New Jersey Median
$89,660
per year
Hourly Rate
$43.11
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+50% vs US median
US median $59,850
State Rank
#3 of 51
5,980 employed here
How much do Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in New Jersey?
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in New Jersey take home a median of $89,660 annually — roughly $43.11 an hour — which runs 50% above the national median of $59,850.
Within New Jersey, entry-level pay starts around $50,760 while the top 10% make $133,330 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $64,100 and $126,330 a year.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary range in New Jersey
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $50,760 | $24.40 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $64,100 | $30.82 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $89,660 | $43.11 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $126,330 | $60.74 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $133,330 | $64.10 |
|
How New Jersey compares
New Jersey ranks 3rd out of 51 states and territories for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in other states
Hawaii $115,860Illinois $97,740California $87,160Washington $81,700New York $80,980Indiana $79,580Minnesota $79,130Connecticut $78,750Alaska $77,810Massachusetts $76,820Wisconsin $75,280District of Columbia $74,610Oregon $73,430Nevada $71,410Ohio $64,940Rhode Island $63,610Wyoming $62,960Michigan $62,690Colorado $62,620New Hampshire $62,200North Dakota $62,150Idaho $61,680Montana $61,580Maryland $61,410Utah $60,740Arizona $60,620Missouri $60,540Pennsylvania $60,530Iowa $60,330South Dakota $59,500Vermont $58,870Nebraska $58,360Delaware $58,020Kentucky $57,780Virginia $57,160Maine $56,140New Mexico $52,000Tennessee $52,000Louisiana $51,700Kansas $51,620West Virginia $51,300Texas $50,460Florida $49,400North Carolina $49,310South Carolina $48,940Oklahoma $47,970Georgia $47,880Alabama $47,520Mississippi $47,410Arkansas $44,520
Working as Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in New Jersey
Nationally, about 478,000 people work as Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.
Considering a move? Compare New Jersey pay ($89,660) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in New Jersey?
The median Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in New Jersey is $89,660 per year, or about $43.11 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $50,760 at the entry level to $133,330 for the top 10% of earners.
How does New Jersey pay compare to the national average?
New Jersey pays Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators about 50% more than the national median of $59,850. New Jersey ranks 3rd out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is New Jersey a good state for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
Yes on pay — New Jersey pays above the national median for this occupation, at $89,660 a year. About 5,980 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are employed in New Jersey. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in New Jersey?
The highest-paying occupations in New Jersey include Radiologist ($482,700), Surgeon, All Other ($437,890), Physician, Pathologists ($355,970), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.
← See the national Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary report
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.