Transportation · Operate dredge to remove sand, gravel, or other materials in order to excavate and maintain navigable channels in waterways.
This profile is intended as career exploration guidance based on federal labor data. Actual job requirements, salaries, and opportunities vary by employer and location.
Entry Salary
$38–46k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$50–59k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
+1.2% · Slower than average
Projected growth of 1.2% from 2024 to 2034.
Time to Start
1–2 years
College degree typical
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, and specialization.
Entry-Level Operators
Dredge Operators
Experienced Dredge Operators
Senior Dredge Operators
Director of Transportation
You prioritize Support
This career is strongly aligned with Support — a core work value that shapes how people approach their career decisions.
You're strong in Operation and Control
Operation and Control is a top skill for this career, and it plays to what students like you naturally do best.
Good fit for your timeline
This career typically requires short-term training (less than 1 year), which matches common student preparation goals.
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