How much does an operating engineer make?

According to national estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2013 the average annual salary for operating engineers and other operators of construction equipment was $47,080.

These professionals earn an average of $22.63 per hour, and the pay depends on the industry of the operating engineer, such as utility system construction or highway, street and bridge construction. An article by the Global Post states that operating engineers in southeastern states such as Arkansas earn the lowest average pay. Hawaii has the highest average pay. Annual salaries for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators are dependent on tenure and industry expertise.