Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area earn an average annual salary of $56,520. This figure is slightly below the national average of $58,900, suggesting localized market dynamics and demand influence compensation within this specific metropolitan region. Factors such as local construction project volume and the availability of skilled labor contribute to this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,230.
- Outlook: The Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood metropolitan area supports a dedicated workforce of 220 Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators. With a Location Quotient of 1.31, this indicates a concentration of these roles that is 31% higher than the national average, signaling a robust demand and a specialized job market for these essential construction professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns-4.0%below the national average.
$27.2
$1,087
$4,710
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring broader trends in the construction industry. This upward trajectory is typically driven by increased infrastructure investment, rising material costs, and a persistent demand for skilled tradespeople.
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Career progression for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the difference between starting wages and the average salary of $56,520 signifies the value placed on experience, specialized skills, and the ability to operate complex machinery efficiently and safely.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $40,390 | $19.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $42,390 | $20.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $58,540 | $28.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $70,650 | $34 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $74,230 | $35.7 |
Detailed Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $56,520 in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without significant cost-of-living advantages or disadvantages compared to other major metropolitan areas.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
0.387
Per 1K Jobs
1.31
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.31, Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.31 for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI signifies a higher concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests a competitive market where employers may actively seek out skilled operators, and the demand for their services is notably stronger than in many other regions across the country.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary | $55,670↓ 2% | 48 mi |
| Battle Creek, MI Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary | $56,850↑ 1% | 51 mi |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary | $57,260↑ 1% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators make in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $56,520. This typically ranges from $40,390 for entry-level positions to $74,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 4.0% lower than the national median of $58,900.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operatorss?
Yes, with a strong concentration of jobs.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the higher-than-average Location Quotient indicates a robust demand for these operators in the region.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a good place to live for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kalamazoo-Portage, MI ($55,670) and Battle Creek, MI.
What is the average salary for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The average annual salary for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $56,520.
How does the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI ($56,520) is slightly lower than the national average ($58,900).
What does the Location Quotient of 1.31 mean for this role in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
A Location Quotient of 1.31 indicates that Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operator roles are 31% more concentrated in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI than the national average, suggesting higher demand.
How does the cost of living in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the $56,520 salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 0.387 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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI