Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Winston-Salem, NC, earn an average annual salary of $48,170. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $66,680, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local construction sector. The pay scale in Winston-Salem is influenced by the overall cost of labor and the prevalence of specialized projects within the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,780.
- Outlook: The job market for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Winston-Salem, NC, appears stable with a local workforce of 620 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.75 suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated here compared to the national average, indicating a moderate demand that aligns with the number of workers. The presence of 2.283 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, level of employment opportunities in this field within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Winston-Salem, NC earns-27.8%below the national average.
$23.2
$926
$4,014
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Winston-Salem is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and infrastructure projects typically drive an increase in demand for skilled labor, which in turn can lead to upward pressure on wages. This general upward trend is often influenced by inflation, industry advancements, and the overall health of the construction sector.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Winston-Salem, NC
Career progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings, from the 25th to the 75th percentile, signify this clear career trajectory and the financial rewards associated with mastering the trade and taking on more complex responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,130 | $17.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $36,128 | $17.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $47,310 | $22.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $60,213 | $28.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $59,780 | $28.7 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $48,170 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Winston-Salem, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Winston-Salem is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage when compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
620
Total Jobs
2.283
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
Winston-Salem, NC has 0.75x the national average concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.75, Winston-Salem, NC, has a slightly lower concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry within the local economy. The job market is likely competitive, with opportunities available but perhaps not as abundant as in regions with a higher concentration of construction and heavy equipment operations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Winston-Salem, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Winston-Salem, NC?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Winston-Salem, NC is $48,170. This typically ranges from $37,130 for entry-level positions to $59,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Winston-Salem, NC is 27.8% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $48,170 is significantly below the national average of $66,680, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Winston-Salem, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Winston-Salem, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($50,070) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Winston-Salem salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Winston-Salem, NC, is $48,170, which is considerably lower than the national average of $66,680.
What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC?
Winston-Salem, NC, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated is the job market for this role in Winston-Salem?
The job market for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Winston-Salem has a Location Quotient of 0.75, indicating it is slightly less concentrated than the national average.
What is the total number of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Winston-Salem?
There are approximately 620 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in Winston-Salem, NC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 620 employees in the Winston-Salem, NC area with a job density of 2.283 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 Winston-Salem, NC