Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Manhattan, KS
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Manhattan, KS, earn an average annual salary of $55,850. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,680, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different scale of construction projects influence compensation in this region. The specific economic landscape of Manhattan, KS, plays a crucial role in shaping these salary expectations for skilled equipment operators.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,770.
- Outlook: The job market for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Manhattan, KS, appears robust, evidenced by a local workforce of 380 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.37 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a higher concentration of these roles relative to the general workforce, which points to sustained demand and a healthy job environment for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Manhattan, KS earns-16.2%below the national average.
$26.9
$1,074
$4,654
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Manhattan, KS, have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for infrastructure development, and the need for skilled labor likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory, even if the current average remains below the national benchmark.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Manhattan, KS
Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Manhattan, KS, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the value placed on expertise and tenure within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $39,870 | $19.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,888 | $20.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $49,740 | $23.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $69,813 | $33.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $79,770 | $38.4 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $55,850 in Manhattan, KS, is directly offset by a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Operating Engineer's salary in Manhattan is equivalent to the national average, making the local salary competitive in terms of real income and standard of living.
Job Market Context
380
Total Jobs
7.227
Per 1K Jobs
2.37
Location Quotient
Manhattan, KS has 2.4x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.37, Manhattan, KS, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators compared to the national average. This suggests a strong local demand for these specialized skills, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive market where employers actively seek experienced professionals in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary | $49,050↓ 12% | 46 mi |
| Topeka, KS Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary | $57,640↑ 3% | 50 mi |
| Lawrence, KS Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary | $62,460↑ 12% | 74 mi |
Comparing salaries near Manhattan, KS
Hiring Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Manhattan, KS?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Manhattan, KS is $55,850. This typically ranges from $39,870 for entry-level positions to $79,770 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Manhattan, KS is 16.2% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Manhattan, KS a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
Yes, it offers competitive purchasing power.While the average salary is below the national average, the cost of living also matches the national average, meaning your earnings have equivalent purchasing power. The high concentration of these roles indicates strong local demand.
Is Manhattan, KS a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Manhattan, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Manhattan, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas nonmetropolitan area ($49,050) and Topeka, KS.
How does Manhattan, KS compare to the national average salary for this role?
The average salary in Manhattan, KS ($55,850) is lower than the national average ($66,680), indicating regional differences in compensation for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.37 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.37 signifies that Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are more than twice as concentrated in Manhattan, KS, compared to the national average, suggesting a robust job market with potentially higher demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Manhattan, KS?
The Cost of Living Index in Manhattan, KS, is 100, matching the national average. This means the $55,850 salary offers the same purchasing power as the national average salary, making it relatively stable for residents.
What is the total number of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Manhattan, KS?
There are approximately 380 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in Manhattan, KS, representing a significant portion of the local workforce in this specialized trade.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Manhattan, KS area with a job density of 7.227 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 Manhattan, KS