Average Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary in Knoxville, TN
In Knoxville, TN, Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators earn an average annual salary of $48,250. This figure is notably below the national average of $58,900, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation within this sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,710.
- Outlook: The Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operator job market in Knoxville, TN, shows a concentrated presence with a total local workforce of 240 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.94 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting robust local demand and a specialized labor pool within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Knoxville, TN earns-18.1%below the national average.
$23.2
$928
$4,021
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Knoxville have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increased infrastructure investment and construction activity typically drive up demand and, consequently, compensation for skilled operators.
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
Salary progression for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding expertise and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,370 | $18.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $36,188 | $17.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,150 | $21.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $60,313 | $29 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $62,710 | $30.1 |
Detailed Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $48,250 in Knoxville, TN, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in Knoxville is effectively on par with the national average, offering stability in terms of real income despite the lower nominal wage compared to the national average.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
0.576
Per 1K Jobs
1.94
Location Quotient
Knoxville, TN has 1.9x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.94, Knoxville, TN, exhibits a strong concentration of Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators relative to the national landscape. This suggests a competitive market where employers may need to offer attractive compensation to secure skilled labor, while also indicating a readily available pool of experienced professionals for ongoing projects.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary | $45,640↓ 5% | 83 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary | $42,300↓ 12% | 87 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary | $46,810↓ 3% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
Hiring Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Knoxville, TN is $48,250. This typically ranges from $38,370 for entry-level positions to $62,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 18.1% lower than the national median of $58,900.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operatorss?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $48,250 is significantly lower than the national average of $58,900. The high concentration of roles suggests local demand, but this doesn't translate to higher pay in this specific instance.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Asheville, NC ($45,640) and Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA.
How does the local workforce size affect salary?
A smaller local workforce of 240, combined with a high location quotient, indicates specialized demand. While this often drives salaries up, in Knoxville, it appears to be balanced by other market factors resulting in a lower average wage.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.94 mean?
A Location Quotient of 1.94 signifies that Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators are nearly twice as concentrated in Knoxville, TN, as they are across the United States. This points to a strong regional industry presence.
How does Knoxville's cost of living compare nationally?
Knoxville's cost of living index is exactly 100, meaning it is precisely average when compared to the national average. This provides a stable baseline for understanding the real value of the local salary.
Are there many job opportunities for Paving Operators in Knoxville?
The data suggests a significant presence and demand for these roles, indicated by the high concentration (LQ 1.94) and the number of jobs per 1,000 workers (0.576). While the salary is lower than the national average, the job market appears robust.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 0.576 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 Knoxville, TN