Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay in Columbus

In Columbus (OH), the median pay for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators is $37.96 an hour ($78,950 a year). About 3,290 people work in this job there.

$37.96Median hourly pay
$62,050–$95,780Middle half of workers, yearly
3,290People in this job in Columbus (OH)

That is 32% higher than the U.S. median ($59,850). It is 22% higher than the Ohio median ($64,940).

Pay range for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in Columbus (OH)

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$24.33$50,610
25% of workers$29.83$62,050
Half of workers (median)$37.96$78,950
75% of workers$46.05$95,780
90% of workers$47.79$99,390

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay in Ohio metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Columbus (this page)$78,9503,290
Cleveland$71,7402,660
Cincinnati$66,9503,120
Mansfield$66,100190
Toledo$64,380780
Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek$64,050710
Akron$63,920830
Sandusky$60,380240
Canton-Massillon$60,010530
Youngstown-Warren$59,210420
Lima$58,860130
Springfield$57,230100

Ohio unemployment rate: 3.3% (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 Columbus (OH)

JobMedian yearly pay
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$46,780
Construction Laborers$60,540
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines$67,920
Electricians$64,700
Carpenters$66,480
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$63,260
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers$64,910

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.