Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Grand Forks, ND-MN earn an average annual salary of $63,800. This figure is slightly below the national average of $66,680, a difference often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local construction sector. The unique economic landscape of Grand Forks shapes compensation for these vital roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $63,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $85,320.
- Outlook: The Grand Forks, ND-MN area supports a local workforce of 420 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators. With a Location Quotient of 2.71, this indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting robust local demand and a specialized market for these skills. The presence of 8.244 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the active employment environment for this profession in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Grand Forks, ND-MN earns-4.3%below the national average.
$30.7
$1,227
$5,317
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 Grand Forks have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the construction industry. Increased infrastructure investment and ongoing development projects typically drive up demand and, consequently, compensation for skilled equipment operators.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Grand Forks, ND-MN
Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Grand Forks, ND-MN is typically marked by increasing salary levels. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries significantly above the average. The gap between entry-level and senior roles represents substantial earning potential and career advancement within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $47,680 | $22.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $47,850 | $23 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $60,800 | $29.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $79,750 | $38.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $85,320 | $41 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$63,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$63,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $63,800 in Grand Forks, ND-MN aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Operating Engineer's salary in Grand Forks is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to living expenses.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
8.244
Per 1K Jobs
2.71
Location Quotient
Grand Forks, ND-MN has 2.7x the national concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 2.71 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Grand Forks, ND-MN signifies a market where this profession is substantially more concentrated than the national average. This high concentration suggests a strong regional demand for these specialized skills, potentially leading to more job opportunities and competitive hiring practices within the local construction industry.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND-MN Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary | $62,440↓ 2% | 74 mi |
Comparing salaries near Grand Forks, ND-MN
Hiring Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Grand Forks, ND-MN?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Grand Forks, ND-MN is $63,800. This typically ranges from $47,680 for entry-level positions to $85,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Forks, ND-MN is 4.3% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Grand Forks, ND-MN a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Yes, with strong local demand.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the significantly higher concentration of jobs (LQ of 2.71) indicates robust local demand and ample opportunities for skilled operators.
Is Grand Forks, ND-MN a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Forks, ND-MN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Grand Forks, ND-MN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fargo, ND-MN ($62,440) and others.
How does the Grand Forks salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Grand Forks, ND-MN is $63,800, which is slightly lower than the national average of $66,680.
What is the concentration of Operating Engineers in Grand Forks?
Grand Forks has a Location Quotient of 2.71 for this profession, meaning it is 2.71 times more concentrated than the national average, indicating strong local demand.
How does the cost of living in Grand Forks affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Grand Forks is at the national average, meaning the $63,800 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the job market look like for these operators in Grand Forks?
The market is robust, with 420 local workers and 8.244 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggesting a healthy and active employment landscape for Operating Engineers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Grand Forks, ND-MN area with a job density of 8.244 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 Grand Forks, ND-MN