Air Force

55191: Pavement and Construction Equipment Operator

Career transition guide for Air Force Pavement and Construction Equipment Operator (55191)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 55191 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Construction Equipment Operator

$52K

High matchHigh demand

Highway Maintenance Worker

$45K

High matchHigh demand

Concrete Finisher

$48K

Good matchGrowing demand

Construction Foreman

$75K

Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management CertificationOSHA Safety Certification

Blaster/Demolition Specialist

$68K

Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Commercial Blasting LicenseHAZWOPER Certification

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 55191 training built — and where they transfer.

Resource Optimization

This role requires determining the optimal mix of equipment, personnel, and materials for construction and repair projects, balancing cost, time, and quality.

The ability to efficiently allocate and manage resources to achieve project goals within budget and time constraints translates to effective resource management in various civilian industries.

Procedural Compliance

Ensuring compliance with safety regulations, environmental standards, and construction codes is a critical aspect of this role.

The dedication to following procedures and regulations in construction translates directly into roles requiring strict adherence to guidelines and protocols.

Situational Awareness

The role requires a deep understanding of ongoing operations to make sure that projects stay on track and resources are effectively allocated. Must also have a good grasp of site hazards.

This ability to perceive the environment, understand its elements, and project future states translates into roles requiring constant monitoring, risk assessment, and proactive decision-making.

System Modeling

The role requires a deep understanding of how various components work together to create a finished product. The role also involves being able to predict how changes in one component of the system will impact the overall performance.

Being able to model complex systems and predict their performance is an asset that can be utilized in a wide variety of civilian sectors.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Construction Project Manager

SOC 11-9021.00

You've been planning, coordinating, and executing construction projects in the military. That experience with resource allocation, scheduling, and compliance makes you an ideal candidate to oversee construction projects for private firms.

Facilities Manager

SOC 11-3012.00

You have experience maintaining infrastructure, operating heavy equipment, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Your skills make you an ideal candidate to manage the maintenance and operations of facilities.

Environmental Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.06

Your experience with environmental regulations and construction practices makes you a great fit for ensuring organizations adhere to environmental standards and regulations.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Civil Engineer Apprentice Course, Fort Leonard Wood, MO

792 training hours22 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Construction Technology or Civil Engineering Technology

Topics Covered

•Construction Materials and Testing
•Blueprint Reading and Interpretation
•Heavy Equipment Operation (Loaders, Graders, Dozers, Backhoes, Dump Trucks)
•Pavement Construction and Repair (Asphalt and Concrete)
•Soil Stabilization Techniques
•Snow and Ice Removal Operations
•Safety and Environmental Regulations Compliance
•Explosives Handling and Demolition Techniques

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)70% covered

May need to complete a CDL training course focusing on current regulations, inspection procedures, and specific vehicle operation skills. Focus on endorsements needed based on the equipment operated (e.g., tanker, hazardous materials).

OSHA 30-Hour Construction60% covered

Study specific OSHA construction standards, including fall protection, excavation safety, and electrical safety.

Certified Erosion, Sediment and Storm Water Inspector (CESSWI)50% covered

Focus on the specific local and state regulations related to erosion control, stormwater management, and environmental compliance. Study inspection techniques and reporting requirements.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Construction Manager (CCM)LEED Green AssociateCertified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military System	Civilian Equivalent
High-Mobility Engineer Excavator (HMEE)	Caterpillar Multi-Terrain Loader or John Deere Compact Track Loader
Airfield Damage Repair (ADR) kits	Road repair kits and patching materials
Rapid Runway Repair (RRR) techniques	Accelerated Pavement Construction (APC) methods
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) tools for demolition	Demolition equipment and controlled blasting techniques
Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency (AFCESA) Pavement Management System	Infrastructure Management Software (e.g., Cartegraph, Cityworks)
Snow and Ice Control Equipment (e.g., snowplows, de-icing trucks)	Commercial snow removal and ice management equipment
Mobile Asphalt/Concrete Batch Plants	Portable concrete mixers and asphalt plants

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55191 Career Guide