Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay in District of Columbia

In District of Columbia, the median pay for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators is $35.87 an hour ($74,610 a year). About 620 people work in this job there.

$35.87Median hourly pay
$65,450–$86,280Middle half of workers, yearly
620People in this job in District of Columbia

That is 25% higher than the U.S. median ($59,850). District of Columbia ranks 13th of 51 states and territories for this job’s median pay.

Pay range for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in District of Columbia

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$24.30$50,540
25% of workers$31.47$65,450
Half of workers (median)$35.87$74,610
75% of workers$41.48$86,280
90% of workers$47.25$98,270

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay in District of Columbia metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria$61,6606,450

District of Columbia unemployment rate: 5.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education, experience and outlook for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators

  • Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
  • Related work experience most have: 2 to 4 years (O*NET)
  • Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
  • Job outlook: +4.6% over ten years, about as fast as average · about 39,200 openings a year (BLS)

Related jobs in District of Columbia

JobMedian yearly pay
Construction Laborers$50,020
Electricians$78,970
Carpenters$61,710
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$101,020
Painters, Construction and Maintenance$59,520

Other job titles for this job

Construction EngineerCable EngineerExcavatorMachine OperatorHeater Planer OperatorAngle Dozer OperatorBack Hoe OperatorBlade Grader OperatorBlade OperatorBulldozer EngineerBulldozer OperatorBush Hog Operator

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.