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Average Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary in Missouri

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Missouri earn an impressive average annual salary of $67,740, significantly surpassing the national average of $58,900. This elevated compensation is often driven by the specialized nature of the work and the demand for skilled operators within the state's infrastructure development projects.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $67,740 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $90,910.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,550 and a Location Quotient of 1.79, Missouri demonstrates a notably higher concentration of Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators compared to the national average. This indicates a robust and potentially growing demand for these professionals within the state, suggesting a healthy job market for those in this specialized field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$67,740

The average Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Missouri earns+15.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$32.6

Weekly

$1,303

Monthly

$5,645

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Missouri

Career progression for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as operators gain proficiency and specialize, their earning potential escalates considerably, with senior roles commanding top-tier salaries, reflected in the widening percentile gaps.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$38,470$18.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$50,805$24.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$70,520$33.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$84,675$40.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$90,910$43.7

Detailed Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$67,740

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$76,629

Adjusted for COL (88.4)

The average annual salary of $67,740 in Missouri presents a strong financial advantage when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 88.4. This means that the nominal income earned by these operators translates into greater purchasing power and a higher real income compared to the national average, making Missouri an economically attractive location.

Job Market Context

1,550

Total Jobs

0.531

Per 1K Jobs

1.79

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Missouri has 1.8x 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.

A Location Quotient of 1.79 signifies that Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators are approximately 79% more concentrated in Missouri than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant market, where employers actively seek these skilled individuals, and a substantial pool of talent exists to meet project demands.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators

Comparing salaries near Missouri

Hiring Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators make in Missouri?

The median annual salary for a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Missouri is $67,740. This typically ranges from $38,470 for entry-level positions to $90,910 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Missouri is 15.0% higher than the national median of $58,900.

Is Missouri a lucrative place for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operatorss?

Yes, Missouri offers lucrative opportunities for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and the lower cost of living further enhances the financial benefits of working in the state.

Is Missouri a good place to live for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators?

With a Cost of Living Index of 88.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Missouri?

Some top paying nearby cities include Jefferson City, MO ($63,120) and others.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

Missouri has 0.531 jobs per 1,000 workers for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators, indicating a specific density of these roles within the state's labor market.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Missouri?

An LQ of 1.79 means this profession is more than 1.5 times as common in Missouri as it is nationwide, highlighting a strong regional presence and demand.

How does the cost of living in Missouri affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 88.4, Missouri is more affordable than the national average (100), meaning the $67,740 salary provides greater purchasing power.

What does the total local workforce number imply?

A workforce of 1,550 indicates a substantial number of Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators are employed in Missouri, supporting the high concentration suggested by the LQ.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,550 employees in the Missouri area with a job density of 0.531 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.