Washington ranks 6th of 51 states and D.C. for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($105,440) by $26,250 — a 33% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $54,580 to $123,080 — a $68,500 spread, 13% wider than the national $60,610 range.
Washington employs roughly 1.9% of all operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in the country (9,070 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $54,580 | $26.24 |
| 25th percentile | $64,110 | $30.82 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $79,190 | $38.07 |
| 75th percentile | $109,060 | $52.44 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $123,080 | $59.18 |
| Mean (average) | $85,860 | $41.28 |
How Washington Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Washington (current) | $79,190 | n/a |
| Hawaii | $105,440 | +33% |
| Illinois | $96,980 | +22% |
| California | $89,120 | +13% |
| New Jersey | $84,170 | +6% |
| New York | $80,260 | +1% |
| Minnesota | $78,580 | -1% |
| Connecticut | $76,690 | -3% |
| Rhode Island | $76,030 | -4% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Washington
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products | $79,190 | 30,090 |
| Producers and Directors | $79,220 | 2,710 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $79,070 | 12,210 |
| Interior Designers | $79,490 | 1,440 |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | $78,810 | 1,950 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $79,700 | 6,450 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in Washington?
The mean operating engineers and other construction equipment operators salary in Washington is $85,860 per year. The median (middle) salary is $79,190 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Washington?
Entry-level operating engineers and other construction equipment operatorss (10th percentile) in Washington typically earn around $54,580 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $64,110 per year.
What is the highest Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in Washington?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Washington make approximately $123,080 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $109,060 per year.
How does the Washington Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary compare to the national average?
The median operating engineers and other construction equipment operators salary in Washington is $79,190, which is +35% above national average of $58,710.