Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $78,300. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $66,680, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher skill requirements in this region. The specialized nature of construction equipment operation, coupled with regional economic factors, likely contributes to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $78,300 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $102,190.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 610 individuals in this specialized field, the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a notable concentration of Operating Engineers. The Location Quotient of 1.43 suggests that this profession is more prevalent here than the national average, pointing towards a robust and potentially growing job market for these skilled operators.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns+17.4%above the national average.
$37.7
$1,506
$6,525
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 Illinois have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is generally observed across the construction sector, driven by infrastructure development, housing demand, and the increasing complexity of modern construction projects.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not detailed here, would reflect this career trajectory, with senior operators occupying the higher salary percentiles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $48,550 | $23.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $58,725 | $28.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $78,770 | $37.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $97,875 | $47.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $102,190 | $49.1 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$78,300
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$78,300
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $78,300 in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area 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 this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
610
Total Jobs
4.349
Per 1K Jobs
1.43
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.43, South Illinois nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.43 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area signifies a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive market where employers may need to offer attractive compensation to secure skilled talent, while also indicating a strong local ecosystem supporting these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near South Illinois nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $78,300. This typically ranges from $48,550 for entry-level positions to $102,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 17.4% higher than the national median of $66,680.
Is South Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Yes, it is a lucrative area.The average salary of $78,300 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is South Illinois nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($86,550) and Decatur, IL.
How does the South Illinois salary compare to the national average?
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in South Illinois earn an average of $78,300 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $66,680.
What is the concentration of Operating Engineers in South Illinois?
The Location Quotient of 1.43 indicates that Operating Engineers are more concentrated in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area than the national average, suggesting higher demand.
Does the cost of living affect the salary in South Illinois?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the higher salary offers equivalent or better purchasing power compared to the national average.
How many Operating Engineers work in South Illinois?
There are approximately 610 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 610 employees in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.349 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 Illinois nonmetropolitan area