Dredge Operators
Explore safer careers (4)
Lower estimated automation risk
Why it fits
Experienced dredge operators can coordinate crews, equipment safety, schedules, and production targets.
Why it fits
Reuses pumps, flows, equipment monitoring, logs, and water-system safety with plant-specific training.
Why it fits
Uses similar powered equipment controls, lift planning awareness, hand signals, and jobsite safety discipline.
Why it fits
Directly reuses heavy equipment operation, earthmoving awareness, maintenance checks, and site safety habits.
Occupation snapshot
What does this snowflake show?
What's this?
We rate jobs using four factors. These are:
- Chance of being automated
- Job growth
- Wages
- Volume of available positions
These are some key things to think about when job hunting.
Risk & user votes
Calculated automation risk
High Risk (61-80%): This occupation shows a significant risk of end-to-end replacement by automation. Many core parts of the role may be structured, repeatable, software-driven, or physically predictable enough for AI, machines, or robotic systems to take over. If you work in this area, it may be worth exploring safer related careers or moving towards more human-centred responsibilities.
More information on what this score is, and how it is calculated is available here.
Human strengths important in this job
These are human abilities and work contexts that are important in this occupation. They may help explain why parts of the role are harder to replace end-to-end, but they are not the only inputs into the automation score.
What users think
Based on 14 votes
What do you think the risk of automation is?
What is the likelihood that Dredge Operators will be replaced by robots or artificial intelligence within the next 20 years?
Pay & outlook
Wages
In 2024, the median annual wage for Dredge Operators was $48,430 ($23 per hour).
The median annual wage for Dredge Operators was 2.2% lower than the national median annual wage, which stood at $49,500.
View wage trend
Wages over time
Growth
The number of 'Dredge Operators' job openings is expected to rise 1.2% by 2034
View employment trend
Total employment, and estimated job openings
Updated projections are due 09-2025.
Volume
As of 2024 there were 1,030 people employed as 'Dredge Operators' within the United States.
This represents around < 0.001% of the employed workforce across the country
Put another way, around 1 in 149 thousand people are employed as 'Dredge Operators'.
People also viewed
Job description
Operate dredge to remove sand, gravel, or other materials in order to excavate and maintain navigable channels in waterways.
O*NET-SOC code: 53-7031.00
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