As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Stationary Operating Engineer III in the United States is $68,080 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Stationary Operating Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Stationary Operating Engineer III'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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Stationary Operating Engineer III'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Boiler Operator I | 0-1 years | $54,159 |
| Boiler Operator II | 1-3 years | $60,173 |
| Stationary Operating Engineer 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 7.16% |
| Operation and Control | 3.38% |
| Water Testing | 2.28% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Risk Management
|
$81,015 |
19%
|
|
Chemistry
|
$80,334 |
18%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$72,846 |
7%
|
|
Automatic Control
|
$72,165 |
6%
|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$70,803 |
4%
|
|
Initiative
|
$70,122 |
3%
|
Stationary Operating Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $76,147. While startup companies pay approximate $64,398.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $64,398 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $68,110 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $73,534 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $76,147 |
For Stationary Operating Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Stationary Operating Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Stationary Operating Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $108,928 | $52.0 | 60% |
| Biotechnology | $102,120 | $49.0 | 50% |
| Software & Networking | $98,716 | $47.0 | 45% |
| Financial Services | $95,312 | $46.0 | 40% |
| Energy & Utilities | $88,504 | $43.0 | 30% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Stationary Operating Engineer IIIs enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Stationary Operating Engineer III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $64,491 and $70,451).
Stationary Operating Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 46.7% |
| High School | 46.7% |
| Associates | 26.7% |
| Bachelors | 26.7% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Stationary Operating Engineer III'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 III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Boiler Operator IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $84,900 - a projected growth of 25% over your current level.
Salaries for a Stationary Operating Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $54,611 in 2023 to around $54,323 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Stationary Operating Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $54,611 |
| 2024 | $54,494 |
| 2025 | $54,323 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Stationary Operating Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 60% above the market median.
Stationary engineers earn a salary range between $60,010 and $82,970, with a median salary of $70,330. The highest paying cities include San Francisco, CA, where hourly wages can reach approximately $51.91, and San Jose, CA, at about $49.03 per hour. Other notable cities are Bethesda, MD, and Sacramento, CA, with competitive rates as well.
A stationary engineer, also known as an operating engineer, power engineer, or process operator, is a skilled professional responsible for operating, troubleshooting, and overseeing industrial machinery that generates and utilizes energy. The salary for this role ranges from $60,010 to $82,970, with a median salary of $70,330.
In 2024, the pay for Stationary Operating Engineers will increase by 5%. Based on the current salary data, the new salary ranges will be approximately: MinSalary $63,010, MidSalary $73,830, and MaxSalary $87,970. This adjustment reflects the commitment to enhance compensation over the next few years.
The salary data for Stationary Operating Engineers indicates a range from $60,010 to $82,970, with a median salary of $70,330. While cities like New York and San Diego offer higher salaries for engineers, the specific pay for Stationary Operating Engineers varies significantly across states, with the highest salaries typically found in urban areas.
Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3 offers salaries for Stationary Operating Engineers ranging from a minimum of $60,010 to a maximum of $82,970, with a midpoint salary of $70,330. This data reflects the compensation structure based on various factors, including experience and job responsibilities.
Yes, stationary engineers are in demand. As long as buildings, facilities, and industrial processes depend on mechanical systems, skilled stationary engineers will be needed. The salary range for this role typically falls between $60,010 and $82,970, with a median salary of $70,330, reflecting the importance and necessity of their expertise in various industries.
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