Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay in Des Moines-West Des Moines
In Des Moines-West Des Moines (IA), the median pay for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators is $30.10 an hour ($62,610 a year). About 1,260 people work in this job there.
That is 5% higher than the U.S. median ($59,850). It is 4% higher than the Iowa median ($60,330).
Pay range for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in Des Moines-West Des Moines (IA)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $22.46 | $46,710 |
| 25% of workers | $28.03 | $58,290 |
| Half of workers (median) | $30.10 | $62,610 |
| 75% of workers | $37.62 | $78,250 |
| 90% of workers | $39.89 | $82,970 |
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay in Iowa metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $97,770 | 420 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $64,850 | 570 |
| Cedar Rapids | $63,310 | 490 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines (this page) | $62,610 | 1,260 |
| Ames | $62,400 | 190 |
| Dubuque | $62,250 | 160 |
| Iowa City | $60,530 | 210 |
| Sioux City | $59,140 | 200 |
Iowa unemployment rate: 3.2% (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 Des Moines-West Des Moines (IA)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Construction Laborers | $49,980 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $49,080 |
| Electricians | $62,840 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $75,040 |
| Carpenters | $61,360 |
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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.