Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Topeka, KS
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Topeka, KS, earn an average annual salary of $57,640. This figure is below the national average of $66,680, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Topeka labor market. Localized construction project scopes and the overall economic health of the region often influence these pay scales.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,840.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 590 individuals, Topeka demonstrates a notable concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.73. This suggests a demand for these skilled professionals that outpaces the national average relative to the general workforce, pointing towards a robust job market for this occupation within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Topeka, KS earns-13.6%below the national average.
$27.7
$1,108
$4,803
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Topeka have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for infrastructure development, and the need for specialized skills in the construction sector.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Topeka, KS
Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Topeka typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive project management experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their accumulated expertise and value.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $39,850 | $19.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $43,230 | $20.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $52,060 | $25 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $72,050 | $34.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $78,840 | $37.9 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$57,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $57,640 in Topeka, 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 Topeka is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to general living expenses.
Job Market Context
590
Total Jobs
5.278
Per 1K Jobs
1.73
Location Quotient
Topeka, KS has 1.7x the national concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.73 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Topeka signifies a strong presence of this profession, with employment levels 73% higher than the national average relative to the overall workforce. This indicates a competitive market with potentially abundant opportunities for skilled individuals in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Topeka, KS
Hiring Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Topeka, KS?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Topeka, KS is $57,640. This typically ranges from $39,850 for entry-level positions to $78,840 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Topeka, KS is 13.6% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Topeka, KS a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
No, not when compared to the national average salary.While Topeka has a strong concentration of these roles (LQ 1.73), the average salary of $57,640 is below the national average of $66,680.
Is Topeka, KS a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Topeka, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Topeka, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lawrence, KS ($62,460) and Manhattan, KS.
How does Topeka's cost of living affect the salary?
Topeka's Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the average salary of $57,640 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Is there high demand for Operating Engineers in Topeka?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.73 suggests that Operating Engineers are more concentrated in Topeka than the national average, indicating a relatively high demand.
What is the total number of Operating Engineers in Topeka?
There are approximately 590 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in Topeka, KS.
How many jobs per 1,000 workers are Operating Engineers in Topeka?
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators represent 5.278 jobs per 1,000 workers in Topeka.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 590 employees in the Topeka, KS area with a job density of 5.278 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Topeka, KS
- All Occupations Salary in Topeka, KS
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Topeka, KS
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Topeka, KS
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Topeka, KS
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Topeka, KS
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Topeka, KS
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Topeka, KS
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Topeka, KS
- Production Occupations Salary in Topeka, KS
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Topeka, KS
- Browse All Jobs in Topeka, KS →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Topeka, KS