Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Wichita, KS
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Wichita, KS earn an average annual salary of $52,640. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,680, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation in this region. The specific pay rates in Wichita are shaped by the local construction industry's needs and the overall economic climate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $52,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,680.
- Outlook: Wichita's market for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators appears robust, with a total local workforce of 1,120 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.2 indicates a concentration of these roles slightly above the national average, suggesting a steady demand for skilled operators within the city and its surrounding areas.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Wichita, KS earns-21.1%below the national average.
$25.3
$1,012
$4,387
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 Wichita have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for infrastructure projects, and the need for specialized skills in the construction sector.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS
Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Wichita typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. Experienced operators, those with specialized certifications, or those in supervisory roles can command higher salaries, with percentile gaps reflecting the value placed on expertise and tenure in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,990 | $18.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $39,480 | $19 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $48,980 | $23.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $65,800 | $31.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $76,680 | $36.9 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$52,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$52,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $52,640 in Wichita, 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 Wichita is equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment for these professionals.
Job Market Context
1,120
Total Jobs
3.642
Per 1K Jobs
1.2
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.20, Wichita, KS 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 1.2, Wichita demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy, albeit not overwhelmingly saturated, job market where demand for these skilled professionals is consistent and potentially growing.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary | $49,050↓ 7% | 67 mi |
| Enid, OK Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary | $47,900↓ 9% | 93 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wichita, 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 Wichita, KS?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Wichita, KS is $52,640. This typically ranges from $38,990 for entry-level positions to $76,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 21.1% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Wichita, KS a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
No, not when compared to the national average salary.While the cost of living is average, the $52,640 salary is significantly lower than the national average of $66,680. The market shows a slightly higher concentration of these roles, indicating steady demand but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Wichita, KS a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Wichita, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wichita, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas nonmetropolitan area ($49,050) and Enid, OK.
How does the Wichita salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Operating Engineers in Wichita, KS is $52,640, which is considerably lower than the national average of $66,680.
What is the Cost of Living in Wichita, KS?
Wichita, KS has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that everyday expenses are comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there a strong demand for Operating Engineers in Wichita?
The Location Quotient of 1.2 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs in Wichita than the national average, indicating a stable to good demand for skilled operators.
How many Operating Engineers work in Wichita?
There are approximately 1,120 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in Wichita, KS.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,120 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 3.642 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 Wichita, KS