North Carolina ranks 44th of 51 states and D.C. for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($105,440) by $56,530 — a 116% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $38,360 to $62,200 — a $23,840 spread, 61% tighter than the national $60,610 range.
North Carolina employs roughly 3.4% of all operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in the country (15,890 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $38,360 | $18.44 |
| 25th percentile | $44,970 | $21.62 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $48,910 | $23.51 |
| 75th percentile | $57,460 | $27.63 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $62,200 | $29.90 |
| Mean (average) | $51,320 | $24.67 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $48,910 | n/a |
| Hawaii | $105,440 | +116% |
| Illinois | $96,980 | +98% |
| California | $89,120 | +82% |
| New Jersey | $84,170 | +72% |
| New York | $80,260 | +64% |
| Washington | $79,190 | +62% |
| Minnesota | $78,580 | +61% |
| Connecticut | $76,690 | +57% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Technicians | $48,870 | 1,360 |
| Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters | $48,780 | 1,330 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $49,080 | 11,780 |
| Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | $49,080 | 2,240 |
| Dental Assistants | $48,710 | 11,100 |
| Teachers and Instructors, All Other | $48,550 | 2,430 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in North Carolina?
The mean operating engineers and other construction equipment operators salary in North Carolina is $51,320 per year. The median (middle) salary is $48,910 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in North Carolina?
Entry-level operating engineers and other construction equipment operatorss (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $38,360 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $44,970 per year.
What is the highest Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $62,200 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $57,460 per year.
How does the North Carolina Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary compare to the national average?
The median operating engineers and other construction equipment operators salary in North Carolina is $48,910, which is -17% below national average of $58,710.