Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Texas
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Texas earn an average annual salary of $52,250. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $66,680, a disparity often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands within the Texas construction sector. While the nominal salary may seem lower, it's crucial to consider the local economic landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $52,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,740.
- Outlook: Texas boasts a substantial workforce of 55,290 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, indicating a significant presence in the state's labor market. The location quotient of 1.31 suggests that this profession is more concentrated in Texas than the national average, pointing towards robust demand and a healthy job market for these skilled workers.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Texas earns-21.6%below the national average.
$25.1
$1,005
$4,354
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 Texas have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increased infrastructure projects and a growing economy typically drive up demand for skilled labor, leading to upward pressure on wages.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Texas
Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Texas typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often found in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution. These percentile gaps clearly signify career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,240 | $18.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $39,188 | $18.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $49,650 | $23.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $65,313 | $31.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $65,740 | $31.6 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$52,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,183
Adjusted for COL (93)
The average annual salary of $52,250 in Texas for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators should be viewed in conjunction with the state's Cost of Living Index of 93. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the purchasing power of this salary is relatively stronger within Texas compared to higher cost-of-living areas, making the nominal salary more competitive on a local scale.
Job Market Context
55,290
Total Jobs
3.993
Per 1K Jobs
1.31
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.31, Texas 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 1.31, Texas exhibits a higher concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market where employers actively seek these skilled professionals, and a solid pool of talent is available to meet industry demands.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Texas
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Texas?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Texas is $52,250. This typically ranges from $38,240 for entry-level positions to $65,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Texas is 21.6% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Texas a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Yes, with a caveat regarding cost of living.Texas offers a strong concentration of jobs (LQ 1.31) for these professionals. While the average salary is below the national average, the lower cost of living enhances the real value of earnings.
Is Texas a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Texas?
Some top paying nearby cities include Killeen-Temple, TX ($47,930) and Waco, TX.
How does the Texas salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Texas is $52,250, which is lower than the national average of $66,680.
What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.31 mean for this role in Texas?
An LQ of 1.31 indicates that Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are 31% more concentrated in Texas than the national average, suggesting strong regional demand.
How does the cost of living in Texas affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (below the national average of 100), the $52,250 salary in Texas offers better purchasing power than it might in a higher cost-of-living state.
Is the job market for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators strong in Texas?
Yes, the substantial workforce size (55,290) and the high location quotient (1.31) point to a robust and active job market for these professionals in Texas.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 55,290 employees in the Texas area with a job density of 3.993 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 Texas