SalaryNode

Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Portland-South Portland, ME, earn an average annual salary of $61,490. This figure is slightly below the national average of $66,680. Local economic factors, including the specific demand for construction services and the regional labor market dynamics, often influence these pay scales.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $61,490 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,100.
  • Outlook: The Portland-South Portland, ME, market for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators is stable, with a total local workforce of 840 individuals. A Location Quotient of 0.97 indicates that the concentration of these roles in the area is very close to the national average, suggesting a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these skilled professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$61,490

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Portland-South Portland, ME earns-7.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$29.6

Weekly

$1,183

Monthly

$5,124

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME

Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting their value and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$48,220$23.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$46,118$22.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$57,830$27.8
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$76,863$37
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$76,100$36.6

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$61,490

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$61,490

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $61,490 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal income in Portland-South Portland, ME, effectively aligns with the national average purchasing power. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the cost of living does not impose an additional burden, offering a balanced financial standing.

Job Market Context

840

Total Jobs

2.957

Per 1K Jobs

0.97

Location Quotient

Below Average

Portland-South Portland, ME has 0.97x the national average concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.97 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Portland-South Portland, ME, signifies a job market that closely mirrors the national distribution. This suggests a balanced supply and demand, where the number of available positions is commensurate with the number of qualified professionals in the region.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Portland-South Portland, ME?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Portland-South Portland, ME is $61,490. This typically ranges from $48,220 for entry-level positions to $76,100 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 7.8% lower than the national median of $66,680.

Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $61,490 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, balancing out the financial impact.

Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lewiston-Auburn, ME ($56,090) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.

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

Portland-South Portland, ME has 2.957 jobs per 1,000 workers for this occupation, which is close to the national average, indicating a steady employment landscape.

What is the significance of a Location Quotient of 0.97?

A Location Quotient of 0.97 means that the concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Portland-South Portland, ME is slightly lower than the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market.

Does experience impact salary for these roles in Portland-South Portland, ME?

Yes, like most skilled trades, experience is a key driver of salary increases, with senior operators earning considerably more than entry-level ones.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average salary of $61,490 in Portland-South Portland, ME is approximately 8% lower than the national average of $66,680.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 840 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 2.957 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.