SalaryNode

Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Tulsa, OK

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Tulsa, OK, earn an average annual salary of $51,180. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,680. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Tulsa metropolitan area significantly influence this pay scale, creating a distinct compensation landscape for these skilled professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $51,180 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $67,980.
  • Outlook: The job market for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Tulsa, OK, appears stable, with a local workforce of 1,470 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.07 suggests a concentration of these roles slightly above the national average, indicating a consistent, albeit not overwhelmingly high, demand for their specialized skills within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$51,180

The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Tulsa, OK earns-23.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.6

Weekly

$984

Monthly

$4,265

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Tulsa, OK

Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Tulsa, OK, is strongly tied to experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and certifications can expect to earn significantly more, often reaching into the higher salary percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$38,990$18.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$38,385$18.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$49,210$23.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$63,975$30.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$67,980$32.7

Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$51,180

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$51,180

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $51,180 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Tulsa, OK, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services in the area.

Job Market Context

1,470

Total Jobs

3.25

Per 1K Jobs

1.07

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.07, Tulsa, OK 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 1.07, Tulsa, OK, exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy, competitive job market where employers actively seek these skilled workers, but the demand is not so extreme as to create widespread labor shortages that would drastically inflate wages.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Tulsa, OK?

The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Tulsa, OK is $51,180. This typically ranges from $38,990 for entry-level positions to $67,980 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tulsa, OK is 23.2% lower than the national median of $66,680.

Is Tulsa, OK a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the salary of $51,180 is at the national average for cost of living, it falls significantly short of the national average salary for the profession. This indicates that Tulsa offers standard compensation relative to its living expenses, rather than premium pay.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Tulsa, OK?

Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area ($46,210) and Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.

How does Tulsa's salary for this role compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Tulsa, OK, is $51,180, which is considerably lower than the national average of $66,680.

What is the concentration of Operating Engineers in Tulsa compared to the rest of the US?

Tulsa has a Location Quotient of 1.07 for this profession, meaning the concentration of these jobs is slightly higher than the national average.

Does the cost of living in Tulsa affect the perceived value of the salary?

No, the cost of living in Tulsa is exactly at the national average (100), so the $51,180 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would in a national average cost of living area.

How many Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are there in Tulsa?

There are approximately 1,470 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the Tulsa, OK area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,470 employees in the Tulsa, OK area with a job density of 3.25 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.