SalaryNode

Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Amarillo, TX

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Amarillo, TX, earn an average annual salary of $51,210. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,680, reflecting localized economic factors and demand within the Texas Panhandle region. The specific pay scales in Amarillo are influenced by the regional construction market and the overall economic landscape of the area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $51,210 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,820.
  • Outlook: Amarillo, TX hosts a local workforce of 430 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, indicating a stable presence in the region's employment sector. With a Location Quotient of 1.15, this profession is slightly more concentrated in Amarillo than the national average, suggesting a steady, albeit not overwhelmingly high, demand for these skilled roles within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$51,210

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Amarillo, TX earns-23.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.6

Weekly

$985

Monthly

$4,268

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Amarillo, TX

Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Amarillo, TX, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distributions clearly signify the value placed on accumulated expertise and operational proficiency.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$37,860$18.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$38,408$18.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$50,310$24.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$64,013$30.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$64,820$31.2

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$51,210

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$51,210

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $51,210 in Amarillo, TX, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Operating Engineer's salary in Amarillo is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not present a significant disadvantage for residents.

Job Market Context

430

Total Jobs

3.487

Per 1K Jobs

1.15

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.15, Amarillo, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators roles compared to the national norm.

Amarillo, TX, exhibits a Location Quotient of 1.15 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where the demand is present and slightly exceeds the national proportion, but not to the extent of being oversaturated.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Amarillo, TX?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Amarillo, TX is $51,210. This typically ranges from $37,860 for entry-level positions to $64,820 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Amarillo, TX is 23.2% lower than the national median of $66,680.

Is Amarillo, TX a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $51,210 is significantly lower than the national average of $66,680 for this profession.

Is Amarillo, TX a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

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

How does the Amarillo workforce size compare to national levels?

Amarillo has a local workforce of 430 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, which is a substantial number for a city of its size, indicating a consistent local need for these roles.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Amarillo?

A Location Quotient of 1.15 means that Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are 15% more concentrated in Amarillo than the national average, suggesting a slightly higher relative demand or availability of these jobs locally.

Does experience significantly impact salary for these roles in Amarillo?

Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression. Senior operators with specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more than entry-level workers, with salary percentiles reflecting this growth.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Amarillo's cost of living is average nationally. Therefore, the $51,210 salary offers average purchasing power, balancing the lower nominal wage against moderate expenses.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Amarillo, TX area with a job density of 3.487 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.