SalaryNode

Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Eau Claire, WI

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Eau Claire, WI, command an impressive average annual salary of $68,120. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $66,680, indicating a localized demand that supports higher compensation. Factors such as regional construction project volume and the specific skill set required for operating specialized equipment in the Eau Claire area likely contribute to this favorable pay.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $68,120 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $92,930.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 290 professionals, the market for Operating Engineers in Eau Claire, WI, demonstrates a healthy concentration. The Location Quotient of 1.13 suggests that this occupation is more prevalent in Eau Claire than the national average, pointing to a robust demand for these skilled operators within the region's construction sector. The presence of 3.447 jobs per 1,000 workers further solidifies the notion of a stable and active job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$68,120

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Eau Claire, WI earns+2.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$32.8

Weekly

$1,310

Monthly

$5,677

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Eau Claire, WI

Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Eau Claire, WI, is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The salary distribution reflects a clear pathway for advancement, with significant pay increases associated with accumulating years of experience and mastering complex machinery.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$49,330$23.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$51,090$24.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$60,330$29
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$85,150$40.9
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$92,930$44.7

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$68,120

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$68,120

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $68,120 in Eau Claire, WI, 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 Eau Claire is equivalent to the national standard, allowing for a comparable lifestyle without the financial strain often associated with higher-paying, high-cost-of-living areas.

Job Market Context

290

Total Jobs

3.447

Per 1K Jobs

1.13

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.13, Eau Claire, WI 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 1.13 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Eau Claire, WI, signifies a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy and active job market where demand is at least on par with, if not exceeding, the national trend, making it a potentially favorable environment for job seekers in this trade.

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 Eau Claire, WI?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Eau Claire, WI is $68,120. This typically ranges from $49,330 for entry-level positions to $92,930 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Eau Claire, WI is 2.2% higher than the national median of $66,680.

Is Eau Claire, WI a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

Yes, Eau Claire, WI offers a lucrative environment for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.The average salary of $68,120 surpasses the national average, and the cost of living is right at the national benchmark, allowing for strong purchasing power.

Is Eau Claire, WI a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Eau Claire, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Eau Claire, WI?

Some top paying nearby cities include La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN ($70,960) and Rochester, MN.

How does the Eau Claire salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Operating Engineers in Eau Claire, WI, is $68,120, which is slightly higher than the national average of $66,680.

What is the concentration of Operating Engineers in Eau Claire, WI?

Eau Claire, WI has a Location Quotient of 1.13 for this occupation, indicating a slightly higher concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators than the national average.

Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary in Eau Claire, WI?

No, the cost of living in Eau Claire, WI, is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $68,120 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

How many Operating Engineers are there in Eau Claire, WI?

There are approximately 290 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the Eau Claire, WI area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Eau Claire, WI area with a job density of 3.447 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.