Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $49,050. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $66,680, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different demand structure compared to more urbanized areas. The specific economic landscape and the prevalence of certain types of construction projects in these regions directly influence the compensation offered to these skilled professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $66,560.
- Outlook: The job market for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas appears robust, with a total local workforce of 2,810 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.47 strongly indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting significant local demand and a specialized labor pool. With 7.514 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of this profession is more than double the national average, pointing to a stable and potentially growing employment sector.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Kansas nonmetropolitan area earns-26.4%below the national average.
$23.6
$943
$4,088
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Kansas nonmetropolitan areas have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increases in infrastructure projects, agricultural development, and the need for skilled tradespeople likely contribute to a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in compensation within this sector.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Kansas nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement, with senior operators often earning substantially more due to their expertise, reliability, and ability to handle complex machinery and projects.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,050 | $17.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $36,788 | $17.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $46,160 | $22.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $61,313 | $29.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $66,560 | $32 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,050
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $49,050 in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this profession, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, individuals relocating to this area can expect their earnings to cover expenses at a rate comparable to the rest of the country, without the added financial pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
2,810
Total Jobs
7.514
Per 1K Jobs
2.47
Location Quotient
Kansas nonmetropolitan area has 2.5x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.47, Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas exhibit a significantly higher concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators than the national average. This suggests a specialized and relatively abundant job market for these professionals within the region. While this indicates strong local demand, it also implies a competitive environment where employers may have a larger pool of qualified candidates to choose from, potentially influencing wage negotiations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan, KS Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary | $55,850↑ 14% | 46 mi |
| Topeka, KS Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary | $57,640↑ 18% | 66 mi |
| Wichita, KS Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary | $52,640↑ 7% | 67 mi |
| Lawrence, KS Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary | $62,460↑ 27% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kansas nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Kansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is $49,050. This typically ranges from $37,050 for entry-level positions to $66,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is 26.4% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Kansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
No, not when compared to the national average salary.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $49,050 is substantially lower than the national average of $66,680 for this role. The high concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Kansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Manhattan, KS ($55,850) and Topeka, KS.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Kansas nonmetropolitan areas is $49,050, which is significantly lower than the national average of $66,680.
What is the Cost of Living in Kansas nonmetropolitan areas?
The Cost of Living Index in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
Is there high demand for these roles in this region?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 2.47 indicates a much higher concentration of these jobs in Kansas nonmetropolitan areas compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.
How many Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators work in this area?
There are approximately 2,810 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the nonmetropolitan areas of Kansas.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,810 employees in the Kansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.514 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 Kansas nonmetropolitan area