Average Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary in Richmond, VA
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Richmond, VA, earn an average annual salary of $47,370. 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 specific geographic area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,460.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 380 professionals and a Location Quotient of 1.97, Richmond, VA, demonstrates a significant concentration of Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators compared to the national average. This elevated quotient indicates a robust local demand and a specialized labor pool, suggesting a stable job market for these skilled operators.
Salary Overview
The average Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Richmond, VA earns-19.6%below the national average.
$22.8
$911
$3,948
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 Richmond, VA, 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 these essential roles.
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Richmond, VA
Career progression for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and value to employers. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $33,930 | $16.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,528 | $17.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,700 | $22 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $59,213 | $28.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $60,460 | $29.1 |
Detailed Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $47,370 in Richmond, VA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in Richmond is equivalent to that of an operator earning the national average in a typical U.S. city, offering a balanced financial landscape.
Job Market Context
380
Total Jobs
0.585
Per 1K Jobs
1.97
Location Quotient
Richmond, VA has 2.0x 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 1.97 for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Richmond, VA, signifies that this occupation is more than twice as concentrated in the area compared to the national average. This suggests a highly competitive market with a strong presence of these specialized roles, potentially indicating both ample job opportunities and a skilled talent pool.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Richmond, VA
Hiring Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators make in Richmond, VA?
The median annual salary for a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Richmond, VA is $47,370. This typically ranges from $33,930 for entry-level positions to $60,460 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Richmond, VA is 19.6% lower than the national median of $58,900.
Is Richmond, VA a lucrative place for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operatorss?
No, not compared to the national average.While the concentration of these roles is high, the average salary of $47,370 is significantly lower than the national average of $58,900. However, the cost of living matches the national average, making the nominal salary's purchasing power comparable.
Is Richmond, VA a good place to live for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Richmond, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Richmond, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area ($53,400) and Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
How does Richmond's salary for this role compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Richmond, VA, is $47,370, which is substantially lower than the national average of $58,900.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.97 mean for this job in Richmond?
A Location Quotient of 1.97 indicates that Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators are more than twice as concentrated in Richmond, VA, compared to the national average, suggesting a strong local presence and demand for these professionals.
How does the cost of living in Richmond affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Richmond's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $47,370 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a typical U.S. city.
What is the total number of Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Richmond?
There are approximately 380 Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators employed in the Richmond, VA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Richmond, VA area with a job density of 0.585 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 Richmond, VA