Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators pay in Tennessee
In Tennessee, the median pay for paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators is $20.44 an hour ($42,510 a year). About 1,730 people work in this job there.
That is 20% lower than the U.S. median ($53,340). Tennessee ranks 48th of 50 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators in Tennessee
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $17.45 | $36,300 |
| 25% of workers | $18.16 | $37,770 |
| Half of workers (median) | $20.44 | $42,510 |
| 75% of workers | $24.88 | $51,740 |
| 90% of workers | $28.99 | $60,300 |
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators pay in Tennessee metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Clarksville | $50,280 | 50 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $48,440 | 530 |
| Knoxville | $40,540 | 270 |
| Memphis | $39,120 | 200 |
| Chattanooga | $38,510 | 90 |
| Cleveland | $35,940 | 40 |
| Johnson City | $35,710 | 80 |
Tennessee unemployment rate: 3.4% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
- Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 1 to 2 years (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: -0.9% over ten years, little or no change · about 3,100 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Tennessee
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Construction Laborers | $45,000 |
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | $52,000 |
| Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers | $47,910 |
| Highway Maintenance Workers | $46,070 |
| Pipelayers | $46,020 |
| Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining | $49,500 |
| Electricians | $61,090 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $58,600 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.