Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary in South Carolina

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators make in South Carolina?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$46,950
Median Annual Salary
▲ +3.7% vs 2024
$47,340
Mean Salary
$46,950
Median Salary
$22.57
Hourly Rate
630 people work as Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in South Carolina

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators salary by percentile in South Carolina

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators salary in South Carolina — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in South Carolina.10thBottom 10% earn less than $38,050$38,05025th25% earn less than $40,160$40,160MedianHalf earn more than $46,950$46,95075th75% earn less than $49,150$49,15090thTop 10% earn more than $57,760$57,760

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in South Carolina earn a median salary of $46,950 per year ($3,912/month). This is 19.8% below the national average of $58,553. South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators pay. Approximately 630 people work in this occupation across South Carolina. Salaries increased by 3.7% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators

Operate equipment used for applying concrete, asphalt, or other materials to road beds, parking lots, or airport runways and taxiways or for tamping gravel, dirt, or other materials. Includes concrete and asphalt paving machine operators, form tampers, tamping machine operators, and stone spreader operators.

Top Skills

Operations Monitoring
3.62
Operation and Control
3.38
Monitoring
3.25
Critical Thinking
3.0
Coordination
3.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Building and Construction
3.65
Mechanical
3.26
Mathematics
2.77
Physics
2.74
Public Safety and Security
2.74
Typical Education: Less than a High School Diploma (41.0% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in South Carolina

Salaries for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in South Carolina range from $38,050 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $57,760 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $40,160 and $49,150.

Median $46,950
P10: $38,050 P25: $40,160 P75: $49,150 P90: $57,760
10th
$38,050
25th
$40,160
Median
$46,950
75th
$49,150
90th
$57,760
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $38,050 $18.29 $3,170
25th Percentile $40,160 $19.31 $3,346
Median (50th) $46,950 $22.57 $3,912
75th Percentile $49,150 $23.63 $4,095
90th Percentile (Experienced) $57,760 $27.77 $4,813

Note: The mean (average) salary of $47,340 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#40
South Carolina ranks #40 of 50 states
$58,553
National avg. for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
-19.8%
vs. national average
Below Average

What does this salary really buy? See Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators salary in South Carolina adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators take-home pay in South Carolina after taxes →

Explore Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Data in South Carolina

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary by State

Compare Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators make in South Carolina?
The median annual salary for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in South Carolina is $46,950 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $47,340.
What is the salary range for a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in South Carolina?
Salaries for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in South Carolina range from $38,050 at the 10th percentile to $57,760 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $40,160 and $49,150.
What is the starting salary for a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in South Carolina?
Entry-level Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators positions in South Carolina typically start around $38,050 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $40,160 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in South Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 630 people are employed as Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in South Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in South Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in South Carolina is approximately $22.57 per hour.

💼 Earning $46,950/year? Here's Your Next Move

* Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure

📊 Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

Share this page: X Facebook LinkedIn