Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in the Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $45,190. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $58,900, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different cost structure for labor in this specific locale. The localized demand and supply dynamics significantly influence compensation levels for these essential construction roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,280.
- Outlook: The job market for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Northern New Mexico appears robust, evidenced by a total local workforce of 210 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 8.47 strongly suggests a significant concentration of these roles relative to the national average, indicating a specialized and potentially high demand within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area earns-23.3%below the national average.
$21.7
$869
$3,766
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Northern New Mexico is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns in the construction sector. Increased infrastructure investment and ongoing development projects typically drive demand for skilled operators, leading to gradual wage growth.
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall below the $45,190 average, while seasoned operators with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries significantly higher, potentially reaching into the top percentiles of the pay scale. These percentile gaps represent clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,950 | $17.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,893 | $16.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $43,150 | $20.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $56,488 | $27.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $57,280 | $27.5 |
Detailed Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $45,190 in Northern New Mexico aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is balanced with the local wage rates.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
2.511
Per 1K Jobs
8.47
Location Quotient
Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area has 8.5x 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 8.47, Northern New Mexico exhibits a highly concentrated market for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators. This indicates that these roles are disproportionately prevalent in this region compared to the rest of the country, suggesting a specialized local industry or a significant reliance on these services for regional development projects.
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↑ 3% | 29 mi |
| Santa Fe, NM Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary | $50,770↑ 12% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators make in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is $45,190. This typically ranges from $35,950 for entry-level positions to $57,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is 23.3% lower than the national median of $58,900.
Is Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operatorss?
No, not when compared to national averages.While the average salary of $45,190 is balanced by a national average cost of living, it significantly trails the national average salary of $58,900 for the same role.
Is Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Albuquerque, NM ($46,720) and Santa Fe, NM.
How does the local workforce size affect job opportunities?
A local workforce of 210 suggests a moderately sized pool of operators, which, combined with a high location quotient, points to strong demand relative to the available local talent.
What does a Location Quotient of 8.47 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 8.47 signifies that Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operator roles are over 8 times more concentrated in Northern New Mexico than the national average, indicating a specialized and potentially competitive job market.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the $45,190 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, indicating a balanced economic environment for residents.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in Northern New Mexico?
With 2.511 jobs per 1,000 workers, this role represents a noticeable segment of the local employment landscape, further supported by the high concentration indicated by the location quotient.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.511 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 Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area