SalaryNode

Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Madison, WI

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Madison, WI, command an impressive average annual salary of $78,190. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $66,680, indicating a robust local demand for these skilled professionals. The higher pay in Madison, WI, is likely influenced by the specific economic drivers and construction demands within the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $78,190 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $99,190.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 760 individuals in this sector, Madison, WI, presents a stable employment landscape for Operating Engineers. The Location Quotient of 0.61 suggests that while the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of jobs (1.867 per 1,000 workers) points to consistent opportunities within the state's capital.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$78,190

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Madison, WI earns+17.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$37.6

Weekly

$1,504

Monthly

$6,516

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Madison, WI

Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Madison, WI, is marked by a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the typical career path involves gaining experience with various heavy machinery, obtaining certifications, and taking on more complex projects, leading to higher earning potential as expertise grows.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$55,460$26.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$58,643$28.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$75,610$36.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$97,738$47
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$99,190$47.7

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$78,190

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$78,190

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $78,190 in Madison, WI, is particularly attractive given the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the higher nominal income translates directly into strong purchasing power, allowing professionals in this field to maintain a comparable or even improved standard of living compared to their national counterparts.

Job Market Context

760

Total Jobs

1.867

Per 1K Jobs

0.61

Location Quotient

Below Average

Madison, WI has 0.61x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.61 indicates that Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are less concentrated in Madison, WI, compared to the national average. This suggests that while the field is not as densely populated with professionals as in some other areas, there is still a steady presence and demand for these roles, making it a potentially less competitive but consistently active market.

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 Madison, WI?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Madison, WI is $78,190. This typically ranges from $55,460 for entry-level positions to $99,190 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Madison, WI is 17.3% higher than the national median of $66,680.

Is Madison, WI a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

Yes, Madison, WI is a lucrative location for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.Professionals in this field earn significantly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering excellent purchasing power.

Is Madison, WI a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Madison, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Madison, WI?

Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($67,180) and Rockford, IL.

How does Madison, WI's salary compare to the national average for this role?

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Madison, WI, earn an average of $78,190 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $66,680.

What is the job market like for Operating Engineers in Madison, WI?

The job market is stable, with a local workforce of 760 and 1.867 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating consistent opportunities within the state.

Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary in Madison, WI?

No, the cost of living in Madison, WI, is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher salary of $78,190 provides strong real income value.

Is there a high concentration of Operating Engineers in Madison, WI?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient of 0.61, is below the national average, suggesting fewer professionals relative to the national density but still a solid presence.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 760 employees in the Madison, WI area with a job density of 1.867 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.