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Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Longview-Kelso, WA

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Longview-Kelso, WA, command an average annual salary of $67,000. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $66,680, indicating a favorable local market. The specialized demand and regional economic factors likely contribute to this competitive compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $67,000 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $96,410.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 240 individuals in this specialized field, Longview-Kelso presents a notable concentration of Operating Engineers, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.95. This suggests a robust demand for these skills within the region, implying a stable and potentially growing job market for qualified professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$67,000

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Longview-Kelso, WA earns+0.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$32.2

Weekly

$1,288

Monthly

$5,583

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Longview-Kelso, WA

Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Longview-Kelso, WA, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command salaries significantly above the average, reflecting their increased value and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$43,020$20.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$50,250$24.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$62,510$30.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$83,750$40.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$96,410$46.4

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$67,000

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$67,000

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $67,000 in Longview-Kelso, WA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an engineer's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial foundation for residents.

Job Market Context

240

Total Jobs

5.934

Per 1K Jobs

1.95

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Longview-Kelso, WA has 1.9x 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.

The Location Quotient of 1.95 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Longview-Kelso signifies that this profession is more than twice as concentrated in the area compared to the national average. This indicates a strong local demand and a specialized job market where these skills are highly valued and sought after.

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 Longview-Kelso, WA?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Longview-Kelso, WA is $67,000. This typically ranges from $43,020 for entry-level positions to $96,410 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Longview-Kelso, WA is 0.5% higher than the national median of $66,680.

Is Longview-Kelso, WA a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

Yes, Longview-Kelso, WA offers a slightly above-average compensation for these roles.The average salary of $67,000 is marginally higher than the national average, and the strong concentration of these jobs (LQ 1.95) suggests good local demand.

Is Longview-Kelso, WA a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Longview-Kelso, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Longview-Kelso, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($82,330) and Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA.

How does the Longview-Kelso salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary of $67,000 in Longview-Kelso is slightly higher than the national average of $66,680, suggesting a marginally more favorable pay scale locally.

What does the Location Quotient of 1.95 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 1.95 indicates that Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are more than twice as concentrated in Longview-Kelso compared to the national average, implying a strong local demand and potentially more job opportunities.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Longview-Kelso?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $67,000 salary in Longview-Kelso offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard, making it a stable financial environment.

What is the total number of Operating Engineers in Longview-Kelso?

There are approximately 240 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the Longview-Kelso, WA area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Longview-Kelso, WA area with a job density of 5.934 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.