Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the St. Louis, MO-IL area earn an impressive average annual salary of $76,850. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $66,680, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized skill requirements that drive compensation in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $76,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $100,840.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,690 individuals in this field, St. Louis presents a substantial, yet not overly saturated, market for construction equipment operators. The Location Quotient of 0.91 suggests a concentration that is nearly on par with the national average, implying a stable and consistent demand for these skilled professionals within the region's economic landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in St. Louis, MO-IL earns+15.3%above the national average.
$37
$1,478
$6,404
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in St. Louis have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages in skilled trades. This upward trajectory is likely fueled by ongoing infrastructure projects and the general demand for construction services.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in St. Louis, MO-IL
The career path for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators typically involves significant salary progression based on experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but with accumulated skills and certifications, operators can advance to senior roles commanding higher salaries, with substantial percentile gaps reflecting this growth and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $49,990 | $24 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $57,638 | $27.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $81,260 | $39.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $96,063 | $46.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $100,840 | $48.5 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$76,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$76,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $76,850 in St. Louis, MO-IL aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in St. Louis is equivalent to the national average, making the nominal salary highly competitive and stable in terms of real value.
Job Market Context
3,690
Total Jobs
2.758
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
St. Louis, MO-IL has 0.91x the national average concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.91 indicates that Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are slightly less concentrated in St. Louis compared to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly competitive, offering good opportunities for skilled individuals without excessive market saturation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield, IL Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary | $88,060↑ 15% | 84 mi |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary | $63,100↓ 18% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near St. Louis, MO-IL
Hiring Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in St. Louis, MO-IL?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in St. Louis, MO-IL is $76,850. This typically ranges from $49,990 for entry-level positions to $100,840 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in St. Louis, MO-IL is 15.3% higher than the national median of $66,680.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Yes, St. Louis, MO-IL offers a lucrative environment for these professionals.The average salary of $76,850 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near St. Louis, MO-IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, IL ($88,060) and Cape Girardeau, MO-IL.
How does the St. Louis salary compare to the national average?
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in St. Louis earn an average of $76,850 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $66,680.
What is the concentration of Operating Engineers in St. Louis?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.91, indicating that the proportion of these workers in St. Louis is slightly below the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in St. Louis?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $76,850 salary in St. Louis offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment.
What is the total number of Operating Engineers in St. Louis?
There are approximately 3,690 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the St. Louis, MO-IL area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,690 employees in the St. Louis, MO-IL area with a job density of 2.758 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. Louis, MO-IL