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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief Operating Engineer in Georgia is $78,826 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Chief Operating Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Chief Operating Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $90,438 | $7,537 | $1,739 | $43 |
| Average | $78,826 | $6,569 | $1,516 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,129 | $5,927 | $1,368 | $34 |
Lincoln Property Company - Alpharetta, GA
LinkedIn - Atlanta, GA
JLL - Fairburn, GA, GA
Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge - McRae-Helena, GA
A Chief Operating Engineer'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 Chief Operating Engineer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Chief Operating Engineer | $75,168 |
| Intermediate Level Chief Operating Engineer | $75,504 |
| Senior Level Chief Operating Engineer | $77,187 |
| Specialist Level Chief Operating Engineer | $80,875 |
| Expert Level Chief Operating Engineer | $82,242 |
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 Chief Operating Engineers. 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:
For Chief Operating Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Chief Operating Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chief Operating Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $98,533 | $47.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $90,650 | $44.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $90,650 | $44.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $86,709 | $42.0 | 10% |
| Internet | $86,709 | $42.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Chief Operating Engineer'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 | $90,438 | $7,537 | $1,739 | $43 |
| Average | $78,826 | $6,569 | $1,516 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,129 | $5,927 | $1,368 | $34 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chief Operating Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Valley Hospitality Services
Columbus, GA
Valley Hospitality Services | Columbus, GA
Job Description. Job Description. The Chief Engineer is responsible for coordinating and managing the day to day maintenance and upkeep of the hotel as it ... more
7 Days Ago
Hotel Indigo
Atlanta, GA
Hotel Indigo | Atlanta, GA
Chief EngineerThe Chief Engineer is responsible for the short and long term planning and day to day operations of the engineering department. This position... more
8 Days Ago
Marriott International Inc
Atlanta, GA
Marriott International Inc | Atlanta, GA
Job DescriptionJOB SUMMARYManages all engineering/maintenance operations, including maintaining the building, grounds and physical plant with particular at... more
8 Days Ago
InstantServe LLC
Atlanta, GA
InstantServe LLC | Atlanta, GA
Job Opportunity With InstantServe LLCMy name is Nick Davis and I am with InstantServe LLC. We're currently recruiting for a role that we think would be a g... more
8 Days Ago
Marriott
Atlanta, GA
Marriott | Atlanta, GA
Additional Information Small property, 18 buildings, only 136 rooms Job Number 26030388 Job Category Engineering & Facilities Location Residence Inn by Mar... more
8 Days Ago
Driftwood Hospitality Management
Atlanta, GA
Driftwood Hospitality Management | Atlanta, GA
Chief EngineerThe Chief Engineer directs all aspects of engineering operations including emergency programs, energy management, asset protection, preventiv... more
8 Days Ago
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