Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area earn an impressive average annual salary of $79,620. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $66,680, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher skill requirements or project complexities driving compensation in this region. The robust local economy and specific industry needs contribute to this favorable pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $79,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,050.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,730 professionals, the Milwaukee-Waukesha area demonstrates a substantial presence of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators. The Location Quotient of 0.69 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of jobs (2.114 per 1,000 workers) points to a stable and active job market. This indicates consistent opportunities for skilled operators within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI earns+19.4%above the national average.
$38.3
$1,531
$6,635
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 Milwaukee-Waukesha have seen a positive growth trend over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Increased infrastructure investment, construction project demands, and the need for specialized equipment operation likely contribute to upward pressure on wages, reflecting a dynamic and evolving job market.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Milwaukee-Waukesha typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical wage gap between junior and highly experienced operators can be substantial, often reflecting mastery of complex machinery, extensive project experience, and specialized certifications. This progression signifies a clear path for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $56,960 | $27.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $59,715 | $28.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $77,510 | $37.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $99,525 | $47.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $97,050 | $46.7 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$79,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$79,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $79,620 in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary translates directly into purchasing power equivalent to the national average. Professionals relocating to this area can expect their earnings to cover living expenses at a standard rate, making it a financially stable environment for those in this trade.
Job Market Context
1,730
Total Jobs
2.114
Per 1K Jobs
0.69
Location Quotient
Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI has 0.69x 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 0.69 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Milwaukee-Waukesha indicates that the occupation is less concentrated here compared to the national average. While not indicating a scarcity, it suggests that the demand for these specialized skills is present but not overwhelmingly dominant relative to other occupations in the area. This presents a balanced market where skilled professionals can find opportunities without extreme competition.
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Comparing salaries near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is $79,620. This typically ranges from $56,960 for entry-level positions to $97,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 19.4% higher than the national median of $66,680.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Yes, Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI offers a lucrative environment for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.The average salary of $79,620 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, providing strong purchasing power.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI ($74,580) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the Milwaukee-Waukesha salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Milwaukee-Waukesha is $79,620, which is considerably higher than the national average of $66,680.
What is the Cost of Living in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
The Cost of Living Index in Milwaukee-Waukesha is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the cost of goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the rest of the country.
How many Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are there in Milwaukee-Waukesha?
There are approximately 1,730 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the Milwaukee-Waukesha area.
Is there high demand for these roles in Milwaukee-Waukesha?
With 2.114 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a steady demand for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Milwaukee-Waukesha, though the concentration is slightly below the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,730 employees in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area with a job density of 2.114 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 Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI