Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, earn an average annual salary of $59,710. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,680, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand influence compensation in this region. While the pay is lower than the national benchmark, understanding the local economic context is crucial for evaluating this salary.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,250.
- Outlook: The Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, market for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators appears stable, with a total local workforce of 850 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.09 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a steady, albeit not booming, demand for skilled equipment operators in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-10.5%below the national average.
$28.7
$1,148
$4,976
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for infrastructure projects, and the need to retain skilled labor in a competitive market.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching well into the 75th percentile and beyond.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $45,860 | $22 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $44,783 | $21.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $55,310 | $26.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $74,638 | $35.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $80,250 | $38.6 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $59,710 in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
850
Total Jobs
3.332
Per 1K Jobs
1.09
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.09, Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.09, Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, shows a slightly higher concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators than the national average. This suggests a healthy, established market for these professionals, indicating consistent opportunities and a solid demand base within the region's construction and industrial sectors.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $59,710. This typically ranges from $45,860 for entry-level positions to $80,250 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 10.5% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the salary of $59,710 is stable with a national cost of living, it falls below the national average salary for the role. The market is stable but not characterized by exceptionally high pay.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($83,180) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, is $59,710, which is lower than the national average of $66,680.
What is the concentration of Operating Engineers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The Location Quotient for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, is 1.09, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $59,710 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the total local workforce number signify?
A total local workforce of 850 suggests a moderately sized pool of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, area, indicating a stable job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 850 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 3.332 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 Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA