Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL), the median pay for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators is $49.57 an hour ($103,100 a year). About 7,930 people work in this job there.
That is 72% higher than the U.S. median ($59,850). It is 5% higher than the Illinois median ($97,740).
Pay range for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $27.92 | $58,060 |
| 25% of workers | $37.78 | $78,580 |
| Half of workers (median) | $49.57 | $103,100 |
| 75% of workers | $56.42 | $117,350 |
| 90% of workers | $59.69 | $124,160 |
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay in Illinois metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (this page) | $103,100 | 7,930 |
| Decatur | $100,520 | 100 |
| Rockford | $97,250 | 260 |
| Bloomington | $96,250 | 180 |
| Springfield | $95,310 | 210 |
| Kankakee | $94,270 | 90 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $92,900 | 160 |
| Peoria | $86,440 | 330 |
Illinois unemployment rate: 4.7% (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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Construction Laborers | $60,890 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $47,950 |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | $74,090 |
| Crane and Tower Operators | $55,890 |
| Millwrights | $74,730 |
| Electricians | $102,350 |
| Carpenters | $80,440 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $103,380 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: 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.