Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in North Carolina (2024 Report)

Q: How much does an Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in North Carolina?

The median annual salary for an Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in North Carolina is $51,320. This typically ranges from $38,360 for entry-level positions to $62,200 for top-level roles.

Q: Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

Yes, with a caveat regarding the national average. While the average salary of $51,320 is below the national average, North Carolina's cost of living is also below the national average, enhancing the purchasing power of these earnings. The strong presence of these roles suggests consistent job opportunities.

Q: Is North Carolina a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Q: Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?

Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($50,070).

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $51,320. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,680, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the state's construction sector. The localized pay scale is influenced by a combination of the cost of living and the concentration of these specialized roles.

Executive Summary

Average Salary: $51,320 per year.
Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,200.
Outlook: North Carolina boasts a substantial workforce of 15,890 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators. The Location Quotient of 1.07 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and established presence within the state's labor market. This concentration, coupled with the significant number of workers, points towards consistent demand and opportunities for skilled equipment operators.

2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$51,320

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in North Carolina earns-23.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week

Hourly

$24.7

Weekly

$987

Monthly

$4,277

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 North Carolina have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the construction industry. Factors such as increased infrastructure investment, housing development, and general economic expansion likely contribute to upward pressure on wages for these essential roles.

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in North Carolina

Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in North Carolina typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career trajectory and the value placed on expertise and longevity in the field.

Experience Level	Market Percentile	Annual Wage	Hourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.	10% (Entry)	$38,360	$18.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.	25% (Junior)	$38,490	$18.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.	50% (Median)	$48,910	$23.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.	75% (Senior)	$64,150	$30.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.	90% (Expert)	$62,200	$29.9

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$51,320

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$54,078

Adjusted for COL (94.9)

The average annual salary of $51,320 in North Carolina presents a favorable financial situation when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 94.9. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary translates to a higher effective purchasing power for these professionals, meaning their earnings can go further in covering daily expenses and maintaining a good quality of life compared to living in a higher cost-of-living area.

Job Market Context

15,890

Total Jobs

3.245

Per 1K Jobs

1.07

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.07, North Carolina has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.07, North Carolina shows a slightly higher concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators than the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles is competitive but also indicates a healthy demand, as the state employs a proportionally larger number of these specialists. Companies seeking these skills may find a readily available talent pool, while operators can expect a dynamic employment landscape.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

City	Salary	Dist.
Greensboro-High Point, NC Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary	$50,070↓ 2%	32 mi
Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary	$55,580↑ 8%	36 mi
Burlington, NC Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary	$49,050↓ 4%	36 mi
Winston-Salem, NC Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary	$48,170↓ 6%	41 mi
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary	$52,980↑ 3%	56 mi

Comparing salaries near North Carolina

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in North Carolina?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in North Carolina is $51,320. This typically ranges from $38,360 for entry-level positions to $62,200 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 23.0% lower than the national median of $66,680.

Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

Yes, with a caveat regarding the national average.While the average salary of $51,320 is below the national average, North Carolina's cost of living is also below the national average, enhancing the purchasing power of these earnings. The strong presence of these roles suggests consistent job opportunities.

Is North Carolina a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?

Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($50,070) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

North Carolina has 3.245 jobs per 1,000 workers for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, which is a solid indicator of the sector's presence within the state's overall employment landscape.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient for this role in NC?

A Location Quotient of 1.07 means that Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are 7% more concentrated in North Carolina than the national average, indicating a slightly higher demand or a more established industry presence.

How does the cost of living affect the $51,320 salary?

The cost of living in North Carolina is 5.1% lower than the national average (index 94.9 vs 100), meaning the $51,320 salary provides greater purchasing power than it would in a higher cost-of-living state.

Are there many Operating Engineers in North Carolina?

Yes, North Carolina has a significant workforce of 15,890 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, making it a key state for this profession.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 15,890 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 3.245 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 North Carolina