Provided is an operating device for a construction machine that prevents an operator from accidentally gripping the blocking bar when the operator walks through the passage in front of the console box and that also prevents work clothes of the operator from being caught in the blocking bar. An operating device (6) for a construction machine includes: a console box (10) having an operating lever (8) attached to an upper surface thereof, wherein the operating lever (8) outputs a signal for operating the construction machine in response to a manual operation; and a blocking bar (16) that is swingably attached to the console box (10) about an axis extending widthwise between a block position at which to block a passage (14) provided in front of the console box (10) and a retreat position at which the blocking bar (16) retreats from the passage (14). A recess (18) is formed in a front end of a lateral side of the console box (10). The blocking bar (16) is housed in the recess (18) when it is positioned at the retreat position.