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Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Cleveland, OH

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Cleveland, OH, command an impressive average annual salary of $71,990, surpassing the national average of $66,680. This elevated compensation is often a reflection of the specific demands and economic drivers within the Cleveland metropolitan area, influencing local wage structures for skilled trades.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $71,990 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,710.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,730 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, Cleveland presents a stable, albeit slightly below national average, concentration of these roles (Location Quotient of 0.87). The presence of 2.635 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand within the region's construction and infrastructure sectors, suggesting a robust job market for experienced professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$71,990

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Cleveland, OH earns+8.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$34.6

Weekly

$1,384

Monthly

$5,999

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Cleveland, OH

Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Cleveland typically sees a significant salary increase from entry-level positions to senior roles. The gap between the lowest and highest percentile earnings highlights the substantial earning potential as operators gain experience, specialize in complex machinery, and take on more responsibility, signifying clear career advancement pathways.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$47,120$22.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$53,993$26
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$66,370$31.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$89,988$43.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$97,710$47

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$71,990

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$71,990

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $71,990 in Cleveland, OH, 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 Cleveland is equivalent to the national standard, allowing for a comparable lifestyle without significant financial adjustment.

Job Market Context

2,730

Total Jobs

2.635

Per 1K Jobs

0.87

Location Quotient

Below Average

Cleveland, OH has 0.87x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.87 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Cleveland suggests that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive market where demand is present but perhaps not as saturated as in some other major metropolitan areas, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Cleveland, OH?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Cleveland, OH is $71,990. This typically ranges from $47,120 for entry-level positions to $97,710 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Cleveland, OH is 8.0% higher than the national median of $66,680.

Is Cleveland, OH a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

Yes, Cleveland, OH offers a lucrative environment for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.The average salary of $71,990 significantly exceeds the national average, and with a cost of living at the national benchmark, your earnings provide strong purchasing power.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Cleveland, OH?

Some top paying nearby cities include Akron, OH ($66,540) and Canton-Massillon, OH.

How does the Cleveland salary compare to the national average?

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Cleveland earn an average of $71,990 annually, which is higher than the national average of $66,680.

What is the Cost of Living in Cleveland, OH for this profession?

The Cost of Living Index in Cleveland, OH is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary has standard purchasing power.

How concentrated are Operating Engineer jobs in Cleveland?

Cleveland has a Location Quotient of 0.87 for this role, indicating a slightly lower concentration of jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.

What is the total number of Operating Engineers in Cleveland?

There are approximately 2,730 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the Cleveland, OH area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,730 employees in the Cleveland, OH area with a job density of 2.635 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.