Skip to content
AffordMap
Construction & Trades · Florida

How to Become a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Florida

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Florida earn a median salary of $49,400/year, which is 17% below the national average. Florida has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a operating engineers and other construction equipment operators takes home approximately $2,267/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$49K
Median salary in Florida
-17%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
27,510
Employed in Florida

What a operating engineers and other construction equipment operators can afford in Florida

Gross annual salary$49,400
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$3,478/mo
Median 2BR rent (Florida)-$1,211/mo
Rent as % of take-home34.8% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$49,400/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,267/mo

Becoming a operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in Florida

1

Meet education requirements

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators positions in Florida typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Florida. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many operating engineers and other construction equipment operators positions in Florida require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Florida licensure or certification

Florida may require specific licensing or professional certification for operating engineers and other construction equipment operatorss. Requirements vary by state, contact the Florida Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Florida

Florida employs 27,510 operating engineers and other construction equipment operators. The highest concentrations are in Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach and Naples-Marco Island.

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary by metro area in Florida

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach$52K$24.91/hr5,850
Naples-Marco Island$51K$24.54/hr680
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford$51K$24.53/hr4,330
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater$50K$24.18/hr3,980
Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor$50K$23.9/hr120
North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota$49K$23.78/hr1,090
Cape Coral-Fort Myers$49K$23.72/hr1,160
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville$49K$23.62/hr620
Jacksonville$49K$23.52/hr1,990
Punta Gorda$49K$23.49/hr200
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin$49K$23.39/hr390
Panama City-Panama City Beach$49K$23.38/hr500
Port St. Lucie$49K$23.37/hr610
Gainesville$48K$23.17/hr300
Lakeland-Winter Haven$48K$23.03/hr820

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary range in Florida

10th percentile (entry)
$39K
25th percentile
$46K
Median (50th)
$49K
75th percentile
$58K
90th percentile (senior)
$64K
View jobs for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Currently hiring in Florida
View →
More openings for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Currently hiring in Florida
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full operating engineers and other construction equipment operators salary breakdown in Florida
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Florida
No state income tax!
Calculate →
Compare Florida cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a operating engineers and other construction equipment operators make in Florida?

The median operating engineers and other construction equipment operators salary in Florida is $49,400 per year ($23.75/hr). This is 17% below the national median of $59,850. Salaries range from $38,820 to $64,020.

What are the requirements to become a operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in Florida?

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators positions in Florida typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Florida may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Florida licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a operating engineers and other construction equipment operators afford to live in Florida?

At the median salary of $49,400, a operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in Florida would take home approximately $3,478/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,211/month, that's 34.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in Florida?

The highest paying metro areas for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in Florida are Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach ($51,800), Naples-Marco Island ($51,040), Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford ($51,020). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Florida have state income tax for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators?

No, Florida does not have a state income tax. This means operating engineers and other construction equipment operators keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax, a significant advantage for affordability.