If you are looking at a paving job in the United States, one of the first things you may want to know is how much a paving worker makes. The Paving Worker Salary can change a lot depending on the state, experience, type of paving work and the equipment a worker can operate. In the U.S., paving work can include asphalt road work, parking lot paving, road construction, surfacing and operating paving or tamping equipment. For the occupation officially tracked by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators, the May 2025 national median salary was about $53,340 per year, or $25.64 per hour. The national mean annual wage was about $59,000. This guide looks at the Paving Worker Salary in the USA, average paving worker pay, hourly wages, and how salary changes from one state to another.
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How Much Does a Paving Worker Make in the USA?
A paving worker can make a decent income in the construction field, but there is no one fixed salary for every worker. Some paving workers are mainly doing physical road work, while others operate asphalt pavers, rollers, tampers and other heavy construction machines. Because of this, job title and actual duties can make a difference in pay. According to May 2025 wage data, paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators had a national median wage of $53,340 a year. The middle 50 percent of workers were roughly between $45,610 and $64,720, while the lowest 10 percent earned $38,230 or less and the highest 10 percent earned $92,230 or more. So, when someone searches for how much does a paving worker make, the answer depends heavily on the kind of paving job and where the worker is employed.
State Wise Paving Worker Salary
Paving worker pay is different across the United States. The table below shows the May 2025 median annual salary for paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators by state. These numbers are useful for people comparing paving worker salary by state before looking for a job. Some states do not have a published median for this occupation because the available data is limited or suppressed.
| State | Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $41,880 |
| Alaska | $83,520 |
| Arizona | $52,140 |
| Arkansas | $44,010 |
| California | $83,130 |
| Colorado | $58,810 |
| Connecticut | $77,480 |
| Delaware | $54,020 |
| Florida | $46,840 |
| Georgia | $46,100 |
| Hawaii | $111,360 |
| Idaho | $73,210 |
| Illinois | $73,060 |
| Indiana | $50,380 |
| Iowa | $61,110 |
| Kansas | $49,070 |
| Kentucky | $45,660 |
| Louisiana | $48,450 |
| Maine | $57,020 |
| Maryland | $60,530 |
| Massachusetts | $60,950 |
| Michigan | $54,220 |
| Minnesota | $68,180 |
| Mississippi | $37,030 |
| Missouri | $69,400 |
| Montana | $55,920 |
| Nebraska | $45,760 |
| Nevada | $51,400 |
| New Hampshire | $62,080 |
| New Jersey | $50,500 |
| New Mexico | $45,880 |
| New York | $62,760 |
| North Carolina | $47,820 |
| North Dakota | Not published |
| Ohio | $60,280 |
| Oklahoma | $46,760 |
| Oregon | $63,310 |
| Pennsylvania | $56,010 |
| Rhode Island | $63,060 |
| South Carolina | $46,950 |
| South Dakota | $60,140 |
| Tennessee | $42,510 |
| Texas | $47,060 |
| Utah | $48,860 |
| Vermont | $54,830 |
| Virginia | $48,060 |
| Washington | $90,530 |
| West Virginia | $51,230 |
| Wisconsin | $69,020 |
| Wyoming | $58,080 |
Note: The state salary figures above are median annual wages for the BLS occupation covering paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators, based on May 2025 wage data. A “Not published” figure means a median was not published for that state; it does not mean workers in that state earn zero.
Paving Worker Salary by State
Looking at the state numbers, the difference in paving worker pay can be quite large. In some locations, the median annual wage is around the low $40,000 range, while some states show salaries above $80,000. Hawaii shows a median of $111,360, Washington is at $90,530, Alaska is $83,520 and California is $83,130. On the other side, Mississippi shows $37,030 and Alabama shows $41,880. This is one reason why a person searching for Paving Worker Salary by State should check the local market instead of using only the national salary number.
- Paving pay can be different from one state to another.
- Experience with paving machines can affect the type of job a worker gets.
- Road construction and large infrastructure projects may have different pay rates.
- Hourly pay can also change based on overtime, project schedules and employer.
What Does a Paving Worker Do?
Paving workers help build and maintain roads, parking areas, driveways, runways and other paved surfaces. Depending on the job, a worker may help prepare the surface, move paving materials, spread asphalt or concrete, operate a paving machine, or use rollers and tamping equipment to make the surface firm. Some jobs are more hands-on and physical, while equipment operator positions require more machine skills and attention.
The BLS description for paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators includes workers who operate equipment used to apply concrete, asphalt or other materials to road beds, parking lots and airport runways. It also includes equipment used to tamp gravel, dirt and other materials. This means the phrase paving worker can cover several related duties in real construction jobs.
Paving Worker Hourly Pay
Hourly pay is another common search when people are checking a paving career. The national median hourly wage for paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators was $25.64 per hour in May 2025. The lower 10 percent was at or below $18.38 per hour, while the top 10 percent was at or above $44.34 per hour. Actual hourly pay can be different for a new worker, an experienced operator, a union worker or someone working on a large construction project.
For people searching Paving Worker Hourly Pay or How Much Does a Paving Worker Make an Hour, it is also important to remember that annual income is not always just hourly rate multiplied by a simple 40-hour week. Overtime, seasonal work and the number of hours available on a project can change the final yearly amount.
Average Paving Worker Salary
The national median and average are two different numbers. The May 2025 BLS data shows a median annual wage of $53,340 and a mean annual wage of about $59,000 for paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators. The median is useful because half of workers are below it and half are above it. The mean gives another view of overall pay and can be pulled upward by higher-paid workers.
- Median annual salary: $53,340
- Median hourly pay: $25.64
- Mean annual wage: $59,000
- Mean hourly wage: $28.37
- 10th percentile annual wage: $38,230
- 90th percentile annual wage: $92,230
These figures give a better picture of the average paving worker salary than using only one advertised job posting. Still, an individual job offer can be higher or lower because employers, locations, experience and job duties are not all the same.
Alabama Paving Worker Salary
In Alabama, the median salary for paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators is about $41,880 per year. Paving jobs can be found with road construction companies, asphalt contractors and companies working on parking lots and other paved areas. A new paving worker may start at a lower pay level and move up as they learn equipment and jobsite work.
- Median annual pay: $41,880
- Approximate median hourly pay: $20.13
- Common work: road paving, asphalt work and equipment operation
Alaska Paving Worker Salary
Alaska has a higher reported median wage for this occupation, at around $83,520 per year. Construction work in Alaska can involve difficult weather and remote project locations. Workers with experience operating paving and heavy construction equipment may find different opportunities than general entry-level workers.
Arizona Paving Worker Salary
The median paving worker salary in Arizona is about $52,140 a year. Arizona has regular demand for road, highway, commercial and parking-area construction. Hot weather can also make paving work physically demanding, especially during long outdoor shifts.
- Road and highway projects are common areas of work.
- Asphalt paving can involve long hours outdoors.
- Equipment experience can help workers qualify for operator positions.
Arkansas Paving Worker Salary
Arkansas reports a median wage of about $44,010 per year for this occupation. A paving worker in Arkansas may work for highway contractors, local construction companies or businesses handling asphalt and surface projects. Pay can change depending on experience and the exact equipment used.
California Paving Worker Salary
California has a reported median salary of about $83,130 per year. The state has a large construction market, with road, highway, commercial and infrastructure projects across many areas. The higher state wage does not mean every paving job pays this amount, because individual job offers can vary by location, employer and experience.
For people searching asphalt paving worker salary in California, it is useful to compare both the occupation wage and actual local job postings. A worker operating heavy paving equipment may have a different pay rate from a general laborer helping around a paving crew.
Colorado Paving Worker Salary
Colorado's median wage for paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators is around $58,810 per year. Road construction and repair work can create seasonal opportunities, and workers may spend much of their working day outside. Experience with paving machines, rollers and other construction equipment can be useful for moving into higher-skilled roles.
Connecticut Paving Worker Salary
Connecticut reports a median annual wage of approximately $77,480. Paving workers may be involved in road repairs, resurfacing, commercial parking areas and other construction projects. Local demand, project size and the type of employer can all affect the actual paving job salary.
Delaware Paving Worker Salary
The median salary in Delaware is about $54,020 per year. Paving workers can work on roads, parking lots and other surface construction projects. Workers who can safely operate construction equipment may have access to more specialized positions as they gain experience.
Florida Paving Worker Salary
Florida has a reported median wage of about $46,840 annually. Paving work in Florida can include highways, local roads, commercial properties and parking areas. Because much of the work is outdoors, weather and project schedules can affect working conditions and available hours.
Georgia Paving Worker Salary
The median annual salary for this occupation in Georgia is around $46,100. Georgia has road and commercial construction activity in both growing cities and smaller communities. A paving worker may start with general crew duties before learning to operate more specialized machines.
- General paving crew work
- Asphalt spreading and surface preparation
- Roller and tamping equipment operation
- Road and parking lot construction
Hawaii Paving Worker Salary
Hawaii reports a median annual wage of approximately $111,360 for this occupation. This is considerably higher than the national median, although state wage figures should not be treated as a guarantee for an individual job. The local cost of living, project conditions, employer and type of equipment work can all be important when comparing a paving job in Hawaii.
Idaho Paving Worker Salary
Idaho's reported median salary is about $73,210 per year. Paving workers may work on highways, local roads, commercial sites and other construction projects. Workers with machine operating skills can take on more responsibility than someone entering the field with no construction experience.
Illinois Paving Worker Salary
Illinois reports a median wage of around $73,060 annually. Paving work can include highway construction, road resurfacing, parking lots and commercial projects. In larger construction markets, workers may also find jobs with contractors that handle major infrastructure projects.
Indiana Paving Worker Salary
The median paving worker salary in Indiana is approximately $50,380 per year. A paving crew can include several workers with different responsibilities, from preparing the work area to operating paving and compaction equipment. Experience can make a difference when applying for equipment operator jobs.
Iowa Paving Worker Salary
Iowa has a reported median salary of about $61,110 per year. Road construction and repair are important parts of paving work in the state. The actual pay a worker receives can depend on the contractor, experience, project and whether the worker operates heavy equipment.
Kansas Paving Worker Salary
The median annual wage in Kansas is around $49,070. Paving workers may be hired for highway work, road maintenance, asphalt projects and commercial paving. Entry-level workers often learn many parts of the job while working with an experienced crew.
Kentucky Paving Worker Salary
Kentucky reports a median wage of approximately $45,660 per year. Paving work can involve road construction, resurfacing and parking-area projects. Workers who develop skills with paving machines and compaction equipment may move into more specialized positions.
Louisiana Paving Worker Salary
The median annual salary for paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators in Louisiana is about $48,450. Construction workers may work on roads, highways, commercial sites and other infrastructure projects. The amount earned can also change with overtime and the length of a project.
Maine Paving Worker Salary
Maine has a reported median paving worker salary of about $57,020 per year. Paving work is generally connected with road construction, repair and resurfacing. Seasonal conditions can influence when outdoor construction projects are active, so annual income may depend partly on available work throughout the year.
Maryland Paving Worker Salary
The median wage in Maryland is around $60,530 per year. Paving workers can find work on road projects, commercial construction and public infrastructure. Someone with experience using paving and tamping equipment may qualify for jobs that pay differently from basic paving crew positions.
Massachusetts Paving Worker Salary
Massachusetts reports a median annual wage of approximately $60,950. Paving workers can be involved in road resurfacing, highway work and parking-area construction. As with other states, the advertised salary for an individual position can be different from the statewide occupation median.
Michigan Paving Worker Salary
The median paving worker salary in Michigan is about $54,220 per year. Road construction and repair create work for paving crews, especially for contractors involved in resurfacing and infrastructure projects. Workers who can handle construction equipment safely may have more job options.
Minnesota Paving Worker Salary
Minnesota reports a median wage of around $68,180 annually. Paving work can involve highways, local roads and commercial surfaces. Weather is an important part of outdoor construction scheduling, and workers may have busier periods during the main construction season.
Mississippi Paving Worker Salary
The reported median annual wage in Mississippi is approximately $37,030. This figure is below the national median for the occupation. However, an individual worker's pay can be higher or lower depending on experience, employer, equipment skills and overtime.
Missouri Paving Worker Salary
Missouri has a reported median salary of about $69,400 per year. Paving workers can work on highways, local roads, commercial parking areas and other construction sites. Operators with experience on specialized paving or compaction machines may work in positions with greater responsibility.
Montana Paving Worker Salary
The median wage in Montana is around $55,920 per year. Paving workers can be part of crews working on roads and other outdoor construction projects. Experience, equipment skills and the type of contractor can influence actual pay.
Nebraska Paving Worker Salary
Nebraska reports a median annual wage of about $45,760. Paving work may include road construction, asphalt resurfacing and commercial paving. New workers can build experience by learning safe work practices and becoming familiar with the machines used on the job.
Nevada Paving Worker Salary
The median salary for paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators in Nevada is approximately $51,400 per year. Road construction, commercial development and parking-area work can provide opportunities for paving crews. Outdoor conditions can be demanding, so workers should be prepared for physically active work.
New Hampshire Paving Worker Salary
New Hampshire reports a median wage of about $62,080 annually. Paving workers can be employed on highway, road and commercial projects. Like several northern states, construction schedules can be affected by seasonal weather.
New Jersey Paving Worker Salary
The median paving worker salary in New Jersey is approximately $50,500 per year. Workers may be involved in road repair, resurfacing, parking lots and larger infrastructure projects. The actual hourly rate can vary between employers and job types.
New Mexico Paving Worker Salary
New Mexico has a reported median annual salary of around $45,880. Paving crews can work on highways, roads and commercial properties. Workers with experience operating paving equipment may qualify for positions beyond general labor duties.
New York Paving Worker Salary
The median annual wage in New York is about $62,760. Paving work can include road construction, resurfacing, highway projects and commercial paving. Pay may be different between local areas, and large infrastructure projects can have their own wage structures.
North Carolina Paving Worker Salary
North Carolina reports a median salary of approximately $47,820 per year. Paving workers can find jobs with highway contractors, asphalt companies and general construction businesses. Learning to operate paving and compaction equipment can be an important step for workers who want to move into higher-skill jobs.
North Dakota Paving Worker Salary
The May 2025 state data does not publish a median wage for this occupation in North Dakota. This should not be read as meaning there are no paving jobs or that workers earn no income. When occupation-level state data is not published, it is better to use national figures and actual local job postings when checking current pay.
Ohio Paving Worker Salary
Ohio reports a median annual wage of around $60,280. Paving workers may be involved in road construction, resurfacing and commercial projects across the state. Workers with experience on heavy equipment can take on more specialized responsibilities.
Oklahoma Paving Worker Salary
The median salary in Oklahoma is approximately $46,760 per year. Paving workers can work on roads, highways, parking lots and other construction projects. Outdoor work, physical activity and equipment operation are common parts of many paving jobs.
Oregon Paving Worker Salary
Oregon has a reported median wage of about $63,310 annually. Paving work can involve road construction, maintenance and commercial paving. Workers with equipment experience may find opportunities in jobs that require more than basic crew labor.
Pennsylvania Paving Worker Salary
The median annual salary in Pennsylvania is around $56,010. Paving crews can work on highways, local roads, parking areas and other infrastructure. Actual pay can change based on the employer, experience and type of paving equipment operated.
Rhode Island Paving Worker Salary
Rhode Island reports a median wage of approximately $63,060 per year. The smaller size of the state does not mean every paving job pays the same. Local construction demand, contractor rates and worker experience all matter when comparing job offers.
South Carolina Paving Worker Salary
The median salary in South Carolina is about $46,950 annually. Paving workers can be employed on roads, highways, parking lots and commercial construction sites. Workers who gain machine-operation skills can move toward more specialized paving roles.
South Dakota Paving Worker Salary
South Dakota reports a median annual wage of approximately $60,140. Paving work can involve road projects and other infrastructure construction. Outdoor working conditions and seasonal construction schedules can be important factors for workers in this field.
Tennessee Paving Worker Salary
The median paving worker salary in Tennessee is around $42,510 per year. Workers may find jobs with asphalt contractors, road construction companies and other construction businesses. Experience with paving equipment can help workers qualify for operator positions.
Texas Paving Worker Salary
Texas reports a median wage of approximately $47,060 annually. With the state's large size and construction activity, paving jobs can involve many different types of projects, from local road work to major highway and commercial construction. Salary can be different depending on the city, contractor and position.
Utah Paving Worker Salary
The median annual salary in Utah is about $48,860. Paving workers can work on roads, parking areas and growing construction projects. A worker who develops experience with asphalt pavers, rollers or tamping equipment may be able to move into equipment-focused roles.
Vermont Paving Worker Salary
Vermont reports a median wage of approximately $54,830 per year. Paving work is closely connected with road construction and maintenance. Seasonal weather can affect outdoor projects, so the amount of available work may change during different parts of the year.
Virginia Paving Worker Salary
The median salary for this occupation in Virginia is around $48,060 annually. Paving workers may work on highways, local roads, parking lots and commercial construction sites. Skills, experience and the type of equipment used can all affect the final job offer.
Washington Paving Worker Salary
Washington reports a median annual wage of about $90,530. This is one of the higher state-level figures in the available data. Still, workers should compare individual job listings because statewide occupation data does not represent every paving worker or every employer.
West Virginia Paving Worker Salary
The median annual salary in West Virginia is approximately $51,230. Paving workers can be involved in highway, road and commercial surface projects. Experience with construction machinery can be useful for moving into equipment operator jobs.
Wisconsin Paving Worker Salary
Wisconsin reports a median wage of about $69,020 per year. Paving work can include road construction, resurfacing and other infrastructure projects. Weather and seasonal construction schedules can affect when many outdoor paving projects take place.
Wyoming Paving Worker Salary
The median paving worker salary in Wyoming is approximately $58,080 annually. Workers may be involved in highway construction, road maintenance and other outdoor projects. Job location and experience with heavy equipment can make a noticeable difference in actual pay.
Entry Level Paving Worker Salary
An entry-level paving worker usually earns less than an experienced equipment operator. New workers may begin as part of a paving crew and help with surface preparation, material handling, cleanup and other basic tasks. As they learn the work and gain experience with paving machines, rollers or tampers, they may qualify for more specialized positions.
There is no single national entry-level paving worker salary because employers use different job titles and pay structures. Someone searching for an entry level paving worker salary should check the hourly rate in the actual job advertisement and also look at whether overtime, benefits or seasonal work are included.
- General paving crew worker
- Asphalt laborer
- Road construction laborer
- Paving equipment trainee
- Entry-level paving operator
Experienced Paving Worker Salary
Experience can open the door to jobs with more equipment responsibility. An experienced worker may operate an asphalt paver, roller, compactor or other construction machine instead of doing only general labor. This is one reason the phrase paving equipment operator salary is useful when comparing jobs.
Experienced workers can also have better earning opportunities when they work overtime or take jobs on larger construction projects. However, overtime and higher pay are not automatic, and each employer has its own pay structure.
What Affects Paving Worker Salary?
The salary of a paving worker is not decided by the job title alone. Two workers doing paving work can receive different pay because they work for different companies or live in different areas. Experience is one factor, but the type of equipment a worker can operate, the size of the project and the type of construction company can also matter.
When checking a Paving Worker Salary, it is worth looking at the complete job offer instead of only the hourly number. Some construction jobs may offer overtime, health insurance, retirement benefits or other employee benefits. A slightly lower hourly rate can also come with a different benefits package, so the full compensation should be compared.
- Years of construction experience
- Ability to operate paving equipment
- Type and size of construction project
- Location and local labor market
- Employer and type of contractor
- Overtime hours
- Union or non-union employment
- Level of responsibility on the jobsite
Paving Worker Job Duties
Paving work is not only about putting asphalt on a road. A paving crew normally has several different jobs that need to work together. Depending on the position, a worker may prepare the area, handle materials, guide equipment, operate machines or help finish the paved surface.
Some common duties of paving workers and paving equipment operators include preparing road surfaces, spreading paving materials and operating machines used for paving or compacting. The exact duties depend on the employer and the type of project.
- Prepare and clean the work area
- Help prepare road beds and surfaces
- Move or handle paving materials
- Assist with asphalt and concrete paving
- Operate paving equipment when qualified
- Operate rollers and tamping equipment
- Check the paving surface during the work
- Follow construction site safety rules
- Clean and care for equipment after use
Asphalt Paving Worker Salary
Asphalt paving worker salary is a common search because asphalt is used on many roads, parking lots and other paved surfaces. The actual salary depends on the worker's job duties. A general asphalt laborer may have a different pay rate from a worker who operates an asphalt paver or compaction machine.
Workers who develop equipment skills can move toward more specialized paving positions. When looking at an asphalt paving job, check whether the employer is hiring a general laborer, paving crew member, roller operator or paving equipment operator. These titles can describe different levels of responsibility.
Road Paving Worker Salary
A road paving worker salary can also vary depending on the project. Highway and large road projects may need workers who can handle heavy construction equipment and follow detailed jobsite procedures. Local road repair and smaller paving projects can have a different pay structure.
Road paving is also physical outdoor work. Workers may spend many hours standing, walking, lifting materials and working around large machines. The working conditions and schedule should be considered along with the advertised salary.
Paving Equipment Operator Salary
Operating equipment is an important part of many paving jobs. A worker who operates an asphalt paver, roller, compactor or related machine may have different responsibilities from a general paving laborer. Because of this, searches for paving equipment operator salary and paving operator salary can show different job opportunities.
Employers normally want equipment operators who can use the machine safely and accurately while working around other crew members. Experience can be valuable because paving equipment needs careful control to help create a consistent surface.
How to Become a Paving Worker
Many paving workers learn the job through on-the-job training. A person may start in a general construction or paving crew position and learn from more experienced workers. For equipment-focused jobs, an employer may provide training or look for someone who already has heavy equipment experience.
There is not one single path for every paving worker. Some people enter construction after high school, while others move into paving after experience in another type of outdoor or heavy equipment job.
- Look for entry-level paving or construction jobs.
- Learn basic construction safety practices.
- Get comfortable working around heavy equipment.
- Learn how different paving machines are used.
- Build experience with an experienced paving crew.
- Check local requirements for operating specific equipment.
Skills Needed for a Paving Worker
Paving work requires more than physical strength. Workers need to pay attention to what is happening around them because roads and construction sites can have large machines, moving vehicles and other workers working close together.
Good communication is also important. A paving crew needs to work as a team, especially when equipment is moving or when a surface is being prepared and finished. Basic mechanical understanding can also be useful for workers who want to operate construction equipment.
- Physical stamina
- Good hand and eye coordination
- Ability to follow instructions
- Basic equipment knowledge
- Safety awareness
- Teamwork and communication
- Ability to work outdoors
- Attention to the paving surface and job details
Paving Worker Overtime Pay
Construction projects can sometimes require long working days, and overtime may be available depending on the employer and project schedule. Overtime can increase a worker's total yearly income, but it should not be added to the base salary unless the job actually offers those hours.
For this reason, a person comparing paving jobs salary should check the normal weekly hours, overtime policy and whether the position is seasonal. The annual income can look different for a worker who regularly gets overtime compared with someone who works a standard schedule.
Is Paving Work Seasonal?
Paving is outdoor construction work, so weather can affect the schedule in many parts of the United States. Cold weather, rain and other conditions can delay some projects. States with long winters may have a shorter main paving season, while warmer areas can have different work schedules.
Seasonality does not mean every paving worker is unemployed during the winter. It depends on the location, contractor and type of construction work. Some companies may have other construction or maintenance projects when regular paving work slows down.
Paving Worker Benefits
Salary is only one part of a paving worker's compensation. Depending on the employer, a job may include benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off or other workplace benefits. Not every paving job provides the same package.
When comparing a paving job, it can be useful to look at the hourly wage and the benefits together. A job with a different wage may have a different value once insurance, retirement contributions and paid time off are considered.
- Health insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Paid time off
- Overtime opportunities
- Training opportunities
- Other employer-provided benefits
Paving Worker Salary vs Construction Laborer Salary
Paving workers and construction laborers can work on the same construction site, but their duties may be different. A general construction laborer can perform many types of support work, while a paving worker may focus more directly on asphalt, concrete, road surfaces or paving equipment.
Workers who operate specialized equipment can also have different pay from general labor positions. For someone comparing these careers, the actual job duties listed by the employer are more useful than the job title alone.
How Much Does a Paving Worker Make a Year?
Based on May 2025 national wage data for paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators, the median annual wage is $53,340. The mean annual wage is approximately $59,000. These figures provide a national reference point, while the state table in this article shows how the median wage differs across the country.
A new worker can earn less than the national median while an experienced equipment operator can earn more. Overtime, location and the type of paving work can also change total yearly earnings.
How Much Does a Paving Worker Make an Hour?
The national median hourly wage for paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators was about $25.64 per hour in May 2025. The lower-paid workers and higher-paid workers can be far apart, which is why experience and job type should be considered when checking a paving worker hourly pay rate.
Job advertisements may also show an hourly range instead of one fixed amount. When you see a range, check what experience the employer expects and whether overtime or other compensation is available.
Paving Worker Salary Summary
| Salary Information | Amount |
|---|---|
| National Median Annual Wage | $53,340 |
| National Median Hourly Wage | $25.64 |
| Mean Annual Wage | $59,000 |
| Mean Hourly Wage | $28.37 |
| 10th Percentile Annual Wage | $38,230 |
| 90th Percentile Annual Wage | $92,230 |
Final Thoughts on Paving Worker Salary
A paving worker can build a career in the construction industry through road paving, asphalt work, surface preparation and equipment operation. The national May 2025 wage data gives a median salary of $53,340 for the related paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operator occupation, but actual pay can be quite different depending on the state and job.
For someone starting out, an entry-level paving position can be a way to learn construction work and gain practical experience. As workers learn more equipment and take on additional responsibilities, they may qualify for different paving operator or construction positions. Before accepting a job, it is a good idea to compare the hourly wage, expected hours, overtime, benefits, location and exact duties.
If your main search is Paving Worker Salary in USA, the most important point is that there is no single salary that applies to every paving worker. State wages, experience, equipment skills, employer and project type all play a part in what a worker can actually earn.