Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area earn an impressive average annual salary of $83,410, significantly surpassing the national average of $66,680. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the region's robust construction sector and the specialized skills required for operating complex machinery in a dense urban environment.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $83,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $126,020.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,740 individuals in this specialized field, the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area demonstrates a substantial presence of Operating Engineers. The Location Quotient of 0.82 indicates a concentration slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market, with demand likely sustained by ongoing development projects.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH earns+25.1%above the national average.
$40.1
$1,604
$6,951
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Operating Engineers in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for skilled labor, and the complexity of modern construction projects typically contribute to upward salary adjustments in this sector.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Career progression for Operating Engineers typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive project experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting their enhanced skills, efficiency, and reliability on job sites.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $51,290 | $24.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $62,558 | $30.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $73,680 | $35.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $104,263 | $50.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $126,020 | $60.6 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$83,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$83,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $83,410 in Boston-Cambridge-Newton aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, indicating that the increased earnings are offset by the cost of living in this metropolitan area.
Job Market Context
6,740
Total Jobs
2.488
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH has 0.82x 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 0.82 suggests that Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are slightly less concentrated in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area compared to the national average. This implies a healthy job market where demand is present, but perhaps not overwhelmingly competitive, offering opportunities for skilled professionals without an excessive surplus of candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is $83,410. This typically ranges from $51,290 for entry-level positions to $126,020 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is 25.1% higher than the national median of $66,680.
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Yes, it is a lucrative place.The average salary of $83,410 is substantially higher than the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the nominal wage increase offers a strong financial incentive.
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($72,810) and Worcester, MA.
How does the Boston salary compare to the national average?
Operating Engineers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton earn an average of $83,410 annually, which is significantly higher than the national average of $66,680.
What is the concentration of Operating Engineers in Boston?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.82, indicating a slightly lower presence of these professionals compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the Boston salary?
The cost of living in Boston is at the national average (100), meaning the higher nominal salary of $83,410 offers purchasing power comparable to the national average salary.
How many Operating Engineers work in the Boston area?
There are approximately 6,740 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,740 employees in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area with a job density of 2.488 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 Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH