As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Operating Engineer Apprentice in the United States is $93,302 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, an Operating Engineer Apprentice's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Operating Engineer Apprentice Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $116,560 | $9,713 | $2,242 | $56 |
| Average | $93,302 | $7,775 | $1,794 | $45 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,535 | $6,461 | $1,491 | $37 |
The Tatitlek Corporation - WASHINGTON, DC
The Tatitlek Corporation - ARLINGTON, VA
Apogee Engineering - WRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH
MANTECH - KING GEORGE, VA
An Operating Engineer Apprentice's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Operating Engineer Apprentices. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Understanding how an Operating Engineer Apprentice'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $116,560 | $9,713 | $2,242 | $56 |
| Average | $93,302 | $7,775 | $1,794 | $45 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,535 | $6,461 | $1,491 | $37 |
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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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