Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area earn an average annual salary of $64,940. This figure is slightly below the national average of $66,680, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and demand within the construction sector. The total local workforce of 1,090 professionals contributes to this specific pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $64,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,800.
- Outlook: The Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood metropolitan area supports a workforce of 1,090 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators. With a Location Quotient of 0.64, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a moderately less saturated market compared to national benchmarks. The presence of 1.936 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these skilled professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns-2.6%below the national average.
$31.2
$1,249
$5,412
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, like in many other regions, have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for infrastructure projects, and the need for specialized skills in operating complex construction machinery.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive project histories can command salaries well above the average, reaching into the higher 75th and 90th percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify substantial career progression and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $48,160 | $23.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $48,705 | $23.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $62,300 | $30 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $81,175 | $39 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $82,800 | $39.8 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$64,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$64,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $64,940 in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, 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, suggesting a balanced economic environment where wages effectively cover typical living expenses without a significant premium or discount.
Job Market Context
1,090
Total Jobs
1.936
Per 1K Jobs
0.64
Location Quotient
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has 0.64x the national average concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.64, the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood metropolitan area has a lower concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators compared to the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, the job market is not oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals entering the field or those looking to relocate, as the supply of workers is relatively less abundant than the national norm.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $64,940. This typically ranges from $48,160 for entry-level positions to $82,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 2.6% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $64,940 is slightly below the national average of $66,680, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, indicating standard earning potential for the area.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI ($61,630) and Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.
How does the Grand Rapids job market compare to the national average for this role?
The job market in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, has a lower concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.64, suggesting fewer professionals relative to the national average.
What is the average salary for Operating Engineers in Grand Rapids?
The average annual salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area is $64,940.
Does the cost of living affect the salary in Grand Rapids?
The cost of living in Grand Rapids is at the national average (100), meaning the $64,940 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment.
How many Operating Engineers are there in the Grand Rapids area?
There are approximately 1,090 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI 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 1,090 employees in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 1.936 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 Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI