Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Albuquerque, NM, earn an average annual salary of $51,660. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,680, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $67,320.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,150 individuals, Albuquerque presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, market for Operating Engineers. The location quotient of 0.94 indicates that the concentration of these roles is very close to the national average, implying a steady but not rapidly expanding demand for skilled operators in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Albuquerque, NM earns-22.5%below the national average.
$24.8
$993
$4,305
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Albuquerque is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for infrastructure projects, and the need for specialized skills in the construction sector.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Albuquerque, NM
Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Albuquerque typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average, with higher percentiles reflecting substantial earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $39,350 | $18.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $38,745 | $18.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $49,520 | $23.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $64,575 | $31 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $67,320 | $32.4 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $51,660 in Albuquerque aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is on par with the national standard, making the effective financial impact of the salary comparable.
Job Market Context
1,150
Total Jobs
2.856
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Albuquerque, NM has 0.94x the national average concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
Albuquerque's location quotient of 0.94 suggests that the presence of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators is nearly equivalent to the national average relative to the overall workforce. This indicates a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively stable, without significant oversupply or undersupply of these skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Albuquerque, NM
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Albuquerque, NM?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Albuquerque, NM is $51,660. This typically ranges from $39,350 for entry-level positions to $67,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Albuquerque, NM is 22.5% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Albuquerque, NM a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $51,660 is below the national average of $66,680, although the cost of living is also at the national average.
Is Albuquerque, NM a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Albuquerque, NM is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Albuquerque, NM?
Some top paying nearby cities include Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area ($52,860) and Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Albuquerque has 2.856 jobs per 1,000 workers for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, which is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate level of employment concentration in this field.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Albuquerque?
An LQ of 0.94 means that the concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Albuquerque is slightly less than the national average. This suggests the job market is neither exceptionally strong nor weak in terms of specialized demand.
Does experience significantly impact salary for this role in Albuquerque?
Yes, as with most skilled trades, experience is a key driver of salary. Senior operators with specialized skills and certifications can expect to earn considerably more than entry-level workers.
How does the cost of living affect the real value of an Operating Engineer's salary in Albuquerque?
With a cost of living index of 100, the real value of the $51,660 salary in Albuquerque is equivalent to the national average. This means that while the nominal pay is lower, the purchasing power locally is standard.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,150 employees in the Albuquerque, NM area with a job density of 2.856 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Albuquerque, NM