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Stationary Operating Engineer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Stationary Operating Engineer I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Stationary Operating Engineer I in the United States is $54,160 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

However, a Stationary Operating Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $61,420
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $48,010 to $57,960
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $42,411
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Stationary Operating Engineer I Salaries

A Stationary Operating Engineer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Stationary Operating Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Stationary Operating Engineer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Stationary Operating Engineer I (0-1 years): $54,157
  • Boiler Operator II (1-3 years): $60,174
  • Boiler Operator III (3-5 years): $68,085
  • Boiler Operator IV (5-7 years): $84,910
  • Boiler Operator Team Lead (7+ years): $82,522
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Stationary Operating Engineer I0-1 years$54,157
Boiler Operator II1-3 years$60,174
Boiler Operator III3-5 years$68,085
Boiler Operator IV5-7 years$84,910
Boiler Operator Team Lead7+ years$82,522
View as Graph

How Do Stationary Operating Engineer I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Stationary Operating Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $59,970.
  • California: $59,740.
  • Massachusetts: $58,940.

Top Paying Cities for Stationary Operating Engineer Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $68,310
  • San Francisco: $67,570
  • Oakland: $66,140

What Skills Can Increase a Stationary Operating Engineer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 13.63% Job Postings): Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
  • Project Commissioning (Mentioned in 3.34% Job Postings): Project commissioning is the process of assuring that all systems and components of a building or industrial plant are designed, installed, tested, operated, and maintained according to the operational requirements of the owner or final client.
  • Field Service (Mentioned in 1.87% Job Postings): Managing and optimizing operations to respond to and address customer requests at off-site locations or client sites.
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 13.63%
Project Commissioning 3.34%
Field Service 1.87%
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What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Stationary Operating Engineer I's salary.

  • Managed Services: Can increase your salary by up to 42%.
  • Telecommunications: Can increase your salary by up to 40%.
  • Verbal Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Managed Services $76,907
42%
Telecommunications $75,824
40%
Verbal Communication $62,826
16%
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Stationary Operating Engineer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Stationary Operating Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $60,526. While startup companies pay approximate $51,199.

Stationary Operating Engineer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $51,199
Growth Stage 51~500 $54,148
Established 501~5000 $58,446
Enterprise 5000+ $60,526

Stationary Operating Engineer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Stationary Operating Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 49% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Stationary Operating Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Stationary Operating Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Stationary Operating Engineer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$67,700$33.025%
Financial Services$64,992$31.020%
Software & Networking$64,992$31.020%
Pharmaceuticals$63,367$30.017%
Internet$60,659$29.012%

Stationary Operating Engineer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Stationary Operating Engineer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$48,010
Average $54,160/year
$57,960
$4,001
Average $4,513/month
$4,830
$923
Average $1,042/week
$1,115
$23
Average $26/hour
$28
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $57,960 $4,830 $1,115 $28
Average $54,160 $4,513 $1,042 $26
25th Percentile $48,010 $4,001 $923 $23

Stationary Operating Engineer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Stationary Operating Engineer I

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Advancement

For a Stationary Operating Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Boiler Operator II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $60,200 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Stationary Operating Engineer I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Stationary Operating Engineer I

Here are companies hiring for Stationary Operating Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Stationary Operating Engineer I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Stationary Operating Engineer I?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Stationary Operating Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. What is the highest paying operating engineer?

The highest paying operating engineer positions typically offer salaries ranging from a minimum of $45,320 to a maximum of $58,930, with a median salary of $51,040. While specific industries may vary, these figures reflect the general compensation for stationary operating engineers across various sectors.

3. Which engineering is the richest?

While various engineering fields offer high salaries, Stationary Operating Engineers earn between $45,320 and $58,930, with a median salary of $51,040. This is significantly lower than top-paying fields like Petroleum and Aerospace Engineering, which can exceed $100,000 annually.

4. Are Operating Engineers in demand?

Demand for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators is expected to rise, with approximately 32,030 new jobs anticipated by 2029, reflecting an annual growth of 0.88 percent. Salaries for Stationary Operating Engineers range from $45,320 to $58,930, with a median salary of $51,040. Join our career community today!

5. Where do operating engineers make the most money in the USA?

Operating engineers in the USA can earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $45,320, a mid-range of $51,040, and a maximum of $58,930 annually. Notable cities include New York, NY, where hourly wages reach $50.38, followed by Chicago, IL at $43.10, and Washington, DC at $42.97, reflecting the demand and compensation in these areas.

6. Are operating engineers in demand?

Yes, operating engineers are in demand. The job market for Operating Engineers and other Construction Equipment Operators is projected to grow, with an estimated 32,030 new positions expected by 2029. Salaries for Stationary Operating Engineers range from a minimum of $45,320 to a maximum of $58,930, with a median salary of $51,040.

7. Where do stationary engineers make the most money?

Stationary engineers tend to earn the most in cities like San Francisco, CA, where hourly wages can reach approximately $51.91, translating to an annual salary around $108,000. Other high-paying areas include San Jose, CA, and Omaha, NE, with salaries ranging from $37,820 to $58,930 annually, depending on experience and location.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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