SalaryNode

Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Bloomington, IL

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Bloomington, IL, command an impressive average annual salary of $86,550. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $66,680, suggesting that local market dynamics and demand contribute to higher compensation for these skilled professionals in the region. The specialized nature of operating heavy machinery and the specific needs of Bloomington's construction sector likely drive this premium.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $86,550 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,810.
  • Outlook: Bloomington, IL, hosts a local workforce of 200 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators. While the Location Quotient of 0.73 indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the presence of 2.213 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady demand for these roles within the local economy. This indicates a stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, job market for these essential construction professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$86,550

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Bloomington, IL earns+29.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$41.6

Weekly

$1,664

Monthly

$7,213

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Bloomington, IL

Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators is strongly tied to experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at lower pay scales, while seasoned professionals with expertise in complex machinery or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding accumulated knowledge, certifications, and years of dedicated service in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$61,270$29.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$64,913$31.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$93,510$45
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$108,188$52
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$98,810$47.5

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$86,550

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$86,550

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $86,550 in Bloomington, IL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Operating Engineer's salary in Bloomington is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of a higher cost of living often associated with above-average salaries in other areas.

Job Market Context

200

Total Jobs

2.213

Per 1K Jobs

0.73

Location Quotient

Below Average

Bloomington, IL has 0.73x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.73, Bloomington, IL, has a slightly lower concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the market is not oversaturated. This could translate to a competitive environment for employers seeking talent, potentially benefiting skilled operators with good job prospects.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Bloomington, IL?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Bloomington, IL is $86,550. This typically ranges from $61,270 for entry-level positions to $98,810 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Bloomington, IL is 29.8% higher than the national median of $66,680.

Is Bloomington, IL a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

Yes, Bloomington, IL offers a lucrative environment for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.The average salary of $86,550 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living remains at the national benchmark, providing strong purchasing power.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Bloomington, IL?

Some top paying nearby cities include West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area ($72,830) and East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Bloomington, IL salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Bloomington, IL, is $86,550, which is considerably higher than the national average of $66,680.

What is the concentration of Operating Engineers in Bloomington, IL?

The concentration, or Location Quotient, for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Bloomington, IL, is 0.73, indicating a slightly lower presence compared to the national average.

Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary in Bloomington, IL?

No, the cost of living in Bloomington, IL, is at the national average (100), meaning the $86,550 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate for this role in Bloomington, IL?

With 2.213 jobs per 1,000 workers, it suggests a consistent demand for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators within the local labor market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Bloomington, IL area with a job density of 2.213 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.