Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Rockford, IL
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Rockford, IL, command an impressive average annual salary of $87,920. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $66,680, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher skill requirements for these roles within the region. The specific economic landscape and infrastructure projects in Rockford likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $87,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $118,350.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 280 individuals in this specialized field, Rockford presents a moderate concentration of Operating Engineers, as reflected by a Location Quotient of 0.66. While this suggests the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average, the presence of 2.005 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady demand for skilled operators within the local economy. This balance suggests a stable job market with opportunities for qualified professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Rockford, IL earns+31.9%above the national average.
$42.3
$1,691
$7,327
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 Rockford have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Increased infrastructure investment, evolving construction techniques, and a persistent need for skilled labor typically drive upward salary adjustments in this sector.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Rockford, IL
Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Rockford, IL, is typically marked by increasing compensation. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries significantly above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the value placed on expertise and years of dedicated service in this demanding field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $49,330 | $23.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $65,940 | $31.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $96,740 | $46.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $109,900 | $52.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $118,350 | $56.9 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$87,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$87,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $87,920 in Rockford, IL, is particularly attractive when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Operating Engineer's salary in Rockford is on par with the national standard, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without the added financial strain often associated with higher-priced metropolitan areas.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
2.005
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
Rockford, IL has 0.66x 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 0.66 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Rockford, IL, indicates that this profession is less concentrated locally compared to the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, the supply of these specialized workers might be more limited, potentially leading to competitive hiring environments for employers and favorable negotiation opportunities for experienced professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
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Comparing salaries near Rockford, IL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Rockford, IL?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Rockford, IL is $87,920. This typically ranges from $49,330 for entry-level positions to $118,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Rockford, IL is 31.9% higher than the national median of $66,680.
Is Rockford, IL a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Yes, Rockford, IL offers a lucrative environment for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.The average salary of $87,920 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living remains at the national benchmark, enhancing the real value of these earnings.
Is Rockford, IL a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Rockford, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Rockford, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($67,180) and Madison, WI.
How does Rockford's salary for this role compare to the national average?
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Rockford earn an average of $87,920 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $66,680.
What is the concentration of Operating Engineers in Rockford compared to the rest of the country?
Rockford has a lower concentration of Operating Engineers, with a Location Quotient of 0.66, meaning the profession is less common there than the national average.
Does the cost of living in Rockford affect the value of the salary?
No, the cost of living in Rockford is exactly at the national average (index of 100), so the higher salary translates directly into strong purchasing power.
How many Operating Engineers are there in Rockford?
There are approximately 280 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the Rockford, IL area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Rockford, IL area with a job density of 2.005 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 Rockford, IL