SalaryNode

Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI

The average salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $69,520. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $69,520 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 51.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $96,240.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 190 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Kalamazoo-Portage, MI economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$69,520

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI earns+4.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$33.4

Weekly

$1,337

Monthly

$5,793

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI

The earning potential for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $49,260, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $96,240.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$49,260$23.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$52,140$25.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$61,140$29.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$86,900$41.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$96,240$46.3

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$69,520

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$69,520

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $69,520 to $69,520.

Job Market Context

190

Total Jobs

1.585

Per 1K Jobs

0.52

Location Quotient

Below Average

Kalamazoo-Portage, MI has 0.52x 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.

190 people work as Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.

1.585 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators positions — a typical concentration.

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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $69,520. This typically ranges from $49,260 for entry-level positions to $96,240 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 4.3% higher than the national median of $66,680.

Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a good place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

Yes, Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is financially attractive for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss. The average salary of $69,520 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?

Some top paying nearby cities include Battle Creek, MI ($67,940) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 190 employees in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area with a job density of 1.585 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.