Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earn an average annual salary of $66,850. This figure is slightly above the national average of $66,680, indicating a stable and competitive market. Local economic factors and demand within the construction sector likely contribute to this alignment.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $66,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,980.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,250 individuals in this specialized field, Des Moines-West Des Moines demonstrates a healthy concentration of operating engineers. The Location Quotient of 1.02 suggests that this occupation is represented at a rate very close to the national average, implying a consistent demand that supports the current workforce size.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns+0.3%above the national average.
$32.1
$1,286
$5,571
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 Des Moines-West Des Moines 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 skilled labor in the construction industry.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. Experienced operators often command higher wages due to their specialized skills, proficiency with complex machinery, and ability to handle more challenging projects. The difference in earnings across experience levels signifies a clear path for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $50,180 | $24.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $50,138 | $24.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $63,560 | $30.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $83,563 | $40.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $82,980 | $39.9 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$66,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$66,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $66,850 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an operating engineer's salary in this metropolitan area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
1,250
Total Jobs
3.094
Per 1K Jobs
1.02
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.02, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.02 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Des Moines-West Des Moines indicates a job market that is closely in line with national employment patterns for this role. This suggests a balanced supply and demand, where the number of jobs available is proportionate to the number of qualified professionals in the area, fostering a competitive yet stable employment landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $66,850. This typically ranges from $50,180 for entry-level positions to $82,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 0.3% higher than the national median of $66,680.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Yes, it offers a competitive salary equivalent to the national average.The average salary of $66,850 is slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, making it a financially stable location for these professionals.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($62,250) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines job market compare to the national average for this role?
The job market in Des Moines-West Des Moines is very similar to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.02, indicating a balanced representation of this occupation.
What is the total number of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
There are approximately 1,250 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area.
Does the cost of living affect the value of an Operating Engineer's salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
No, the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $66,850 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many jobs per 1,000 workers are there for Operating Engineers in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
There are 3.094 jobs per 1,000 workers for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,250 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 3.094 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA