Tennessee ranks 43rd of 51 states and D.C. for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($105,440) by $56,370 — a 115% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $38,020 to $67,850 — a $29,830 spread, 51% tighter than the national $60,610 range.
Tennessee employs roughly 2.2% of all operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in the country (10,190 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $38,020 | $18.28 |
| 25th percentile | $45,140 | $21.70 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $49,070 | $23.59 |
| 75th percentile | $56,600 | $27.21 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $67,850 | $32.62 |
| Mean (average) | $51,680 | $24.84 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $49,070 | n/a |
| Hawaii | $105,440 | +115% |
| Illinois | $96,980 | +98% |
| California | $89,120 | +82% |
| New Jersey | $84,170 | +72% |
| New York | $80,260 | +64% |
| Washington | $79,190 | +61% |
| Minnesota | $78,580 | +60% |
| Connecticut | $76,690 | +56% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance Sales Agents | $49,130 | 8,650 |
| Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents | $49,000 | 1,910 |
| Travel Agents | $48,990 | 600 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $49,270 | 710 |
| Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $48,780 | 5,690 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $48,760 | 2,130 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in Tennessee?
The mean operating engineers and other construction equipment operators salary in Tennessee is $51,680 per year. The median (middle) salary is $49,070 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Tennessee?
Entry-level operating engineers and other construction equipment operatorss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $38,020 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $45,140 per year.
What is the highest Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $67,850 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $56,600 per year.
How does the Tennessee Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary compare to the national average?
The median operating engineers and other construction equipment operators salary in Tennessee is $49,070, which is -16% below national average of $58,710.