Operating Engineers Salary

As of April 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Operating Engineers in the United States is $92,443. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $44. Salaries at Operating Engineers typically range from $80,777 to $105,880 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Operating Engineers

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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 $97,738
+5.7%
Data suggests Five Rivers Carpenters JATC's workforce skews heavily towards veteran, high-tenure roles.
Children Association $92,812
+0.4%
Confirms Children Association is a direct competitor vying for the exact same talent pool.
Vistancia Elementary School $95,364
+3.2%
Supported by Vistancia Elementary School's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
St Andrew's Evangelical Lutheran Church $98,740
+6.8%
Reflects structural premiums typical of St Andrew's Evangelical Lutheran Church's large-cap national operations.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+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.

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.
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.
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...
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.
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.

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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How Much Should You Be Earning?

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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. What is the estimated average total compensation at Operating Engineers?

Salary.com estimates that the average total compensation package at Operating Engineers, which can include base salary, potential bonuses, and benefits, is around $92,443 annually . Total compensation provides a more holistic view of an employee's earnings.

2. How much does Operating Engineers pay compared to Five Rivers Carpenters JATC?

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. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Operating Engineers?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Operating Engineers due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. What's the typical salary progression for an employee moving from an entry-level to a senior role at Operating Engineers?

Salary progression from an entry-level to a senior role at Operating Engineers can be significant, often involving several promotions and substantial pay increases. For example, an entry-level Analyst might see their salary potentially double or more as they progress to a Senior Manager or Director position over several years, assuming strong performance and development.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Operating Engineers in Louisville is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Operating Engineers in Louisville is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Operating Engineers and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Louisville" to understand its purchasing power.

6. Are promotions at Operating Engineers usually accompanied by a significant salary increase?

Yes, promotions at Operating Engineers are generally accompanied by a salary increase. The amount of the increase typically reflects the greater responsibilities, skills, and scope of the new role. The percentage increase can vary widely depending on the level of promotion and the company's compensation structure.