As of July 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:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Stationary Operating Engineer I | 0-1 years | $54,159 |
| Boiler Operator II | 1-3 years | $60,173 |
| Boiler Operator III | 3-5 years | $68,077 |
| Boiler Operator IV | 5-7 years | $84,879 |
| Boiler Operator Team Lead | 7+ years | $82,496 |
What Am I Worth?
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:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 13.63% |
| Project Commissioning | 3.34% |
| Field Service | 1.87% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Managed Services
|
$76,907 |
42%
|
|
Telecommunications
|
$75,824 |
40%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$62,826 |
16%
|
|
Power Generation
|
$62,284 |
15%
|
|
Initiative
|
$61,742 |
14%
|
|
Analysis
|
$60,659 |
12%
|
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 $60,578. While startup companies pay approximate $51,230.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $51,230 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $54,184 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $58,499 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $60,578 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $67,700 | $33.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $64,992 | $31.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $64,992 | $31.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $63,367 | $30.0 | 17% |
| Internet | $60,659 | $29.0 | 12% |
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 July 01, 2026For 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.
Salaries for a Stationary Operating Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $45,410 in 2023 to around $44,975 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Stationary Operating Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $45,410 |
| 2024 | $45,534 |
| 2025 | $44,975 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Stationary Operating Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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