SalaryNode

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

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Virginia 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 the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $48,250 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,490.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 2,180 individuals, the market for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Virginia indicates a substantial presence. The high Location Quotient of 1.81 signifies a concentration of these roles significantly above the national average, pointing towards robust demand and a specialized labor pool within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$48,250

The average Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Virginia earns-18.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.2

Weekly

$928

Monthly

$4,021

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

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 seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and value to employers. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight these opportunities for advancement.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$37,160$17.9
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$36,188$17.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$46,850$22.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$60,313$29
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$58,490$28.1

Detailed Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$48,250

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$47,584

Adjusted for COL (101.4)

The average annual salary of $48,250 in Virginia for this role aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 101.4. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is relatively stable compared to the national baseline, as the cost of essential goods and services is only slightly above average.

Job Market Context

2,180

Total Jobs

0.535

Per 1K Jobs

1.81

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Virginia 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.

Virginia's Location Quotient of 1.81 for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators is a strong indicator of a concentrated job market. This suggests that the demand for these specialized skills is more than double the national average relative to the overall workforce, potentially leading to competitive hiring environments for employers and ample opportunities for qualified operators.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators

Comparing salaries near Virginia

Hiring Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Virginia is $48,250. This typically ranges from $37,160 for entry-level positions to $58,490 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Virginia is 18.1% lower than the national median of $58,900.

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

No, not when compared to the national average.While the cost of living is only slightly above the national average, the average salary of $48,250 is significantly lower than the national average of $58,900.

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

The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?

Some top paying nearby cities include Richmond, VA ($47,370) and others.

How does Virginia's job market compare to the national average for this role?

Virginia's job market for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators is more concentrated than the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.81, suggesting higher relative demand.

What is the total number of Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Virginia?

There are approximately 2,180 Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators employed in Virginia.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 101.4, the $48,250 salary in Virginia offers purchasing power that is slightly above the national average, making the lower nominal salary more palatable.

Are there many job opportunities for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Virginia?

Yes, the high Location Quotient of 1.81 suggests a strong concentration of these jobs relative to the national average, indicating a robust demand within the state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,180 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 0.535 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.