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Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary in Chicago, IL

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Chicago, IL have a median annual salary of $80,340, with 740 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $49,610 at the 10th percentile to $102,240 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$80,340

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$38.63

Employment

740

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$49,610
10th
$56,000
25th
$80,340
Median
$102,240
75th
$102,240
90th

Local compared with national

Chicago, IL

$80,340

Median annual · 2025

United States

$53,340

Median annual · 2025

The Chicago, IL median is 50.6% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $27,000).

Top skills

  1. 1.Operations MonitoringImportance 3.6
  2. 2.Operation and ControlImportance 3.4
  3. 3.MonitoringImportance 3.3
  4. 4.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.0
  5. 5.CoordinationImportance 3.0
  6. 6.TroubleshootingImportance 3.0
  7. 7.RepairingImportance 3.0
  8. 8.Active ListeningImportance 2.9
  9. 9.SpeakingImportance 2.9
  10. 10.Equipment MaintenanceImportance 2.9
  11. 11.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9
  12. 12.Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.8

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
Less than a High School Diploma
Experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Database software
  • Email software
  • HCSS HeavyBid
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Time report software
  • Warehouse management system WMS

Common tasks

  • Start machine, engage clutch, and push and move levers to guide machine along forms or guidelines and to control the operation of machine attachments.
  • Fill tanks, hoppers, or machines with paving materials.
  • Control paving machines to push dump trucks and to maintain a constant flow of asphalt or other material into hoppers or screeds.
  • Observe distribution of paving material to adjust machine settings or material flow, and indicate low spots for workers to add material.
  • Coordinate truck dumping.
  • Drive machines onto truck trailers, and drive trucks to transport machines and material to and from job sites.
  • Inspect, clean, maintain, and repair equipment, using mechanics' hand tools, or report malfunctions to supervisors.
  • Set up and tear down equipment.
  • Operate machines to spread, smooth, level, or steel-reinforce stone, concrete, or asphalt on road beds.
  • Light burners or start heating units of machines, and regulate screed temperatures and asphalt flow rates.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators salary in other locations

Other occupations in Chicago, IL