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Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI area earn an impressive average annual salary of $82,210. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $66,680, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher skill requirements for these roles within the region. The robust compensation reflects the specialized nature of the work and the economic landscape of this metropolitan area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $82,210 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,720.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,060 individuals in this sector, the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan 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 absolute number of professionals indicates a stable and active job market. The presence of 2.103 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports the notion of consistent employment opportunities within this field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$82,210

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI earns+23.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$39.5

Weekly

$1,581

Monthly

$6,851

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI

Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between starting wages and the $82,210 average suggests substantial earning potential for those who gain experience, specialize in advanced equipment, and take on more complex projects. Mastery of diverse machinery and a proven track record are key drivers for climbing the salary ladder.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$62,330$30
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$61,658$29.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$81,770$39.3
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$102,763$49.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$98,720$47.5

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$82,210

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$82,210

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $82,210 in Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Operating Engineer's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the immediate pressure of higher living expenses often associated with above-average salaries in other markets.

Job Market Context

4,060

Total Jobs

2.103

Per 1K Jobs

0.69

Location Quotient

Below Average

Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-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 Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI indicates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests that while the market is not oversaturated, there is a steady demand for skilled individuals. Employers may need to actively recruit to fill positions, potentially leading to competitive compensation packages to attract qualified talent.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI is $82,210. This typically ranges from $62,330 for entry-level positions to $98,720 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI is 23.3% higher than the national median of $66,680.

Is Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

Yes, it is a lucrative place.The average salary of $82,210 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, offering strong purchasing power.

Is Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI?

Some top paying nearby cities include Northwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area ($68,270) and Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Minneapolis-St. Paul salary compare to the national average?

The average salary of $82,210 in Minneapolis-St. Paul is substantially higher than the national average of $66,680 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.69?

An LQ of 0.69 means that the concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Minneapolis-St. Paul is 31% lower than the national average, suggesting a potentially less competitive but still active job market.

Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary?

No, the cost of living in Minneapolis-St. Paul is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $82,210 salary offers average purchasing power compared to the rest of the country.

How many Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators work in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area?

There are approximately 4,060 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,060 employees in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI area with a job density of 2.103 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.