Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Knoxville, TN
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Knoxville, TN, earn an average annual salary of $52,630. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,680, reflecting localized economic factors and demand specific to the Knoxville region. The pay scale in Knoxville is influenced by a combination of regional industry needs and the overall economic climate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $52,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,710.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,180 individuals in this sector, Knoxville presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, market for Operating Engineers. The Location Quotient of 0.93 suggests that the concentration of these roles is very close to the national average, indicating a steady demand that aligns with broader industry trends. The presence of nearly 3 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a consistent need for skilled equipment operators within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Knoxville, TN earns-21.1%below the national average.
$25.3
$1,012
$4,386
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Knoxville's Operating Engineers is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, infrastructure projects, and inflation typically drive increased compensation for skilled trades, suggesting that the $52,630 average may see incremental growth in the coming years.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Knoxville, TN, typically scales significantly 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 salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,730 | $18.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $39,473 | $19 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $48,800 | $23.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $65,788 | $31.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $75,710 | $36.4 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$52,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$52,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $52,630 for Operating Engineers in Knoxville, TN, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary in Knoxville is equivalent to the national average, making the nominal salary effectively competitive in terms of local affordability.
Job Market Context
1,180
Total Jobs
2.823
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Knoxville, TN has 0.93x 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 0.93 indicates that Knoxville, TN, has a job market for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators that is very closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the number of jobs is proportionate to the number of workers, implying moderate competition and a stable demand for these professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Knoxville, TN is $52,630. This typically ranges from $38,730 for entry-level positions to $75,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 21.1% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
No, but it is competitive.While the average salary of $52,630 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the salary's purchasing power equivalent. The market concentration is close to the national average, indicating stable demand.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Morristown, TN ($48,520) and Cleveland, TN.
How does the Knoxville salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Operating Engineers in Knoxville, TN, is $52,630, which is lower than the national average of $66,680.
What is the cost of living in Knoxville, TN for this profession?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN, is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the purchasing power of the local salary is on par with the national standard.
How concentrated is the job market for Operating Engineers in Knoxville?
The Location Quotient is 0.93, indicating that the concentration of Operating Engineers in Knoxville is very close to the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.
What is the total number of Operating Engineers in Knoxville?
There are approximately 1,180 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in Knoxville, TN.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,180 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 2.823 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 Knoxville, TN