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Average Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary in Washington

Agricultural Equipment Operators in Washington earn an average annual salary of $43,950, slightly surpassing the national average of $43,570. This marginal increase is often influenced by the state's robust agricultural sector and specific regional economic factors that can command higher wages for skilled labor in this field.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $43,950 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,500.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 860 individuals and a Location Quotient of 1.21, Washington demonstrates a notable concentration of Agricultural Equipment Operators compared to the national landscape. This suggests a stable and potentially growing demand for these roles within the state's agricultural industry, indicating a healthy job market for qualified professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$43,950

The average Agricultural Equipment Operators in Washington earns+0.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.1

Weekly

$845

Monthly

$3,663

Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Washington

Career progression for Agricultural Equipment Operators typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned operators with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their value and expertise in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$37,140$17.9
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$32,963$15.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$39,980$19.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$54,938$26.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$56,500$27.2

Detailed Agricultural Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$43,950

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,184

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

The average annual salary of $43,950 in Washington needs to be viewed in context with its Cost of Living Index of 115.1. This index, which is 15.1% above the national average, suggests that while the nominal salary is slightly higher than the national average, the purchasing power may be somewhat diminished due to the increased cost of goods and services in the state.

Job Market Context

860

Total Jobs

0.242

Per 1K Jobs

1.21

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.21, Washington has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Agricultural Equipment Operators roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.21 indicates that Agricultural Equipment Operators are more concentrated in Washington than the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market, where employers may actively seek out experienced individuals, and the demand for these skills is relatively higher within the state's economy.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Agricultural Equipment Operators

Comparing salaries near Washington

Hiring Agricultural Equipment Operatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Agricultural Equipment Operators make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Agricultural Equipment Operators in Washington is $43,950. This typically ranges from $37,140 for entry-level positions to $56,500 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 0.9% higher than the national median of $43,570.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Agricultural Equipment Operators?

Yes, with caveats.Washington offers a slightly above-average salary for Agricultural Equipment Operators, but the higher cost of living means the real value of that salary should be carefully considered.

Is Washington a good place to live for Agricultural Equipment Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA ($46,220) and Yakima, WA.

What is the average salary for an Agricultural Equipment Operator in Washington?

The average annual salary for an Agricultural Equipment Operator in Washington is $43,950.

How does Washington's salary compare to the national average?

Agricultural Equipment Operators in Washington earn slightly more than the national average, with an average salary of $43,950 compared to the national average of $43,570.

Is the job market for Agricultural Equipment Operators strong in Washington?

Yes, the market shows a higher concentration of these jobs in Washington compared to the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.21, suggesting robust demand.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Washington?

Washington's Cost of Living Index is 115.1, meaning it is 15.1% higher than the national average. This higher cost of living can offset some of the benefits of the slightly higher average salary.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 860 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.242 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.