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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief Operating Engineer in New Mexico is $75,696 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
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 | $86,847 | $7,237 | $1,670 | $42 |
| Average | $75,696 | $6,308 | $1,456 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,304 | $5,692 | $1,314 | $33 |
Spark by Hilton - Albuquerque, NM
Santa Fe Recovery Center, Inc - Santa Fe, NM
Confidential - Santa Fe, NM
ABM Industries - Albuquerque, NM
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 | $72,183 |
| Intermediate Level Chief Operating Engineer | $72,506 |
| Senior Level Chief Operating Engineer | $74,122 |
| Specialist Level Chief Operating Engineer | $77,664 |
| Expert Level Chief Operating Engineer | $78,976 |
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 | $94,620 | $45.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $87,051 | $42.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $87,051 | $42.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $83,266 | $40.0 | 10% |
| Internet | $83,266 | $40.0 | 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 | $86,847 | $7,237 | $1,670 | $42 |
| Average | $75,696 | $6,308 | $1,456 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,304 | $5,692 | $1,314 | $33 |
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.
Crescent Hotels & Resorts LLC
Santa Fe, NM
Crescent Hotels & Resorts LLC | Santa Fe, NM
Job Description. Job Description. Discover the unique charm and character of La Posada de Santa Fe, a Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa. Located on six acres ... more
7 Days Ago
Hotel Spero
Rio Rancho, NM
Hotel Spero | Rio Rancho, NM
Chief Engineer. We are currently hiring for a Chief Engineer. Qualified candidate will have 3-5 years experience within a hotel setting. Pay starting at $5... more
9 Days Ago
State Street
House, NM
State Street | House, NM
The Chief Operating Officer serves as the strategic advisor, execution partner and Office of the CIO operating lead for Technology Risk, Governance, Transf... more
9 Days Ago
FIBERTEK, INC.
OAK HILL, VA
FIBERTEK, INC. | OAK HILL, VA
Req Id: 206 Job Title: Program Chief Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Job Description: Fibertek seeks a Program Chief Engine... more
6 Days Ago
Kaiser Permanente
COUNTRY PARK ACRES, NC
Kaiser Permanente | COUNTRY PARK ACRES, NC
Job Summary: In addition to the responsibilities listed below, this senior technical leader position is also responsible for leading the development of int... more
6 Days Ago
Cone Health
SPRING VALLEY, NC
Cone Health | SPRING VALLEY, NC
Provides medical oversight and direction to promote quality of care and appropriate resource utilization for all Oncology Services. Provide medical leaders... more
6 Days Ago
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