Wisconsin Median
$75,280
per year
Hourly Rate
$36.19
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+26% vs US median
US median $59,850
State Rank
#12 of 51
8,140 employed here
How much do Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Wisconsin?
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Wisconsin take home a median of $75,280 annually — roughly $36.19 an hour — which runs 26% above the national median of $59,850.
Within Wisconsin, entry-level pay starts around $51,370 while the top 10% make $100,140 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $61,520 and $94,610 a year.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary range in Wisconsin
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $51,370 | $24.70 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $61,520 | $29.58 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $75,280 | $36.19 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $94,610 | $45.49 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $100,140 | $48.14 |
|
How Wisconsin compares
Wisconsin ranks 12th 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 $97,740New Jersey $89,660California $87,160Washington $81,700New York $80,980Indiana $79,580Minnesota $79,130Connecticut $78,750Alaska $77,810Massachusetts $76,820District 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 Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin pay ($75,280) 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 Wisconsin?
The median Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in Wisconsin is $75,280 per year, or about $36.19 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $51,370 at the entry level to $100,140 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Wisconsin pay compare to the national average?
Wisconsin pays Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators about 26% more than the national median of $59,850. Wisconsin ranks 12th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Wisconsin a good state for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
Yes on pay — Wisconsin pays above the national median for this occupation, at $75,280 a year. About 8,140 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are employed in Wisconsin. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Wisconsin?
The highest-paying occupations in Wisconsin include Cardiologist ($636,580), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($572,060), Anesthesiologist ($443,990), 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.