Concrete Pump Operator

A concrete pump operator positions and operates concrete pumping equipment on construction sites to deliver ready-mix concrete to specified locations. They manage the pump controls, hydraulic systems, and delivery hoses to ensure concrete is placed accurately and safely according to engineering specifications and site conditions. The role requires coordination with other trades, adherence to Safe Work Australia standards, and real-time problem-solving to maintain workflow on active construction projects.

Operate concrete pump controls to regulate flow rate, pressure, and direction of concrete delivery to formwork. Position and stabilise concrete pump vehicle using outriggers, jacks, and stabiliser legs on uneven or soft ground. Inspect concrete pump equipment daily including hoses, valves, seals, and hydraulic lines for damage or wear before operation. Direct concrete pump boom placement using hand signals and communication with spotters and concrete crew on site. Monitor concrete slump, temperature, and consistency during pumping to identify blockages or flow issues. Clear concrete blockages in delivery hoses and pump lines using reverse pressure and manual clearing techniques. Maintain boom angle and extension within safe operating limits and manufacturer specifications to prevent tipping or structural failure. Coordinate with concrete truck drivers to time concrete arrival and manage queue logistics at the pump.

The standard entry pathway requires a Certificate II or III (ABS skill level 4). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

You'll be on your feet in all weather on active construction sites, often starting before dawn. The work is physically demanding, repetitive, and involves managing high-pressure hydraulic systems where mistakes cause expensive delays or safety incidents. Pay growth is capped without moving into supervision or contracting, and the role faces automation pressure as remote-control pumping technology improves.

Most operators work for concrete delivery companies or as contractors on high-rise and infrastructure projects. Work is site-based, not remote. Regional work exists but is seasonal and sporadic.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 7129, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Active Listeningcore
• Adaptability and Flexibilitycore
• Attention to Detailcore
• Cast concrete sectionscore
• Delivery Schedulingcore
• Dispatch Documentationcore
• Incident Reportingcore
• Policy and Procedure Adherencecore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Quality Assurance and Checkingcore
• Regulatory and Legislative Awarenesscore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Basic Arithmetic and Numerical Accuracy
• Clean mixer
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Process Improvement Identification
• Stakeholder Communication
• Supplier Communication
• Workload Self-Management

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026