Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Kansas City, MO-KS earn an average annual salary of $68,260, surpassing the national average of $66,680. This slightly elevated pay reflects the robust construction sector and specific demands within the Kansas City metropolitan area, influencing compensation for skilled equipment operators.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $91,650.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,770 individuals in this field, Kansas City demonstrates a significant concentration of operating engineers, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.13. This suggests a healthy and active job market where demand for these specialized skills is slightly above the national norm, pointing to a stable outlook for employment.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Kansas City, MO-KS earns+2.4%above the national average.
$32.8
$1,313
$5,688
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Kansas City have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages in skilled trades driven by infrastructure investment and economic development.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Kansas City, MO-KS
Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Kansas City typically sees salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear path for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $46,690 | $22.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $51,195 | $24.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $62,420 | $30 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $85,325 | $41 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $91,650 | $44.1 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$68,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $68,260 in Kansas City, MO-KS aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an operating engineer's salary in Kansas City is equivalent to the national average, offering stable financial footing without significant cost-of-living pressures.
Job Market Context
3,770
Total Jobs
3.449
Per 1K Jobs
1.13
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.13, Kansas City, MO-KS has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.13 indicates that Kansas City, MO-KS has a slightly higher concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet accessible job market, where employers actively seek these skilled professionals, and opportunities are readily available for those with the requisite expertise.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary | $62,460↓ 8% | 38 mi |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary | $62,800↓ 8% | 47 mi |
| Topeka, KS Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary | $57,640↓ 16% | 60 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kansas City, MO-KS
Hiring Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Kansas City, MO-KS is $68,260. This typically ranges from $46,690 for entry-level positions to $91,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kansas City, MO-KS is 2.4% higher than the national median of $66,680.
Is Kansas City, MO-KS a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Yes, Kansas City, MO-KS offers a slightly more lucrative environment for these professionals.The average salary is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par, providing excellent earning potential and stability.
Is Kansas City, MO-KS a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Kansas City, MO-KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas City, MO-KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lawrence, KS ($62,460) and St. Joseph, MO-KS.
What is the total number of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Kansas City, MO-KS?
There are approximately 3,770 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the Kansas City, MO-KS area.
How does the Kansas City job market compare to the national average for this role?
The job market in Kansas City is slightly more concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 1.13, indicating a slightly higher demand and presence of these professionals compared to the national average.
What does a Cost of Living Index of 100 mean for an Operating Engineer in Kansas City?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the cost of living in Kansas City is exactly at the national average, making the $68,260 salary provide average purchasing power.
Are there good career advancement opportunities for Operating Engineers in Kansas City?
Yes, the salary distribution typically shows significant increases with experience, suggesting strong career progression and higher earning potential for senior operators.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,770 employees in the Kansas City, MO-KS area with a job density of 3.449 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
Top Jobs in Kansas City, MO-KS
- All Occupations Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
- Management Occupations Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
- Production Occupations Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
- Browse All Jobs in Kansas City, MO-KS →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kansas City, MO-KS