Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay in Knoxville
In Knoxville (TN), the median pay for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators is $23.41 an hour ($48,690 a year). About 1,210 people work in this job there.
That is 19% lower than the U.S. median ($59,850). It is 6% lower than the Tennessee median ($52,000).
Pay range for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in Knoxville (TN)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $20.09 | $41,790 |
| 25% of workers | $21.22 | $44,130 |
| Half of workers (median) | $23.41 | $48,690 |
| 75% of workers | $27.74 | $57,700 |
| 90% of workers | $37.75 | $78,520 |
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay in Tennessee metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $56,030 | 3,820 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | $55,960 | 770 |
| Memphis | $53,870 | 1,140 |
| Clarksville | $50,910 | 420 |
| Chattanooga | $50,320 | 750 |
| Knoxville (this page) | $48,690 | 1,210 |
| Cleveland | $48,210 | 160 |
| Morristown | $48,170 | 220 |
| Johnson City | $47,560 | 200 |
| Jackson | $47,240 | 270 |
Tennessee unemployment rate: 3.4% (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 Knoxville (TN)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Construction Laborers | $46,130 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $42,410 |
| Electricians | $58,640 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $59,860 |
| Carpenters | $50,400 |
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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.