Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Dallas, TX

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX

Median annual salary $50,080 -14.7% vs national
Median hourly $24.08
10th percentile $39,760
90th percentile $67,920
Employed locally 12,120
National median $58,710

Compare Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary & buying power

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Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
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Dallas, TX
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    In Dallas, TX, operating engineers and other construction equipment operators earn a median annual salary of $50,080, which is below the national median for this occupation at $58,710. When compared to the local area's median household income of $87,155, it's evident that typical workers in this field earn less than half of what an average Dallas household makes annually. This discrepancy highlights a significant gap between earnings in construction equipment operation and broader economic standards within the region.

    Entry-level operating engineers and equipment operators in Dallas typically start at salaries near the 10th percentile mark, earning around $39,760 per year or approximately $19.13 per hour. In contrast, more experienced professionals working their way toward the 75th percentile can expect to earn about $59,070 annually, equating to roughly $28.40 per hour. The substantial difference in earnings between entry-level and seasoned workers is largely driven by factors such as accumulated experience, specialized skills, and certifications that enhance job performance and efficiency on complex construction projects. These elements contribute significantly to the earning potential within this occupation over time.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $39,760
    25th
    $46,510
    50th (median)
    $50,080
    75th
    $59,070
    90th
    $67,920

    Dallas economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $87,155 2023 • Census ACS
    Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary vs area income 57% Median Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary is 43% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Dallas, TX is $24.08, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $34.17 or more per hour.

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

    The median Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in Dallas, TX is 14.7% below 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 Dallas?

    Entry-level Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators (10th percentile) earn around $39,760 per year in Dallas, TX. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $46,510.