Operating Engineers Salary

Operating Engineers Salary

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As of April 2026, the average hourly salary for employees at Operating Engineers in the United States is $44. This translates to an approximate annual wage of $92,443. Salaries at Operating Engineers typically range from $39 to $51 hourly, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Operating Engineers Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Operating Engineers. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the District Representative, with an hourly wage of $40. The table below outlines the hourly wage ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Operating Engineers

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Operating Engineers. Use the search tool below to find available positions by title and location and apply directly to start your career.

Is Operating Engineers’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Operating Engineers's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Five Rivers Carpenters JATC $47
+5.7%
Data suggests Five Rivers Carpenters JATC's workforce skews heavily towards veteran, high-tenure roles.
Children Association $45
+0.4%
Aligns perfectly with prevailing regional benchmarks for this specific job family.
Vistancia Elementary School $46
+3.2%
Influenced by prevailing union wage agreements specific to Vistancia Elementary School's sector.
St Andrew's Evangelical Lutheran Church $47
+6.8%
Reflects structural premiums typical of St Andrew's Evangelical Lutheran Church's large-cap national operations.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $56
+24.8%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Companies Similar to Operating Engineers and Their Hourly Pay Rates

Explore companies in the same industry to compare average salaries, benefits, and career opportunities with those at Operating Engineers. Click a company name to learn more.

Employee Reviews: Working at Operating Engineers

Considering a career at Operating Engineers? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
Innovative e-learning platform. Work-life balance is moderate but may depend heavily on role and manager. Benefits and time off are good, which supports work-life balance. It’s a reasonable place to work if you value consistency and routine, though it may not be ideal for someone seeking a dynamic or fast-paced environment.
Commented in May 18, 2025
22
1
Employees benefit from well-structured development programs and a culture that promotes respect and inclusivity. Staff are courteous and informed, though some procedures feel unnecessarily complicated. There’s support from colleagues, though some departments are more responsive than others. Communication is clear, and performance feedback is consistently constructive.
Commented in January 31, 2025
30
1
Training is thorough, and professional development is supported. What impresses me most is how the system maintains educational excellence across all its schools. The organization supports continuing education and offers a lot of structure. Job duties occasionally expand beyond initial scope. Leadership is approachable, though promotions tend to move. There’s a respectful, inclusive atmosphere and...
Commented in October 01, 2024
44
0
Working in this organization has been a fulfilling experience. Their processes are streamlined and their support is unwavering. I’ve taken multiple courses subsidized by the agency, which have boosted my skills and confidence.
Commented in July 14, 2024
39
3
A structured work environment with a solid benefits package, but little room for creativity or autonomy. Good intentions, but administrative speed varies. Employees benefit from a culture that encourages professional growth, innovation, and open dialogue.
Commented in March 29, 2024
24
3

Operating Engineers Overview

Website
www.iuoelocal181.org
Founded In
Data pending, update soon.
Employees
500 - 1,000 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
700 N Elm St Henderson Kentucky KY 42419
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 2708266750
Social Media
About Operating Engineers
IUOE Local 181 is among 170 other Local Unions in the U.S. & Canada that collectively comprise the International Union of Operating Engineers . The IUOE represents a broad spectrum of occupations. Therefore, our locals are normally divided into two categories: Hoisting & Portable and Stationary Engineers. Hoisting & Portable locals represent members who usually work in the construction field utili

What Benefits Does Operating Engineers Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Operating Engineers offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Louisville?

Understanding the cost of living near Louisville is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Operating Engineers.
Louisville's Cost of Living Index is approximately 87.8 (12.2% less expensive than US average; 5.5% less than KY average). Largest KY city, Kentucky Derby, affordable housing. TARC bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from Operating Engineers, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $900 - $1,400+ A significant portion of Operating Engineers salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $140 - $230 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $50 (TARC monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $380 - $560 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $350 - $650+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $360 - $660+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,180 - $3,500+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Operating Engineers

1. How much does Operating Engineers in the United States pay?

Operating Engineers pays its employees an average of $44 per hour. The average salary at Operating Engineers range from $39 to $51 per hour. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills and location.

2. Do Operating Engineers employees get a higher salary than its peer company?

The salary at Operating Engineers is lesser than its peer company. The average annual salary at Operating Engineers is $92,443, or an hourly wage of $44, in comparison to Five Rivers Carpenters JATC which pays $97,738 per year or $47 per hour.

3. What are the highest paying jobs at Operating Engineers?

The higher-paying job at Operating Engineers, according to our data, include District Representative (avg. $40 per hour), Business Representative (avg. $34 per hour), and Pipeline Operator (avg. $30 per hour). Pay for these roles reflects significant responsibility, specialized skills and experience.

4. How much does salary increase with years of experience at Operating Engineers?

Salary progression with years of experience at Operating Engineers is typical. Generally, as employees gain more relevant experience, develop more skills, and take on greater responsibilities, their earning potential increases. For example, a role with 5-7 years of experience will usually pay more than the same role requiring 0-2 years.

5. Do salaries at Operating Engineers vary by office location?

Yes, it's very likely that salaries at Operating Engineers vary by office location. Companies often adjust pay based on local market rates, cost of living, and talent competition in different geographic areas. For instance, a role in a high-cost city like New York City may offer a higher nominal salary than the same role in a lower-cost city like Omaha, NE. Our Cost of Living Insights for Louisville section provides more context.

6. Does Operating Engineers offer good benefits?

Operating Engineers typically offers a comprehensive benefits package that adds significant value to an employee's total compensation. Common benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan often with a company match, paid time off. For example, a strong 401(k) match or excellent, low-cost health insurance can be worth thousands of dollars annually, effectively increasing your overall earnings beyond your base salary. For a more detailed list of benefits, please see our "Employee Benefits at Operating Engineers" section on this page.

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