Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Boulder, CO
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Boulder, CO, earn an average annual salary of $68,020. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $66,680, indicating a localized premium for these skilled professionals. Factors such as the specific demands of the Boulder construction market and the cost of living likely contribute to this competitive compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,570.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 220 individuals, the market for Operating Engineers in Boulder, CO, presents a moderate employment base. The Location Quotient of 0.38 suggests that while the profession is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, implying a steady but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Boulder, CO earns+2.0%above the national average.
$32.7
$1,308
$5,668
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Boulder, CO, have experienced 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 specialized skills in the construction sector.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Boulder, CO
Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Boulder, CO, is typically marked by increasing salary potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced operators with specialized certifications and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $51,160 | $24.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $51,015 | $24.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $65,830 | $31.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $85,025 | $40.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $79,570 | $38.3 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$68,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $68,020 in Boulder, CO, 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 Boulder is equivalent to that of an engineer earning the national average in a typical U.S. city, offering a balanced financial landscape.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
1.142
Per 1K Jobs
0.38
Location Quotient
At 0.38x, Boulder, CO has a notably lower concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
The Location Quotient of 0.38 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Boulder, CO, indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the local job market compared to the national average. This suggests that while there are opportunities, the market is not saturated, potentially leading to a more stable employment outlook for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Boulder, CO
Hiring Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Boulder, CO?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Boulder, CO is $68,020. This typically ranges from $51,160 for entry-level positions to $79,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boulder, CO is 2.0% higher than the national median of $66,680.
Is Boulder, CO a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Yes, Boulder, CO offers a slightly above-average salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.The average salary of $68,020 in Boulder is higher than the national average of $66,680, and the cost of living is at the national average, making it a financially sound location.
Is Boulder, CO a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Boulder, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Boulder, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO ($65,920) and Greeley, CO.
How does Boulder's salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Operating Engineers in Boulder, CO, is $68,020, which is slightly higher than the national average of $66,680.
What is the concentration of Operating Engineers in Boulder compared to the nation?
Boulder has a lower concentration of Operating Engineers, with a Location Quotient of 0.38, meaning the profession is less common there than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Boulder affect the salary?
Boulder's cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $68,020 salary in Boulder has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a typical U.S. city.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate for this role in Boulder?
With 1.142 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of Operating Engineers in Boulder is slightly above the national average, suggesting a consistent, albeit not booming, 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 220 employees in the Boulder, CO area with a job density of 1.142 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 Boulder, CO