Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in the Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $45,660. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $58,900, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand for specialized construction roles outside major urban centers. The localized pay scale is a direct consequence of the specific economic landscape and labor market dynamics present in this part of New Mexico.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,760.
- Outlook: The job market for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Eastern New Mexico appears robust, indicated by a substantial Location Quotient of 7.07, significantly exceeding the national average. This suggests a high concentration of these roles relative to the national distribution, implying strong local demand and a specialized workforce. With 2.096 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of 340 individuals in this occupation points to a stable and established presence within the regional economy.
Salary Overview
The average Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area earns-22.5%below the national average.
$22
$878
$3,805
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Eastern New Mexico have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increases in infrastructure spending and the ongoing need for road maintenance and construction projects likely contribute to a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in compensation for these skilled trades.
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators typically correlates strongly with experience and skill level. Entry-level positions often start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned operators with extensive experience, specialized certifications, and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression, with senior operators earning substantially more than their less experienced counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,940 | $17.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,245 | $16.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $44,790 | $21.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $57,075 | $27.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $59,760 | $28.7 |
Detailed Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $45,660 in Eastern New Mexico aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, individuals relocating to this area can expect their earnings to cover expenses at a comparable rate to the rest of the country, without the added financial strain of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
2.096
Per 1K Jobs
7.07
Location Quotient
Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area has 7.1x the national concentration of Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping 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 7.07 for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Eastern New Mexico indicates a highly concentrated job market. This significantly elevated quotient suggests that these roles are disproportionately represented in this region compared to the national average, pointing to a strong demand and a specialized labor pool. The market is therefore quite specialized and potentially competitive for skilled individuals, as the concentration implies a reliance on these operators within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary | $46,720↑ 2% | 29 mi |
| Santa Fe, NM Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary | $50,770↑ 11% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators make in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is $45,660. This typically ranges from $35,940 for entry-level positions to $59,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is 22.5% lower than the national median of $58,900.
Is Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operatorss?
No, it is not more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $45,660 is substantially lower than the national average of $58,900. The high concentration of jobs suggests strong local demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Albuquerque, NM ($46,720) and Santa Fe, NM.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Eastern New Mexico is $45,660, which is considerably lower than the national average of $58,900.
What does the Location Quotient of 7.07 mean?
A Location Quotient of 7.07 indicates that Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators are employed in Eastern New Mexico at a rate 7.07 times higher than the national average, signifying a very high concentration of these jobs.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are on par with the national average. This means the $45,660 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, despite being lower in nominal terms.
Is there high demand for these operators in Eastern New Mexico?
Yes, the high Location Quotient of 7.07 and 2.096 jobs per 1,000 workers suggest a strong and concentrated demand for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in this region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.096 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area