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Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Greeley, CO

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Greeley, CO, earn an average annual salary of $59,120. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,680, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially different project scales influence compensation. While the nominal pay is lower, the cost of living in Greeley aligns perfectly with the national average, offering a balanced perspective on earning potential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $59,120 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $70,600.
  • Outlook: Greeley, CO, hosts a substantial local workforce of 1,320 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators. The high Location Quotient of 3.75 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, signaling robust demand and a specialized local market. With 11.428 jobs per 1,000 workers, the job market here is demonstrably active and favors skilled equipment operators.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$59,120

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Greeley, CO earns-11.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.4

Weekly

$1,137

Monthly

$4,927

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Greeley, CO

Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Greeley, CO, is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior operators with extensive experience and certifications in operating complex machinery can earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career ladder, with higher percentiles representing seasoned professionals who are highly valued in the market.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$48,750$23.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$44,340$21.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$59,100$28.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$73,900$35.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$70,600$33.9

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$59,120

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$59,120

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $59,120 in Greeley, CO, is precisely aligned with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Operating Engineer's salary in Greeley is comparable to that of someone earning the national average salary in a location with average living expenses. Therefore, the salary offers a standard level of financial comfort relative to everyday costs.

Job Market Context

1,320

Total Jobs

11.428

Per 1K Jobs

3.75

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Greeley, CO has 3.8x 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.

Greeley, CO, exhibits a highly concentrated market for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 3.75. This signifies that the area has nearly four times the national average concentration of these roles. Such a high quotient suggests a specialized demand, potentially driven by local industries like agriculture, oil and gas, or construction, making the job market competitive for employers seeking talent but potentially advantageous for experienced operators.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

CitySalaryDist.
Fort Collins-Loveland, CO Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary$62,960↑ 6%18 mi
Boulder, CO Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary$68,020↑ 15%37 mi
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary$65,920↑ 12%45 mi
Cheyenne, WY Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary$56,020↓ 5%50 mi
Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary$62,300↑ 5%98 mi

Comparing salaries near Greeley, CO

Hiring Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Greeley, CO?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Greeley, CO is $59,120. This typically ranges from $48,750 for entry-level positions to $70,600 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Greeley, CO is 11.3% lower than the national median of $66,680.

Is Greeley, CO a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

No, not when compared to the national average salary.While Greeley, CO, has a high concentration of these roles and a cost of living matching the national average, the average salary of $59,120 is below the national average of $66,680.

Is Greeley, CO a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Greeley, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Greeley, CO?

Some top paying nearby cities include Fort Collins-Loveland, CO ($62,960) and Boulder, CO.

How does the cost of living in Greeley, CO affect salary perception?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Greeley's expenses are on par with the national average. This means the $59,120 salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary benchmark.

What does a Location Quotient of 3.75 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 3.75 indicates a significantly higher presence of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Greeley compared to the national average. This suggests strong local demand and a specialized job market.

How many Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are there in Greeley, CO?

There are approximately 1,320 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in Greeley, CO, representing a substantial portion of the local workforce in this sector.

Are there more job opportunities for this role in Greeley compared to other areas?

The metric of 11.428 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a higher prevalence of these roles in Greeley relative to the national average, indicating a potentially robust job market for qualified individuals.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,320 employees in the Greeley, CO area with a job density of 11.428 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Explore Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salaries by State

Semantic Salary Analysis for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Greeley, CO