Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC earn an average annual salary of $48,600. 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 this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,410.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 830 individuals in this specialized field, Augusta-Richmond County demonstrates a moderate concentration of Operating Engineers. The location quotient of 1.19 indicates a slightly higher presence of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for their skills within the local construction and infrastructure sectors.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC earns-27.1%below the national average.
$23.4
$935
$4,050
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Augusta-Richmond County is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators have experienced 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 skilled labor in the construction industry.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC
Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may 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 distribution clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential available with advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $34,980 | $16.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $36,450 | $17.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $46,980 | $22.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $60,750 | $29.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $61,410 | $29.5 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,600
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $48,600 in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of an Operating Engineer's salary in this area is comparable to that of their national counterparts, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to living expenses.
Job Market Context
830
Total Jobs
3.615
Per 1K Jobs
1.19
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.19, Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators roles compared to the national norm.
The location quotient of 1.19 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC, signifies a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy, competitive environment where employers actively seek these skilled professionals, but the market is not oversaturated, offering good opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is $48,600. This typically ranges from $34,980 for entry-level positions to $61,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 27.1% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the local cost of living is average, the average salary of $48,600 is significantly lower than the national average of $66,680, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific region.
Is Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($45,300) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for Operating Engineers in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?
The average annual salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is $48,600.
How does the Augusta-Richmond County salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Augusta-Richmond County is $48,600, which is considerably lower than the national average of $66,680 for this profession.
What is the cost of living in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?
The cost of living index in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated is the job market for Operating Engineers in this area?
The job market is slightly more concentrated than the national average, with a location quotient of 1.19, indicating a healthy demand 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 830 employees in the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC area with a job density of 3.615 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 Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC