become available in a typical year. This combination of small overall employment and low annual openings suggests that opportunities can be relatively limited and may be concentrated in particular regions. However, the presence of positive projected growth shows that employment is expected to increase rather than decline. Individuals considering this career should be prepared for a niche labor market where job changes and openings may not occur frequently. Monitoring locations with higher opportunity scores and employment counts, and aligning personal skills such as mechanical aptitude, physical strength and stamina, and problem solving with employer needs, can be important for successfully entering and staying in this field.
Location plays a significant role in the career landscape for dredge operators. Among the top states by CareerGPS opportunity score, New Jersey leads with an opportunity score of 48.84, a median salary of $63,810, and employment of 30. Ohio and Nebraska each have employment of 40 and 30, respectively, with opportunity scores above 42 and median salaries of $53,310 in Ohio and $45,290 in Nebraska. Iowa stands out with the highest employment among these states at 60 and a relatively strong median salary of $57,990, though its opportunity score is 36.36. Florida offers employment of 40, a median salary of $52,800, and an opportunity score of 36.20. At the metro level, Kansas City, MO-KS appears as a notable area, with employment of 40, a median salary of $48,980, and an opportunity score of 45.65. These figures show that both pay and employment concentration can differ significantly by state and metro, giving job seekers multiple ways to prioritize locations—higher wages, more positions, or higher opportunity scores.
Dredge operator roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent. This education level makes the field accessible to individuals who have completed secondary education and are ready to build skills directly related to the job. Success in this occupation is supported by a combination of technical, physical, and cognitive abilities. Key skills include fine motor skills and mechanical aptitude, which are important for working effectively with equipment. Physical strength and stamina are also highlighted, reflecting the physical demands of the role. Cognitive and analytical capabilities matter as well, with important skills including science, mathematics, problem solving and decision making, and critical and analytical thinking. Interpersonal and leadership skills are also valuable, supporting communication and coordination with others. Creativity and innovation round out the skill profile, indicating that operators benefit from being able to adapt and find new approaches. Building and demonstrating these abilities can strengthen a candidate’s readiness for dredge operator positions.
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