SalaryNode

Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Pueblo, CO

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Pueblo, CO, earn an average annual salary of $58,440. This figure is below the national average of $66,680, suggesting localized economic factors or a different demand-supply dynamic are at play in the Pueblo market. The specific needs and scale of construction projects within Pueblo likely influence compensation levels for these skilled trades.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $58,440 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $72,410.
  • Outlook: Pueblo, CO, supports a local workforce of 210 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators. With a Location Quotient of 1.11, this indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable, if not growing, demand for these professionals within the region. The presence of 3.372 jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces the steady employment opportunities available.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$58,440

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Pueblo, CO earns-12.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.1

Weekly

$1,124

Monthly

$4,870

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Pueblo, CO

Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Pueblo, CO, typically scales 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 significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential available to those who advance in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$45,310$21.8
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$43,830$21.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$58,570$28.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$73,050$35.1
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$72,410$34.8

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$58,440

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$58,440

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $58,440 in Pueblo, CO, 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 Pueblo is equivalent to that of their national counterpart, making it neither a particularly high-cost nor low-cost area to live and work in relative to the national standard.

Job Market Context

210

Total Jobs

3.372

Per 1K Jobs

1.11

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.11, Pueblo, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.11 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Pueblo, CO, signifies a job market with a slightly higher concentration of these roles than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand and a competitive environment where employers may actively seek out skilled individuals, while also indicating a solid base of local talent.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Pueblo, CO?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Pueblo, CO is $58,440. This typically ranges from $45,310 for entry-level positions to $72,410 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Pueblo, CO is 12.4% lower than the national median of $66,680.

Is Pueblo, CO a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $58,440 is notably lower than the national average of $66,680.

Is Pueblo, CO a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Pueblo, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Pueblo, CO?

Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($60,080) and Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Pueblo, CO salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Pueblo, CO, is $58,440, which is lower than the national average of $66,680.

What is the concentration of Operating Engineers in Pueblo, CO?

Pueblo, CO has a Location Quotient of 1.11 for this profession, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.

Is the cost of living high in Pueblo, CO for these professionals?

No, the cost of living in Pueblo, CO, is exactly at the national average (100), meaning your salary has average purchasing power.

How many Operating Engineers are there in Pueblo, CO?

There are approximately 210 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in Pueblo, CO.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Pueblo, CO area with a job density of 3.372 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.