Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Lincoln, NE
In Lincoln, NE, Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators earn an average annual salary of $57,500. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,680, suggesting local market dynamics and potentially lower demand or different project scopes influence compensation. The cost of living in Lincoln aligns perfectly with the national average, meaning your earnings here have standard purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,500 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $69,720.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 520 individuals in this specialized field, Lincoln, NE presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, market for Operating Engineers. The Location Quotient of 0.94 indicates that the concentration of these roles is very close to the national average, suggesting a consistent but not overwhelming demand for these skilled professionals within the city's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Lincoln, NE earns-13.8%below the national average.
$27.6
$1,106
$4,792
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lincoln's Operating Engineers is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic development and infrastructure projects typically drive demand, leading to incremental increases in compensation for skilled trades, even in markets that are not experiencing explosive growth.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Lincoln, NE
Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Lincoln, NE, typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, with corresponding salary increases. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the gap between starting wages and experienced professional earnings signifies a clear career trajectory, rewarding accumulated skills and project management capabilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $45,610 | $21.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $43,125 | $20.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $58,350 | $28.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $71,875 | $34.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $69,720 | $33.5 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,500
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$57,500
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $57,500 in Lincoln, NE, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living, which stands at an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Operating Engineer's salary in Lincoln is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressure of significantly higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
520
Total Jobs
2.852
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Lincoln, NE has 0.94x 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 0.94 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Lincoln, NE, signifies a job market that closely mirrors the national distribution of this profession. This suggests a balanced supply and demand, where the profession is neither exceptionally scarce nor overly saturated, indicating a steady employment landscape for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Lincoln, NE
Hiring Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Lincoln, NE?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Lincoln, NE is $57,500. This typically ranges from $45,610 for entry-level positions to $69,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lincoln, NE is 13.8% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Lincoln, NE a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
No, but it offers stable compensation.While the average salary of $57,500 is below the national average, the cost of living being at the national average provides standard purchasing power. The market is stable, not exceptionally lucrative.
Is Lincoln, NE a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Lincoln, NE is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lincoln, NE?
Some top paying nearby cities include Omaha, NE-IA ($59,510) and South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area.
How does Lincoln's salary compare to the national average for this role?
The average annual salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Lincoln, NE is $57,500, which is lower than the national average of $66,680.
What is the concentration of Operating Engineers in Lincoln, NE?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.94, indicating that the presence of these professionals in Lincoln is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Lincoln affect the salary?
Lincoln's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $57,500 salary has standard purchasing power relative to the rest of the country.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate?
With 2.852 jobs per 1,000 workers, this metric suggests a moderate presence of Operating Engineer roles within the local labor market, aligning with the near-average Location Quotient.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 520 employees in the Lincoln, NE area with a job density of 2.852 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 Lincoln, NE