Construction plant operator | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Construction plant operators work with machinery and equipment used on building sites.

  • Control traffic passing near, in, or around work zones.  
  • Clean or prepare construction sites to eliminate possible hazards.  
  • Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, or adjustment of machinery, equipment, or materials.  
  • Read plans, instructions, or specifications to determine work activities.  
  • Load, unload, or identify building
Read more about Construction plant operator

Construction plant operators typically work around 48 to 50 hours per week.

As a Construction plant operator you will typically work evenings / weekends.

This occupation tends to be:

  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely
  • Read more about Construction plant operator
    * from ONETonline
    Average salary
    29,277 GBP *
    per year
    14,000 GBP
    35,000 GBP
    Starting
    5+ Experience
    * data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
    Average salary for Construction plant operator

    • 29,348 GBP
    • 24,991 GBP
    Average salary for part-time Construction plant operator
    Average salary for full-time Construction plant operator

    Showing:
    • 18,200 GBP
    • 18,284 GBP
    • 29,277 GBP
    • 24,991 GBP
    • 29,348 GBP
    Salary over time for Construction plant operator

    Salary for this role has increased over time
    • 26,057 GBP
    • 26,209 GBP
    • 26,316 GBP
    • 27,296 GBP
    • 27,964 GBP
    • 28,594 GBP
    • 29,277 GBP
    • 28,689 GBP
    • 30,284 GBP
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    Future outlook for Construction plant operators

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    Balanced outlook
    221 000+ jobs available
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    Balanced outlook
    2% yearly wage growth (on average)

    Construction plant operator - Your future job?


    Which qualifications do I need?

    Find out what you need to know in order to become a Construction plant operator and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

    In terms of people already doing this job:

    • 70% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent
    • 23% of people in this role have do not have GCSEs or equivalent qualifications
    • 6% of people in this role have a post-secondary qualification such as a Higher National Diploma

    You could do a college course in a subject like:

    • Level 2 Certificate in Construction Plant Operations
    • Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment

    These courses would teach you some of the skills needed for this work. You could then try to find a trainee job with a building company.


    Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Construction plant operator

    Construction

    What soft skills do I need?

    Rise above the competition by brushing up on the 5 most important soft skills you need to become a Construction plant operator.
    Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
    Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions
    Operation Monitoring Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly
    Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
    Social Perceptiveness Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do

    Things to highlight for your Construction plant operator interview

    Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

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