Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area earn an average annual salary of $65,920. This figure is slightly below the national average of $66,680, suggesting a nuanced compensation landscape influenced by local economic factors and industry demand. While the nominal pay is comparable, the specific economic drivers within the Denver metropolitan area shape this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,930.
- Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial area supports a substantial workforce of 5,400 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators. With a Location Quotient of 1.1, this indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for skilled professionals in this sector within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns-1.1%below the national average.
$31.7
$1,268
$5,493
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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth in skilled trades. This growth is likely driven by ongoing infrastructure projects, construction booms, and the general demand for experienced operators.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $51,630 | $24.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $49,440 | $23.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $63,290 | $30.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $82,400 | $39.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $79,930 | $38.4 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $65,920 in Denver-Aurora-Centennial 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 this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
5,400
Total Jobs
3.335
Per 1K Jobs
1.1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.10, Denver-Aurora-Centennial, 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 1.1 signifies that Denver-Aurora-Centennial has a slightly higher concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators than the national average. This suggests a healthy job market with demand that slightly outpaces the national average, making it a competitive yet promising environment for these professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $65,920. This typically ranges from $51,630 for entry-level positions to $79,930 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 1.1% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Yes, Denver-Aurora-Centennial offers a competitive environment for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.The area's slightly higher concentration of these roles (LQ 1.1) and a cost of living matching the national average indicate a stable and potentially rewarding career path.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($68,020) and Greeley, CO.
How does the Denver-Aurora-Centennial salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $65,920 in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is slightly below the national average of $66,680, indicating a marginal difference in compensation.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Denver?
An LQ of 1.1 means there are more Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators per worker in Denver-Aurora-Centennial than the national average, suggesting a stronger local industry presence.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary?
No, the cost of living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $65,920 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators work in the Denver area?
There are approximately 5,400 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,400 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 3.335 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO