Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $58,730. This figure is slightly below the national average of $66,680, a common occurrence in regions with lower costs of living and a more localized demand for specialized construction skills. The specific economic drivers and project types prevalent in this area influence the compensation structure for these vital roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,730 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,230.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 630 individuals in this occupation, the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a stable presence of Operating Engineers. The Location Quotient of 1.03 suggests a concentration of these roles that is very close to the national average, indicating a balanced demand relative to the national distribution. This signifies a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, need for skilled equipment operators within the region's construction sector.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-11.9%below the national average.
$28.2
$1,129
$4,894
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan areas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend would likely mirror national patterns, driven by inflation, increased infrastructure investment, and the ongoing demand for skilled tradespeople in the construction industry.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the value placed on expertise and a proven track record in operating complex machinery.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $40,230 | $19.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $44,048 | $21.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $58,570 | $28.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $73,413 | $35.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $82,230 | $39.5 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,730
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,730
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $58,730 in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan areas 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 comparable to the national average. Consequently, the nominal salary effectively translates to a standard of living that is neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
630
Total Jobs
3.133
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Southeast Iowa 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 1.03 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan areas indicates a job market that is closely aligned with the national average in terms of occupational concentration. This suggests a competitive but not overly saturated environment, where the demand for these skilled professionals is stable and reflects the typical needs of a nonmetropolitan region engaged in construction and infrastructure projects.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $58,730. This typically ranges from $40,230 for entry-level positions to $82,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 11.9% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $58,730 is stable, it falls below the national average of $66,680. The cost of living being at the national average means the purchasing power is comparable, but not superior.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($62,250) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 630 indicates a substantial pool of skilled operators, suggesting a consistent demand for their services within the region's construction activities.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.03?
An LQ of 1.03 means the concentration of Operating Engineers in Southeast Iowa is slightly higher than the national average, implying a healthy, stable job market for this profession in the area.
Does experience significantly impact earnings for these roles in Southeast Iowa?
Yes, as with most skilled trades, experience is a key driver of salary. Senior operators with specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more than entry-level workers.
How does the cost of living in Southeast Iowa compare to the national average?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the $58,730 salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 630 employees in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.133 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area