SalaryNode

Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area earn an average annual salary of $53,210. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,680, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the specific types of projects prevalent in the region, may influence compensation levels for these skilled trades.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $53,210 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,610.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 3,500 individuals in this sector, the Nashville metropolitan area demonstrates a solid presence of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators. The Location Quotient of 1.05 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for skilled equipment operators within the region's construction industry.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$53,210

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN earns-20.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25.6

Weekly

$1,023

Monthly

$4,434

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN

Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level positions to senior roles. While the provided average salary is $53,210, experienced operators with specialized skills and a proven track record can command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, generally signify the earning potential as one advances through junior, mid-level, and master operator classifications.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$42,150$20.3
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$39,908$19.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$49,640$23.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$66,513$32
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$65,610$31.5

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$53,210

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$53,210

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $53,210 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned in this role locally offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where wages generally keep pace with the cost of goods and services.

Job Market Context

3,500

Total Jobs

3.195

Per 1K Jobs

1.05

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.05, Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.05 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the Nashville area suggests a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy demand for these professionals, as the number of jobs relative to the national distribution is marginally higher, implying that employers in this region actively seek and employ these specialized skills.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is $53,210. This typically ranges from $42,150 for entry-level positions to $65,610 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is 20.2% lower than the national median of $66,680.

Is Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

No, but it is stable.While the average salary of $53,210 is below the national average, the Cost of Living Index of 100 indicates that the purchasing power of this salary is on par with the national average. The slightly above-average concentration of these roles (LQ 1.05) suggests consistent job availability.

Is Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?

Some top paying nearby cities include East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area ($50,200) and South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Nashville salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Nashville is $53,210, which is lower than the national average of $66,680.

What is the concentration of Operating Engineers in Nashville?

Nashville has a slightly higher concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators compared to the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.05.

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

No, the cost of living in Nashville is at the national average (100), meaning the $53,210 salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary.

How many Operating Engineers are there in the Nashville area?

There are approximately 3,500 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN 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 3,500 employees in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area with a job density of 3.195 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.