Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Cheyenne, WY
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Cheyenne, WY, earn an average annual salary of $56,020. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,680, suggesting that local market conditions and demand play a significant role in compensation for this trade in the Wyoming capital. Factors such as the specific types of construction projects prevalent in the region and the overall economic activity influence these pay rates.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $70,140.
- Outlook: The job market for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Cheyenne, WY, shows a robust concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.83, significantly above the national average. With a local workforce of 260 professionals in this field, the demand appears to be relatively strong compared to the national distribution, suggesting a stable or growing need for these skilled operators within the Cheyenne area.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Cheyenne, WY earns-16.0%below the national average.
$26.9
$1,077
$4,668
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Cheyenne is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled trades like Operating Engineers have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and infrastructure projects often drive increased demand, leading to upward pressure on wages for experienced operators.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Cheyenne, WY
The salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators 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 a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within Cheyenne reflect this career trajectory, with senior operators earning substantially more than their less experienced counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $43,060 | $20.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $42,015 | $20.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $53,510 | $25.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $70,025 | $33.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $70,140 | $33.7 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Cheyenne, WY, is perfectly aligned with the national average. This means the nominal salary of $56,020 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators holds its purchasing power directly against the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of real income compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
5.568
Per 1K Jobs
1.83
Location Quotient
Cheyenne, WY has 1.8x 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.83 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Cheyenne, WY, signifies a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher relative demand or a more specialized local industry requiring these skills, potentially leading to more job opportunities and competitive compensation within the region compared to areas with a lower LQ.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Cheyenne, 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 Cheyenne, WY?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Cheyenne, WY is $56,020. This typically ranges from $43,060 for entry-level positions to $70,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Cheyenne, WY is 16.0% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Cheyenne, WY a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the concentration of these roles is higher than the national average, the average salary of $56,020 is below the national average of $66,680, and the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Cheyenne, WY a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Cheyenne, WY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Cheyenne, WY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fort Collins-Loveland, CO ($62,960) and Greeley, CO.
How does the number of local jobs compare to the national average?
Cheyenne, WY has approximately 5.568 jobs per 1,000 workers for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, indicating a higher concentration than the national average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Cheyenne?
An LQ of 1.83 means that Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are employed in Cheyenne at a rate 83% higher than the national average, suggesting strong local demand or specialization.
Does experience impact salary for these operators in Cheyenne?
Yes, like most skilled trades, experience significantly influences salary. Senior operators with specialized skills and a proven safety record typically earn more than entry-level workers.
How does the cost of living in Cheyenne affect the salary?
Cheyenne's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. Therefore, the average salary of $56,020 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, without a significant cost-of-living adjustment needed.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Cheyenne, WY area with a job density of 5.568 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 Cheyenne, WY