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

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Washington earn an impressive average annual salary of $87,340, significantly surpassing the national average of $58,900. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the state's robust infrastructure development projects and a specialized demand for skilled operators in a region with a higher cost of living.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $87,340 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 40.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $128,590.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 390 individuals, the market for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Washington indicates a focused, albeit not overwhelmingly large, segment of the labor force. The Location Quotient of 0.38 suggests that while operators are present, the concentration is below the national average, implying a potentially steady demand relative to the available talent pool.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$87,340

The average Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Washington earns+48.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$42

Weekly

$1,680

Monthly

$7,278

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

Salary progression for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Washington typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding expertise and reliability.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$61,580$29.6
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$65,505$31.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$77,180$37.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$109,175$52.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$128,590$61.8

Detailed Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$87,340

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$75,882

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

The average annual salary of $87,340 in Washington presents a strong nominal income. However, with a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, which is 15.1% higher than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat tempered. While the income is substantial, individuals considering relocation should factor in the increased expenses for housing, goods, and services.

Job Market Context

390

Total Jobs

0.111

Per 1K Jobs

0.38

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.38x, Washington has a notably lower concentration of Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

A Location Quotient of 0.38 for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Washington indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that while the jobs exist, the market is not saturated with these specialized workers, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for skilled individuals seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators

Comparing salaries near Washington

Hiring Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Washington is $87,340. This typically ranges from $61,580 for entry-level positions to $128,590 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 48.3% higher than the national median of $58,900.

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

Yes, Washington offers a lucrative environment for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators.The average salary of $87,340 significantly exceeds the national average, and despite a higher cost of living, the nominal income provides substantial earning potential.

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

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($94,030) and others.

How does the Washington salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Washington is $87,340, which is considerably higher than the national average of $58,900.

What is the concentration of Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Washington?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.38, indicating that this profession is less common in Washington compared to the national average.

How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?

Washington's Cost of Living Index is 115.1, meaning it is 15.1% more expensive to live there than the national average. This higher cost of living partially offsets the higher nominal salary.

What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers suggest?

With 0.111 jobs per 1,000 workers, it suggests a relatively niche employment landscape for these operators within the broader Washington workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.111 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.