Employment of material moving machine operators is projected to grow 3 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations.
Employment of industrial truck and tractor operators is projected to grow 2 percent from 2014 to 2024. Employment of this occupation is concentrated in warehouse environments. Although the need for warehouses will grow as consumer spending increases, employment growth of these operators may be limited as more warehouses use equipment such as robotic pickers. This equipment increases the efficiency of operators, allowing warehouses to employ fewer of them.
Employment of excavating and loading machine and dragline operators is projected to grow 6 percent from 2014 to 2024. Many of these operators work in the construction industry, whose projected growth will drive job growth in this occupation.
Employment of crane and tower operators is projected to grow 8 percent from 2014 to 2024. As global shipping increases, more of these operators will be needed at ports to load and unload large cargo ships. However, increasing automation at ports may moderate growth. Employment of crane and tower operators also will be driven by growth in the construction industry, which employs many of these workers. Employment of crane operators is projected to grow 11 percent in construction.
Employment of conveyor operators and tenders is projected to show little or no change from 2014 to 2024. Employment growth will be limited as more warehouses use equipment such as high-speed conveyors, high-speed sorting systems, and robotic pickers. This equipment increases the efficiency of operators and tenders, allowing warehouses to employ fewer of them.
Employment of underground mining loading machine operators is projected to show little or no change from 2014 to 2024, largely due to an expected decline in coal mining, where many of these workers are employed.
Employment of hoist and winch operators is projected to grow 2 percent from 2014 to 2024. Similar to crane and tower operators, they will be needed at ports to help load and unload cargo, but employment growth for this occupation may be limited by port automation.
Employment of dredge operators is projected to grow 9 percent from 2014 to 2024. Demand for dredging of various water areas, including canals, lakes, rivers, and harbors, in order to improve the traffic on waterways and their recreational use, will drive employment growth of these workers.
Job Prospects
Job prospects are expected to be favorable. Many job openings should be created by the need to replace workers who leave these occupations.
Material Moving Machine Operators
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Total, all occupations
7%
Material moving workers
4%
Material moving machine operators
3%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program