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Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Johnson City, TN

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Johnson City, TN, earn an average annual salary of $47,200. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,680, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation levels within this region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $47,200 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 42.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,310.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 230 professionals and a Location Quotient of 0.91, the market for Operating Engineers in Johnson City indicates a stable, albeit slightly below-average concentration compared to the national landscape. The presence of 2.764 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent, though not rapidly expanding, demand for these skilled operators within the local construction sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$47,200

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Johnson City, TN earns-29.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.7

Weekly

$908

Monthly

$3,933

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Johnson City, TN

Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators typically correlates with increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$37,390$18
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$35,400$17
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$46,730$22.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$59,000$28.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$57,310$27.6

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$47,200

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$47,200

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $47,200 in Johnson City aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Operating Engineer's salary in Johnson City is equivalent to the national average, indicating that while the nominal pay is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not present a disadvantage.

Job Market Context

230

Total Jobs

2.764

Per 1K Jobs

0.91

Location Quotient

Below Average

Johnson City, TN has 0.91x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.91 suggests that Johnson City has a slightly lower concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators relative to the national average. This indicates a market that is neither oversaturated nor experiencing exceptionally high demand, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.

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 Johnson City, TN?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Johnson City, TN is $47,200. This typically ranges from $37,390 for entry-level positions to $57,310 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Johnson City, TN is 29.2% lower than the national median of $66,680.

Is Johnson City, TN a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $47,200 is significantly lower than the national average of $66,680. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.

Is Johnson City, TN a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Johnson City, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Johnson City, TN?

Some top paying nearby cities include Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA ($52,050) and Morristown, TN.

How does Johnson City's salary for this role compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Johnson City, TN is $47,200, which is considerably lower than the national average of $66,680.

What is the job market like for Operating Engineers in Johnson City?

The job market is stable, with a local workforce of 230 and a Location Quotient of 0.91, indicating a concentration slightly below the national average but consistent demand.

Does the cost of living in Johnson City affect the perceived value of the salary?

No, the cost of living in Johnson City is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $47,200 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary.

How many Operating Engineers are there in Johnson City relative to the national average?

Johnson City has 2.764 Operating Engineers per 1,000 workers, which is close to the national average, reflected in its Location Quotient of 0.91.

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 Johnson City, TN area with a job density of 2.764 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.