Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Colorado Springs, CO, earn an average annual salary of $60,080. This figure is slightly below the national average of $66,680, a difference often influenced by local economic factors and the specific demands of the regional construction landscape. While the nominal pay is lower, understanding the local market dynamics is key to assessing career potential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,080 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,790.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,130 individuals and a Location Quotient of 1.17, Colorado Springs shows a slightly higher concentration of Operating Engineers than the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not booming, demand for these skilled professionals within the region, indicating a healthy job market for those in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Colorado Springs, CO earns-9.9%below the national average.
$28.9
$1,155
$5,007
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 and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Colorado Springs have seen gradual 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 Colorado Springs, CO
Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Colorado Springs typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available through skill development and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $47,670 | $22.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $45,060 | $21.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $60,680 | $29.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $75,100 | $36.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $75,790 | $36.4 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,080
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,080
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $60,080 in Colorado Springs aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of an Operating Engineer's salary in Colorado Springs is equivalent to that of an engineer in a typical U.S. city, making it a neutral environment for relocation from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
1,130
Total Jobs
3.547
Per 1K Jobs
1.17
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.17, Colorado Springs, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.17 indicates that Colorado Springs has a slightly higher concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where employers may have a good pool of local talent, but demand remains robust enough to support this concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Colorado Springs, 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 Colorado Springs, CO?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Colorado Springs, CO is $60,080. This typically ranges from $47,670 for entry-level positions to $75,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado Springs, CO is 9.9% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Moderately. While the average salary is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average.The average salary of $60,080 is slightly lower than the national average, but with a Cost of Living Index of 100, the purchasing power remains comparable to national averages.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado Springs, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado Springs, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area ($62,300) and Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Colorado Springs salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Operating Engineers in Colorado Springs is $60,080, which is approximately $6,600 less than the national average of $66,680.
What is the concentration of Operating Engineers in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs has a Location Quotient of 1.17 for Operating Engineers, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary in Colorado Springs?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the same as the national average, the $60,080 salary in Colorado Springs offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Operating Engineers in Colorado Springs?
There are approximately 1,130 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the Colorado Springs area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,130 employees in the Colorado Springs, CO area with a job density of 3.547 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 Colorado Springs, CO