Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in the United States was $28.78, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $20.28 |
| 25th | $23.40 |
| Median | $28.78 |
| 75th | $37.10 |
| 90th | $48.60 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do operating engineers and other construction equipment operators make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $28.78; the mean hourly wage is $31.87.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $20.28 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $48.60 per hour.