Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $62,630. This figure is slightly below the national average of $66,680, a common occurrence in nonmetropolitan regions where specific local economic factors and demand dynamics can influence compensation levels for skilled trades.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $91,650.
- Outlook: The job market for Operating Engineers in Northeast Iowa appears robust, indicated by a substantial local workforce of 520 individuals. The location quotient of 1.74 signifies a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized need for these skilled professionals within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-6.1%below the national average.
$30.1
$1,204
$5,219
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 Northeast Iowa have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increased infrastructure investment, and the ongoing demand for skilled labor in the construction sector.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Northeast Iowa typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile of the average wage, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command salaries well above the $62,630 average, often reaching the 75th or 90th percentile, reflecting their increased value and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $47,510 | $22.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $46,973 | $22.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $60,940 | $29.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $78,288 | $37.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $91,650 | $44.1 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $62,630 in Northeast Iowa 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, providing a stable financial foundation for residents without the added pressure of higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
520
Total Jobs
5.291
Per 1K Jobs
1.74
Location Quotient
Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 1.7x the national concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a location quotient of 1.74, Northeast Iowa demonstrates a notable concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators relative to the national landscape. This indicates a market where these professionals are in higher demand than the national average, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and favorable opportunities for skilled workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $62,630. This typically ranges from $47,510 for entry-level positions to $91,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 6.1% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to the cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable. Furthermore, the high location quotient suggests strong local demand for these roles.
Is Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($62,250) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary of $62,630 in Northeast Iowa is slightly lower than the national average of $66,680 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.
What does the location quotient of 1.74 mean for job opportunities?
A location quotient of 1.74 indicates that Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are more concentrated in Northeast Iowa than the national average, suggesting a higher demand and potentially more job opportunities in this specific region.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Northeast Iowa?
The cost of living in Northeast Iowa is at the national average (100), meaning the $62,630 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment.
What is the total number of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Northeast Iowa?
There are approximately 520 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 520 employees in the Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.291 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 Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area