Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay in Richmond

In Richmond (VA), the median pay for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators is $26.58 an hour ($55,280 a year). About 2,220 people work in this job there.

$26.58Median hourly pay
$48,010–$61,890Middle half of workers, yearly
2,220People in this job in Richmond (VA)

That is 8% lower than the U.S. median ($59,850). It is 3% lower than the Virginia median ($57,160).

Pay range for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in Richmond (VA)

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$19.54$40,650
25% of workers$23.08$48,010
Half of workers (median)$26.58$55,280
75% of workers$29.75$61,890
90% of workers$35.77$74,400

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

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Charlottesville$59,790310
Richmond (this page)$55,2802,220
Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk$52,0602,150
Winchester$50,790260
Lynchburg$50,100230
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford$50,0300
Harrisonburg$49,670260
Roanoke$49,010480
Staunton-Stuarts Draft$48,750160

Virginia unemployment rate: 3.6% (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 Richmond (VA)

JobMedian yearly pay
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$46,920
Construction Laborers$42,410
Electricians$61,350
Carpenters$51,870
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$61,480
Painters, Construction and Maintenance$47,670

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.