SalaryNode

Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Casper, WY

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Casper, WY, earn an average annual salary of $53,550. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,680, suggesting localized economic factors or a different demand structure influence compensation in this Wyoming city. The specific needs and scale of construction projects within Casper likely shape the prevailing wage rates for these skilled professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $53,550 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $71,730.
  • Outlook: Casper, WY, hosts a local workforce of 270 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators. With a Location Quotient of 2.21, this profession is significantly more concentrated in Casper than the national average, indicating a robust local demand relative to the national landscape. The presence of 6.723 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the substantial employment opportunities available for this trade within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$53,550

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Casper, WY earns-19.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25.7

Weekly

$1,030

Monthly

$4,463

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Casper, WY

Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Casper, WY, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive project experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression, with senior operators often earning well above the average.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$40,300$19.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$40,163$19.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$51,310$24.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$66,938$32.2
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$71,730$34.5

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$53,550

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$53,550

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $53,550 in Casper, WY, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income within Casper is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the lower salary does not necessarily translate to a reduced standard of living in this specific locale.

Job Market Context

270

Total Jobs

6.723

Per 1K Jobs

2.21

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Casper, WY has 2.2x the national concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Casper, WY, exhibits a strong concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 2.21. This significantly higher-than-average concentration suggests that the demand for these professionals in Casper is robust and potentially outpaces the national average relative to the overall workforce. This indicates a competitive market where skilled operators are highly valued.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

Comparing salaries near Casper, WY

Hiring Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Casper, WY?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Casper, WY is $53,550. This typically ranges from $40,300 for entry-level positions to $71,730 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Casper, WY is 19.7% lower than the national median of $66,680.

Is Casper, WY a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

No, not when compared to the national average salary.While the cost of living is average, the $53,550 average salary is considerably lower than the national average of $66,680. However, the high concentration (LQ 2.21) suggests strong local demand.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Casper, WY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area ($59,630) and Eastern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area.

How does the cost of living in Casper, WY affect salaries?

The cost of living in Casper, WY, is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $53,550 average salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary benchmark.

Is there high demand for Operating Engineers in Casper, WY?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 2.21 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs in Casper compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.

What is the total number of Operating Engineers in Casper, WY?

There are approximately 270 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in Casper, WY.

How does Casper's salary compare to the national average for this role?

The average salary of $53,550 in Casper is below the national average of $66,680 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Casper, WY area with a job density of 6.723 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.