Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Illinois

As of May 2025, the median annual wage for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in Illinois was $97,740 +63.3% vs national

Illinois vs United States

IllinoisUnited States
Median annual$97,740$59,850
Median hourly$46.99$28.78
Employment12,290478,090
Location quotient0.661.00

Data source: BLS OES state file (Illinois) · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025

A closer look

The median wage in Illinois is 63.3% above the national median — a difference of about $37,890 per year for a typical worker.

Employment density in Illinois is 0.66x the national average — a below-average concentration of these roles in the local economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average operating engineers and other construction equipment operators salary in Illinois?

The median annual wage in Illinois is $97,740 ($46.99 per hour), per BLS OES May 2025 data.

How does Illinois compare to the national average for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators?

The Illinois median of $97,740 is 63.3% higher than the U.S. median of $59,850.

How many operating engineers and other construction equipment operators work in Illinois?

Approximately 12,290 are employed in Illinois, per BLS OES.