Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Altoona, PA
The average salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss in Altoona, PA is $52,390. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Altoona, PA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $52,390 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $69,080.
- Outlook: The current demand for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 180 professionals. With a high job density of 3.155 per 1,000 jobs, there is a strong concentration of opportunities in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Altoona, PA earns-21.4%below the national average.
$25.2
$1,008
$4,366
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salaries in Altoona, PA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 20.9%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Altoona, PA
The earning potential for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss in Altoona, PA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $41,480, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $69,080.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $41,480 | $19.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $39,293 | $18.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $49,180 | $23.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $65,488 | $31.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $69,080 | $33.2 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$52,390
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$52,390
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Altoona, PA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $52,390 to $52,390.
Job Market Context
180
Total Jobs
3.155
Per 1K Jobs
1.04
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.04, Altoona, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators roles compared to the national norm.
180 people work as Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Altoona, PA.
Moderate density — roughly 3.155 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Altoona, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Altoona, PA?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Altoona, PA is $52,390. This typically ranges from $41,480 for entry-level positions to $69,080 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Altoona, PA is 21.4% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Altoona, PA a good place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in Altoona, PA is $52,390 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Altoona, PA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Altoona, PA a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Altoona, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Altoona, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Johnstown, PA ($54,390) and State College, PA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 180 employees in the Altoona, PA area with a job density of 3.155 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 Altoona, PA