Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Iowa City, IA
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Iowa City, IA, earn an average annual salary of $61,950. This figure is slightly below the national average of $66,680, reflecting localized economic factors and demand within the Iowa City region. The specific pay rates are often influenced by the scale of local construction projects and the overall economic health of the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,670.
- Outlook: The job market for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Iowa City, IA, appears stable, with a local workforce of 230 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.82 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a balanced but not overly saturated market. With 2.488 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a consistent, albeit moderate, demand for these skilled professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Iowa City, IA earns-7.1%below the national average.
$29.8
$1,191
$5,163
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Iowa City is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national economic growth and increased infrastructure investment. This growth is typically driven by inflation, demand for skilled labor, and the increasing complexity of construction projects.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Iowa City, IA
Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced operators with specialized skills and certifications can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay clearly signify career advancement, with senior operators often earning substantially more than their less experienced counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $48,790 | $23.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $46,463 | $22.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $59,620 | $28.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $77,438 | $37.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $78,670 | $37.8 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $61,950 in Iowa City, IA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Iowa City-based Operating Engineer's salary is comparable to that of an engineer in a typical U.S. city, making the nominal salary translate effectively to real-world expenses.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
2.488
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Iowa City, IA has 0.82x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.82 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Iowa City, IA, indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market is not saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled professionals seeking employment without facing intense competition from a disproportionately large local workforce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Iowa City, IA
Hiring Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Iowa City, IA?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Iowa City, IA is $61,950. This typically ranges from $48,790 for entry-level positions to $78,670 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa City, IA is 7.1% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Iowa City, IA a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $61,950 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average. This means earning potential is comparable but not superior to other regions.
Is Iowa City, IA a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Iowa City, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa City, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($62,670) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.
How does the cost of living in Iowa City affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Iowa City's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $61,950 salary has average purchasing power compared to the national median.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.82 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 0.82 suggests that Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are slightly less common in Iowa City compared to the national average. This could imply a stable job market with moderate demand.
How many Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are there in Iowa City?
There are approximately 230 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in Iowa City, IA.
Is the demand for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators high in Iowa City?
The demand is moderate, with 2.488 jobs per 1,000 workers, which is a solid indicator of consistent employment opportunities within the local construction sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Iowa City, IA area with a job density of 2.488 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 Iowa City, IA