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Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area earn an average annual salary of $53,340. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,680, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation within this specific region. The pay differential reflects the unique economic landscape of Memphis compared to the broader national market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $53,340 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $72,590.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,280 individuals in this sector, the Memphis area demonstrates a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, presence of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators. The Location Quotient of 0.68 indicates that this profession is less concentrated here than the national average, implying a moderate demand that aligns with the existing workforce size. The job market appears steady, supporting the current employment levels without significant oversupply or undersupply.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$53,340

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Memphis, TN-MS-AR earns-20.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25.6

Weekly

$1,026

Monthly

$4,445

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Memphis, TN-MS-AR

Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior roles. As professionals gain experience, develop specialized skills, and take on more complex projects, their earning potential expands considerably. The percentile gaps in salary distributions signify these opportunities for advancement, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$39,330$18.9
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$40,005$19.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$49,780$23.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$66,675$32.1
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$72,590$34.9

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$53,340

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$53,340

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average salary of $53,340 in Memphis, TN-MS-AR aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is on par with the national standard, making the nominal figure a reasonable reflection of living expenses within the region.

Job Market Context

1,280

Total Jobs

2.065

Per 1K Jobs

0.68

Location Quotient

Below Average

Memphis, TN-MS-AR has 0.68x 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 0.68 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Memphis, TN-MS-AR suggests that this profession is less prevalent in the local job market compared to the national average. This indicates a potentially less competitive environment for job seekers, but also suggests that the demand might not be as robust as in areas with a higher concentration of these roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

Comparing salaries near Memphis, TN-MS-AR

Hiring Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is $53,340. This typically ranges from $39,330 for entry-level positions to $72,590 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is 20.0% lower than the national median of $66,680.

Is Memphis, TN-MS-AR a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $53,340 is significantly lower than the national average of $66,680. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is comparable.

Is Memphis, TN-MS-AR a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Memphis, TN-MS-AR?

Some top paying nearby cities include Jonesboro, AR ($45,820) and Jackson, TN.

How does the Memphis salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is $53,340, which is below the national average of $66,680.

What is the concentration of Operating Engineers in Memphis?

The Location Quotient is 0.68, indicating that this profession is less concentrated in Memphis compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Memphis?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the Memphis area's cost of living is average nationally. Therefore, the $53,340 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total workforce for this role in Memphis?

There are approximately 1,280 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,280 employees in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area with a job density of 2.065 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.