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Average Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators Salary in Ohio

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in Ohio earn an average annual salary of $51,120. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,090, reflecting regional economic factors and demand specific to the Buckeye State. The concentration of this specialized workforce within Ohio plays a crucial role in shaping compensation levels.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $51,120 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,030.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 980 individuals, Ohio demonstrates a significant presence in this specialized field. The Location Quotient of 1.67 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust demand and established industry infrastructure within the state. This concentration points to a stable job market for skilled operators.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$51,120

The average Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in Ohio earns-22.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.6

Weekly

$983

Monthly

$4,260

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Ohio

Career progression for Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in Ohio typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the value placed on experience and expertise in this trade.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$43,710$21
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$38,340$18.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$47,160$22.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$63,900$30.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$62,030$29.8

Detailed Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$51,120

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$56,300

Adjusted for COL (90.8)

The average annual salary of $51,120 in Ohio presents a favorable financial situation when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 90.8. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary offers a relatively strong purchasing power for residents, meaning their earnings can stretch further compared to living in more expensive national regions.

Job Market Context

980

Total Jobs

0.178

Per 1K Jobs

1.67

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Ohio has 1.7x the national concentration of Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Ohio's Location Quotient of 1.67 for Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators signifies a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive environment with a good number of opportunities, but also potentially more skilled candidates vying for positions, indicating a healthy, albeit potentially competitive, job market.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators make in Ohio?

The median annual salary for a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in Ohio is $51,120. This typically ranges from $43,710 for entry-level positions to $62,030 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Ohio is 22.7% lower than the national median of $66,090.

Is Ohio a lucrative place for Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operatorss?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is below the national average, Ohio's lower cost of living enhances the purchasing power of the $51,120 salary. The high concentration of these roles (LQ 1.67) indicates strong local demand.

Is Ohio a good place to live for Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

How does the Ohio workforce size compare nationally?

With 980 Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators, Ohio has a substantial local workforce, indicating a significant presence in the industry.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.67 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 1.67 means that Ohio has 67% more Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators per worker than the national average, suggesting a strong industry presence and potentially more job opportunities.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.8, Ohio is more affordable than the national average, making the $51,120 salary more impactful in terms of purchasing power.

Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in Ohio?

Ohio has 0.178 jobs per 1,000 workers for Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators, which, when viewed alongside the high LQ, indicates a specialized and concentrated job market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 980 employees in the Ohio area with a job density of 0.178 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.