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Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Syracuse, NY

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Syracuse, NY, command an impressive average annual salary of $78,930. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $66,680, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized project needs within the region that drive this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $78,930 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $128,480.
  • Outlook: Syracuse presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, with a total local workforce of 700 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.78 suggests that while the profession is present, it is slightly less concentrated than the national average, implying a steady but not booming demand for these skilled roles within the city's construction sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$78,930

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Syracuse, NY earns+18.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$38

Weekly

$1,518

Monthly

$6,578

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Syracuse, NY

Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Syracuse is clearly reflected in salary differentials. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower wage, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries. The gap between the lower and upper salary percentiles underscores the substantial earning potential as one advances through their career, with senior roles often exceeding the average by a considerable margin.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$46,400$22.3
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$59,198$28.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$62,750$30.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$98,663$47.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$128,480$61.8

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$78,930

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$78,930

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $78,930 in Syracuse aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Operating Engineer's salary in Syracuse is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment where earnings are neither significantly boosted nor diminished by local living expenses.

Job Market Context

700

Total Jobs

2.385

Per 1K Jobs

0.78

Location Quotient

Below Average

Syracuse, NY has 0.78x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.78, the market for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Syracuse is moderately concentrated compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a solid presence of these professionals, the job market is not oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals without facing intense competition typically seen in areas with a LQ significantly above 1.0.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Syracuse, NY?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Syracuse, NY is $78,930. This typically ranges from $46,400 for entry-level positions to $128,480 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Syracuse, NY is 18.4% higher than the national median of $66,680.

Is Syracuse, NY a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

Yes, Syracuse, NY is a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.The average annual salary of $78,930 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, meaning your earnings have strong purchasing power.

Is Syracuse, NY a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Syracuse, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Syracuse, NY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Ithaca, NY ($59,400) and Utica-Rome, NY.

How does the Syracuse salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Syracuse, NY is $78,930, which is notably higher than the national average of $66,680.

What is the concentration of Operating Engineers in Syracuse?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.78, indicating that this profession is slightly less concentrated in Syracuse compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Syracuse?

The cost of living in Syracuse is at the national average (100), meaning the higher-than-average salary of $78,930 translates directly into strong purchasing power for residents.

What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate?

With 2.385 jobs per 1,000 workers, it signifies a consistent, albeit moderate, level of employment opportunities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators within the Syracuse labor market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 700 employees in the Syracuse, NY area with a job density of 2.385 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.