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Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ area command an impressive average annual salary of $104,940. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $66,680, reflecting the high demand and specialized skill requirements inherent to this major metropolitan region. The robust economic activity and extensive infrastructure projects within this area are key drivers behind the elevated compensation for these essential roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $104,940 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $157,700.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 11,790 individuals in this sector, the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ area demonstrates a substantial presence of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators. Although the Location Quotient of 0.41 suggests a concentration below the national average, the sheer volume of jobs available, represented by 1.259 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicates a consistent demand for skilled professionals in this dynamic market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$104,940

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ earns+57.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$50.5

Weekly

$2,018

Monthly

$8,745

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ

Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators is strongly tied to experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and certifications can command significantly higher earnings. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often reflected in percentile data, clearly signifies substantial career advancement and increased earning potential as operators gain expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$59,420$28.6
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$78,705$37.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$98,610$47.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$131,175$63.1
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$157,700$75.8

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$104,940

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$104,940

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $104,940 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ area aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, considering the local cost of goods and services.

Job Market Context

11,790

Total Jobs

1.259

Per 1K Jobs

0.41

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.41x, New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ has a notably lower concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

The Location Quotient of 0.41 indicates that Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are less concentrated in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the absolute number of jobs is significant, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals entering the field or seeking employment. The demand, as shown by jobs per 1,000 workers, remains a key indicator of market activity.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ is $104,940. This typically ranges from $59,420 for entry-level positions to $157,700 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ is 57.4% higher than the national median of $66,680.

Is New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.The average annual salary of $104,940 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.

Is New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ?

Some top paying nearby cities include Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY ($79,860) and Trenton-Princeton, NJ.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary of $104,940 in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ is significantly higher than the national average of $66,680 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.

What is the concentration of Operating Engineers in this region?

The Location Quotient of 0.41 indicates that the concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ area is below the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ area has a cost of living that is exactly at the national average, meaning the higher salary offers comparable purchasing power to the national average.

Are there many job opportunities for these operators in the area?

Yes, the region has 1.259 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggesting a healthy demand for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators despite a lower concentration than 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 11,790 employees in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ area with a job density of 1.259 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.