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Average Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area

Agricultural Equipment Operators in the Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $41,580. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,570, a common occurrence in regions where the cost of living is at parity with the national average but specific industry demands may influence compensation. The localized nature of agriculture and operational costs can shape these pay scales.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $41,580 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,750.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 290 Agricultural Equipment Operators, the job market in Southeast Missouri demonstrates a stable, albeit niche, presence. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 8.7 signifies a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating robust local demand and a specialized labor pool within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$41,580

The average Agricultural Equipment Operators in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area earns-4.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20

Weekly

$800

Monthly

$3,465

Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area

Career progression for Agricultural Equipment Operators typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned operators with expertise in complex machinery or specialized farming techniques can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their value and proficiency.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$26,130$12.6
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$31,185$15
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$39,540$19
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$51,975$25
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$60,750$29.2

Detailed Agricultural Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$41,580

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$41,580

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $41,580 in Southeast Missouri aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This suggests that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial foundation without the premium or discount often associated with higher or lower cost-of-living areas.

Job Market Context

290

Total Jobs

1.747

Per 1K Jobs

8.7

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area has 8.7x the national concentration of Agricultural Equipment Operators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient (LQ) of 8.7 for Agricultural Equipment Operators in Southeast Missouri is remarkably high, indicating that this region has a significantly greater concentration of these jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive market where local employers rely heavily on this specific skill set.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Agricultural Equipment Operatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Agricultural Equipment Operators make in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Agricultural Equipment Operators in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area is $41,580. This typically ranges from $26,130 for entry-level positions to $60,750 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 4.6% lower than the national median of $43,570.

Is Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Agricultural Equipment Operatorss?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary is below the national average. However, the high concentration of jobs suggests strong local demand.

Is Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Agricultural Equipment Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

With 1.747 jobs per 1,000 workers, Southeast Missouri has a notable presence of Agricultural Equipment Operator roles, suggesting a higher density of employment opportunities in this sector compared to many other regions.

What does a Location Quotient of 8.7 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 8.7 signifies that Agricultural Equipment Operator jobs are 8.7 times more common in Southeast Missouri than the national average, indicating a strong demand and specialized job market for this occupation.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary of $41,580 in Southeast Missouri is slightly lower than the national average of $43,570 for Agricultural Equipment Operators.

Is the cost of living a factor in the salary?

The cost of living in Southeast Missouri is at the national average (100), meaning the slightly lower salary is not directly offset by a lower cost of living, but rather reflects regional industry specifics.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.747 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.