SalaryNode

Average Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators Salary in Killeen-Temple, TX

Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators in Killeen-Temple, TX, earn an average annual salary of $45,390. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,800, a common occurrence in regions with a cost of living that aligns perfectly with the national benchmark. Local economic factors and industry demand within the Killeen-Temple area play a significant role in shaping this compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $45,390 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $66,340.
  • Outlook: The Killeen-Temple, TX area supports a robust workforce of 1,550 Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators. With a Location Quotient of 1.99, this occupation is nearly twice as concentrated in this region compared to the national average, indicating a strong and consistent demand for these skilled professionals within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$45,390

The average Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators in Killeen-Temple, TX earns-5.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.8

Weekly

$873

Monthly

$3,783

Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators Salary Distribution in Killeen-Temple, TX

Career progression for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators in Killeen-Temple, TX, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting their value and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$36,210$17.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$34,043$16.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$43,330$20.8
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$56,738$27.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$66,340$31.9

Detailed Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$45,390

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$45,390

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $45,390 in Killeen-Temple, TX, is perfectly balanced by the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering stability for those considering a move or already residing in the area.

Job Market Context

1,550

Total Jobs

10.395

Per 1K Jobs

1.99

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Killeen-Temple, TX has 2.0x the national concentration of Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

A Location Quotient of 1.99 signifies that Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators are significantly more prevalent in Killeen-Temple, TX, than in the average U.S. location. This high concentration suggests a specialized local market with potentially more job opportunities but also a more competitive environment for new entrants.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators make in Killeen-Temple, TX?

The median annual salary for a Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators in Killeen-Temple, TX is $45,390. This typically ranges from $36,210 for entry-level positions to $66,340 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Killeen-Temple, TX is 5.0% lower than the national median of $47,800.

Is Killeen-Temple, TX a lucrative place for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators?

Moderately. While the salary is slightly below the national average, the strong concentration of jobs and average cost of living offer stability.The average salary of $45,390 is comparable to the national average when considering the Cost of Living Index of 100. The high Location Quotient of 1.99 indicates a strong local demand for these roles.

Is Killeen-Temple, TX a good place to live for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Killeen-Temple, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Killeen-Temple, TX?

Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($42,380) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Killeen-Temple, TX salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators in Killeen-Temple, TX, is $45,390, which is slightly lower than the national average of $47,800.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Killeen-Temple, TX?

An LQ of 1.99 means that Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators are nearly twice as concentrated in Killeen-Temple, TX, compared to the national average, suggesting higher local demand.

How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary in Killeen-Temple, TX?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $45,390 salary in Killeen-Temple, TX, offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total number of Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators in Killeen-Temple, TX?

There are approximately 1,550 Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators employed in the Killeen-Temple, TX area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,550 employees in the Killeen-Temple, TX area with a job density of 10.395 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.