Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $71,830. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $66,680, indicating a strong local demand for these skilled professionals. The specialized nature of construction equipment operation and regional economic drivers likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $93,960.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,010 individuals in this specialized field, the South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a robust job market for Operating Engineers. The location quotient of 1.59 suggests a concentration of these roles that is 59% higher than the national average, signaling strong and sustained demand that outpaces national trends.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area earns+7.7%above the national average.
$34.5
$1,381
$5,986
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 South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is typical for skilled trades in demand, reflecting increasing project scopes, infrastructure investments, and the need for experienced operators.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with expertise in complex machinery and supervisory roles command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify substantial career progression opportunities within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $48,840 | $23.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $53,873 | $25.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $68,560 | $33 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $89,788 | $43.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $93,960 | $45.2 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$71,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$71,830
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $71,830 in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is particularly attractive given the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the higher nominal wages translate directly into strong purchasing power, allowing individuals to maintain or improve their standard of living compared to the national benchmark.
Job Market Context
1,010
Total Jobs
4.828
Per 1K Jobs
1.59
Location Quotient
South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area has 1.6x the national concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The location quotient of 1.59 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area indicates a market with a notable concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests a competitive environment where employers may need to offer attractive compensation to secure skilled talent, while also pointing to a healthy and active sector for these professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is $71,830. This typically ranges from $48,840 for entry-level positions to $93,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is 7.7% higher than the national median of $66,680.
Is South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Yes, it is a lucrative area for these professionals.The average salary of $71,830 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it financially advantageous.
Is South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wausau, WI ($74,390) and Oshkosh-Neenah, WI.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 1,010 indicates a substantial presence of these professionals, suggesting a stable job market with ongoing project needs and opportunities for both new entrants and experienced operators.
What does a location quotient of 1.59 mean for job seekers?
A location quotient of 1.59 signifies that Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are more concentrated in this region than the national average, implying higher demand and potentially more job openings relative to the number of workers.
How does the cost of living affect the real value of the salary?
With a cost of living index of 100, the national average, the $71,830 salary in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area offers strong purchasing power, meaning your earnings will go further compared to areas with a higher cost of living.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this role locally?
With 4.828 jobs per 1,000 workers, this role is well-represented in the local economy, indicating consistent employment opportunities and a healthy demand for skilled operators.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,010 employees in the South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.828 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 South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area