SalaryNode

Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Rochester, NY

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Rochester, NY, earn an impressive average annual salary of $79,380. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $66,680, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized project needs within the region that drive this compensation. The robust local economy and specific industry demands contribute to this favorable pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $79,380 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $125,200.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 940 individuals in this sector, Rochester presents a moderate but stable employment landscape for Operating Engineers. The Location Quotient of 0.63 suggests that while the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of jobs indicates consistent opportunities. The presence of nearly 2,000 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the steady demand for skilled equipment operators in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$79,380

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Rochester, NY earns+19.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$38.2

Weekly

$1,527

Monthly

$6,615

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Rochester, NY

Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Rochester, NY, is strongly tied to experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and certifications can command salaries well above the average, reaching into the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$47,390$22.8
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$59,535$28.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$67,290$32.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$99,225$47.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$125,200$60.2

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$79,380

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$79,380

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $79,380 in Rochester, NY, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Operating Engineer's salary in Rochester is equivalent to the national average, allowing for a comparable standard of living without the financial strain often associated with higher nominal salaries in more expensive regions.

Job Market Context

940

Total Jobs

1.905

Per 1K Jobs

0.63

Location Quotient

Below Average

Rochester, NY has 0.63x 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.

Rochester, NY, exhibits a Location Quotient of 0.63 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and valued, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a competitive edge for skilled individuals seeking employment. The job market is neither excessively competitive nor scarce, presenting a balanced environment for professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Rochester, NY?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Rochester, NY is $79,380. This typically ranges from $47,390 for entry-level positions to $125,200 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Rochester, NY is 19.0% higher than the national median of $66,680.

Is Rochester, NY a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

Yes, Rochester, NY offers a lucrative environment for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.The average salary of $79,380 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, providing excellent purchasing power.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Rochester, NY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY ($75,670) and Syracuse, NY.

How does Rochester's salary compare to the national average for this role?

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Rochester earn an average of $79,380 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $66,680.

What is the Cost of Living in Rochester, NY, for this profession?

The Cost of Living Index in Rochester, NY, is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally.

Is there high demand for Operating Engineers in Rochester?

With nearly 2,000 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 940, there is steady demand for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Rochester.

What does the Location Quotient of 0.63 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 0.63 indicates that Rochester has a slightly lower concentration of Operating Engineers compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially less competitive job market for skilled professionals.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 940 employees in the Rochester, NY area with a job density of 1.905 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.