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Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA area earn an average annual salary of $52,050. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,680, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation for this skilled trade.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $52,050 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,520.
  • Outlook: The Kingsport-Bristol area supports a local workforce of 460 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators. With a location quotient of 1.28, this indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not booming, demand for these essential construction professionals within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$52,050

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA earns-21.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25

Weekly

$1,001

Monthly

$4,338

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA

Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the pay distribution.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$37,180$17.9
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$39,038$18.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$46,130$22.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$65,063$31.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$73,520$35.3

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$52,050

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$52,050

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $52,050 in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA, 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 this region is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without the premium associated with higher cost-of-living areas.

Job Market Context

460

Total Jobs

3.901

Per 1K Jobs

1.28

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.28, Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA 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 1.28 signifies that Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are more concentrated in the Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA labor market than the national average. This suggests a healthy presence of these roles and potentially a competitive environment for both employers seeking talent and individuals seeking employment.

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 Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA is $52,050. This typically ranges from $37,180 for entry-level positions to $73,520 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA is 21.9% lower than the national median of $66,680.

Is Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

No, but it offers good value.While the average salary of $52,050 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the salary holds its purchasing power effectively within the region.

Is Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Johnson City, TN ($47,200) and Morristown, TN.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA is $52,050, which is lower than the national average of $66,680.

What is the concentration of Operating Engineers in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA?

The location quotient of 1.28 indicates that Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are more concentrated in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA than the national average, suggesting a slightly higher demand or presence of these roles.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA?

With a cost of living index of 100, the Kingsport-Bristol area is at the national average. This means the $52,050 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it relatively stable.

What is the total workforce size for this role in the area?

There are approximately 460 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA region.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 460 employees in the Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA area with a job density of 3.901 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.