Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Columbus, OH

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Columbus, OH

Median annual salary $75,000 +27.7% vs national
Median hourly $36.06
10th percentile $48,070
90th percentile $95,690
Employed locally 3,170
National median $58,710

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Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
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Columbus, OH
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    In Columbus, OH, Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators earn a median annual salary of $75,000, which is above the national median for this occupation at $58,710. This position's income level reflects a significant earning potential in comparison to the local area’s median household income of $79,847. The earnings of these workers place them comfortably within the middle-income bracket locally, suggesting that while they earn less than some households, their salary is competitive compared to other occupations within the region.

    Entry-level Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Columbus typically earn around the 10th percentile mark at approximately $48,070 annually. In contrast, more experienced workers can see earnings closer to or exceeding the 75th percentile, with salaries around $90,460 per year, and some reaching up to the 90th percentile at about $95,690. The disparity in pay is driven by factors such as experience level, specialization within construction equipment operation, certifications obtained, and individual performance on job sites. As workers gain expertise and take on more complex tasks or leadership roles, their earning potential increases significantly.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $48,070
    25th
    $58,930
    50th (median)
    $75,000
    75th
    $90,460
    90th
    $95,690

    Columbus economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $79,847 2023 • Census ACS
    Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary vs area income 94% Median Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary is 6% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make per hour in Columbus?

    The median hourly wage for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Columbus, OH is $36.06, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $47.79 or more per hour.

    Is Columbus above or below average for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salaries?

    The median Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in Columbus, OH is 27.7% above the national median of $58,710. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Columbus?

    Entry-level Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators (10th percentile) earn around $48,070 per year in Columbus, OH. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $58,930.