Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Wilmington, NC
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Wilmington, NC, earn an average annual salary of $49,620. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,680, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand influence compensation in this coastal city. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the salary differential warrants closer examination.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,150.
- Outlook: Wilmington, NC, supports a local workforce of 790 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators. With a Location Quotient of 1.38, the concentration of these roles in Wilmington is 38% higher than the national average, indicating a robust local demand relative to the national landscape. The presence of 4.21 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a healthy market for these skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Wilmington, NC earns-25.6%below the national average.
$23.9
$954
$4,135
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wilmington is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring general economic growth and inflation. This growth is typically driven by increased infrastructure investment and the demand for skilled trades in developing regions.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression, with senior operators consistently earning more than their junior counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,300 | $18.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $37,215 | $17.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $48,200 | $23.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $62,025 | $29.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $61,150 | $29.4 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $49,620 in Wilmington, NC, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living (100). This means that, on average, the purchasing power of an Operating Engineer's salary in Wilmington is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average for the profession, the stable cost of living suggests that the real value of the earnings is maintained locally.
Job Market Context
790
Total Jobs
4.21
Per 1K Jobs
1.38
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.38, Wilmington, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators roles compared to the national norm.
Wilmington, NC, exhibits a Location Quotient of 1.38 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, signifying a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a potentially competitive market where demand outstrips the national average, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled individuals. However, it also implies that employers may have a slightly larger pool of local talent to draw from.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Wilmington, NC is $49,620. This typically ranges from $38,300 for entry-level positions to $61,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 25.6% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
No, not when compared to the national average salary.While the cost of living is average, the $49,620 salary is substantially lower than the national average of $66,680. The higher concentration of jobs (LQ 1.38) indicates demand, but doesn't necessarily translate to higher pay in this specific market.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($48,680) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does the cost of living in Wilmington, NC compare to the national average?
Wilmington, NC has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general expenses for goods, services, and housing are comparable to the rest of the country.
What is the concentration of Operating Engineers in Wilmington, NC?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.38. This indicates that Wilmington has 38% more Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators relative to the national average workforce composition.
How many Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are there in Wilmington, NC?
There are approximately 790 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the Wilmington, NC area.
Are there more job opportunities for Operating Engineers in Wilmington compared to the national average?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.38 suggests a higher relative demand for these roles in Wilmington compared to the national average, indicating a potentially favorable job market for skilled operators.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 790 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 4.21 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 Wilmington, NC