Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in St. Joseph, MO-KS earn an average annual salary of $62,800. This figure is slightly below the national average of $66,680, a common occurrence in regions with a more specialized or localized demand for these skilled trades. The specific economic drivers and project pipelines within the St. Joseph area directly influence this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,810.
- Outlook: The St. Joseph, MO-KS market for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators appears stable, with a total local workforce of 230 individuals. While not a massive employment hub, the concentration of these roles, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.39, suggests a demand that is higher than the national average relative to the general workforce. This implies a consistent need for these specialized skills within the region's construction and infrastructure sectors.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in St. Joseph, MO-KS earns-5.8%below the national average.
$30.2
$1,208
$5,233
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for St. Joseph is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators have seen a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for infrastructure projects, and the ongoing need for skilled labor typically contribute to salary growth in this sector.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in St. Joseph, MO-KS
Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in St. Joseph, MO-KS 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 project experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the value placed on expertise and years of dedicated service in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $46,170 | $22.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $47,100 | $22.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $56,250 | $27 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $78,500 | $37.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $80,810 | $38.9 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $62,800 in St. Joseph, MO-KS 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 St. Joseph is equivalent to that of someone earning the national average in a typical U.S. city. Therefore, the nominal salary translates directly to a comparable standard of living without significant adjustments for local expenses.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
4.236
Per 1K Jobs
1.39
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.39, St. Joseph, MO-KS 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 1.39, St. Joseph, MO-KS exhibits a higher concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators than the national average. This suggests a robust local market where these professionals are in relatively higher demand compared to other occupations. While the total workforce size is moderate, the elevated LQ indicates a specialized need that could translate to more consistent job opportunities for skilled individuals in this trade.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary | $68,260↑ 9% | 47 mi |
| Lawrence, KS Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary | $62,460↓ 1% | 60 mi |
| Topeka, KS Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary | $57,640↓ 8% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near St. Joseph, MO-KS
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in St. Joseph, MO-KS?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in St. Joseph, MO-KS is $62,800. This typically ranges from $46,170 for entry-level positions to $80,810 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in St. Joseph, MO-KS is 5.8% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is St. Joseph, MO-KS a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Yes, with caveats.The salary of $62,800 is competitive with the national average cost of living, and the higher-than-average concentration of these roles (LQ 1.39) suggests consistent demand.
Is St. Joseph, MO-KS a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Joseph, MO-KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near St. Joseph, MO-KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas City, MO-KS ($68,260) and Lawrence, KS.
How does the St. Joseph salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in St. Joseph, MO-KS ($62,800) is slightly lower than the national average ($66,680) for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.
What is the Cost of Living in St. Joseph, MO-KS?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Joseph, MO-KS is 100, which is exactly the national average.
Is there high demand for Operating Engineers in St. Joseph?
The Location Quotient of 1.39 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs than the national average, suggesting a relatively strong local demand.
How many Operating Engineers are there in St. Joseph?
There are approximately 230 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the St. Joseph, MO-KS area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the St. Joseph, MO-KS area with a job density of 4.236 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 St. Joseph, MO-KS