Operating Engineer salary in United States

Average Yearly Salary of Operating Engineer in United States is approximately 75,335 USD (75,013 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Operating Engineer do?

An operating engineer is a skilled professional responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing heavy machinery and equipment used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries. They work with a variety of equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and forklifts, to ensure smooth operations and efficient production. Operating engineers are trained to interpret blueprints, operate controls, and perform routine maintenance tasks to keep the equipment in optimal condition. They are also responsible for monitoring safety protocols and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Skills: operating engineer, heavy machinery, equipment operator, construction, maintenance, safety
Job industry: Construction

How much does Operating Engineer make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 4 %


Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here

Salary comparison to National average

Is Operating Engineer a well paid job?

Yes, our data shows that Operating Engineer is a well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.

What is considered a high salary for Operating Engineer?

High salary for Operating Engineer would be somewhere between 82,869 USD and 109,236 USD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Operating Engineer in United States?

Living in United States the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,280 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 75,335 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 6,278 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,449 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 36 USD per hour
By working as Operating Engineer a person can save up to 3,971 USD per month or 47,653 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in United States, see costs of living in United States.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Canada, Mexico.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Operating Engineer

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in United States

Data as of 2025

Random salary:
Labor hand (24,567 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Water meter technician (34,172 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Ap coordinator (38,938 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Branch manager retail (59,312 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Clinical geneticist (118,111 USD per year, pre-tax.)

Feedback about these results