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Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA area earn an average annual salary of $50,120. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,680, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and supply, play a significant role in compensation within this metropolitan region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $50,120 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,490.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 8,070 individuals in this sector, the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA area demonstrates a substantial presence of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators. The Location Quotient of 0.92 indicates that the concentration of these roles is just slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market with consistent demand.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$50,120

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA earns-24.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.1

Weekly

$964

Monthly

$4,177

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA

Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear career ladder and the value placed on expertise and longevity in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$36,930$17.8
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$37,590$18.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$48,240$23.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$62,650$30.1
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$63,490$30.5

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$50,120

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$50,120

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $50,120 in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 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 is equivalent to the national standard, making the take-home pay relatively stable in terms of cost of living.

Job Market Context

8,070

Total Jobs

2.812

Per 1K Jobs

0.92

Location Quotient

Below Average

Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA has 0.92x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.92 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA suggests that the employment of these professionals is nearly on par with the national average. This indicates a competitive market where opportunities exist, but the concentration is not significantly higher than elsewhere, implying a balanced supply and demand scenario.

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 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is $50,120. This typically ranges from $36,930 for entry-level positions to $63,490 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 24.8% lower than the national median of $66,680.

Is Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $50,120 is below the national average of $66,680, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.

Is Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Gainesville, GA ($45,980) and Rome, GA.

What is the average salary for Operating Engineers in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?

The average annual salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is $50,120.

How does the Atlanta salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Atlanta ($50,120) is lower than the national average ($66,680) for this occupation.

What is the Cost of Living in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?

The Cost of Living Index for Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 100, which is the national average.

How concentrated is the job market for Operating Engineers in this area?

The job market concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.92, is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly dense market for these roles.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,070 employees in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA area with a job density of 2.812 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.