SalaryNode

Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Oklahoma City, OK

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Oklahoma City, OK, earn an average annual salary of $50,850. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,680, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this specific metropolitan area. The cost of living in Oklahoma City aligns perfectly with the national average, making this salary differential a key consideration for professionals in the field.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $50,850 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,290.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,220 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, Oklahoma City presents a stable employment landscape for this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.09 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a consistent, if not growing, demand for skilled equipment operators within the region's construction sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$50,850

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Oklahoma City, OK earns-23.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.5

Weekly

$978

Monthly

$4,238

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Oklahoma City, OK

Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might 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, potentially reaching higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the value placed on expertise and tenure in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$38,430$18.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$38,138$18.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$47,720$22.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$63,563$30.6
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$64,290$30.9

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$50,850

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$50,850

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $50,850 in Oklahoma City, OK, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national standard, offering no inherent advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability for professionals relocating to or residing in the area.

Job Market Context

2,220

Total Jobs

3.32

Per 1K Jobs

1.09

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.09, Oklahoma City, OK 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 1.09 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Oklahoma City signifies a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these specialized skills, indicating that the market is neither oversaturated nor critically undersupplied, providing a balanced environment for both employers seeking talent and professionals seeking opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Oklahoma City, OK?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Oklahoma City, OK is $50,850. This typically ranges from $38,430 for entry-level positions to $64,290 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Oklahoma City, OK is 23.7% lower than the national median of $66,680.

Is Oklahoma City, OK a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the $50,850 salary is significantly lower than the national average of $66,680. The slightly higher concentration of jobs (LQ 1.09) indicates demand but doesn't translate to higher pay in this market.

Is Oklahoma City, OK a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Oklahoma City, OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Oklahoma City, OK?

Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area ($46,210) and Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.

What is the average salary for Operating Engineers in Oklahoma City, OK?

The average annual salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Oklahoma City, OK is $50,850.

How does the Oklahoma City salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Oklahoma City ($50,850) is lower than the national average ($66,680) for this profession.

Is the job market for Operating Engineers strong in Oklahoma City?

The market shows a slightly higher concentration of these roles (LQ 1.09) and a workforce of 2,220, indicating a stable and consistent demand.

How does the cost of living in Oklahoma City affect the salary?

Oklahoma City's cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $50,850 salary has average purchasing power locally.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,220 employees in the Oklahoma City, OK area with a job density of 3.32 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.