Colorado ranks 22nd of 51 states and D.C. for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($105,440) by $43,870 — a 71% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $48,380 to $77,380 — a $29,000 spread, 52% tighter than the national $60,610 range.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are more concentrated in Colorado than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.37 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.37× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $48,380 | $23.26 |
| 25th percentile | $54,080 | $26.00 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $61,570 | $29.60 |
| 75th percentile | $70,930 | $34.10 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $77,380 | $37.20 |
| Mean (average) | $62,590 | $30.09 |
How Colorado Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado (current) | $61,570 | n/a |
| Hawaii | $105,440 | +71% |
| Illinois | $96,980 | +58% |
| California | $89,120 | +45% |
| New Jersey | $84,170 | +37% |
| New York | $80,260 | +30% |
| Washington | $79,190 | +29% |
| Minnesota | $78,580 | +28% |
| Connecticut | $76,690 | +25% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Colorado
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $61,550 | 24,840 |
| Real Estate Sales Agents | $61,690 | N/A |
| Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers | $61,750 | 2,300 |
| Glaziers | $61,340 | 1,880 |
| Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity | $61,310 | 3,310 |
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $61,830 | 13,680 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in Colorado?
The mean operating engineers and other construction equipment operators salary in Colorado is $62,590 per year. The median (middle) salary is $61,570 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Colorado?
Entry-level operating engineers and other construction equipment operatorss (10th percentile) in Colorado typically earn around $48,380 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $54,080 per year.
What is the highest Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in Colorado?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Colorado make approximately $77,380 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $70,930 per year.
How does the Colorado Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary compare to the national average?
The median operating engineers and other construction equipment operators salary in Colorado is $61,570, which is +5% above national average of $58,710.