Salary comparison

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators vs. Construction Laborers: Salary Comparison (2026)

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss earn a median salary of $58,710/year, while Construction Laborerss earn $46,730/year - a difference of $11,980. Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss earn more on average. Both salaries are based on national BLS data.

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

Construction Laborers

Median salary

$58,710

$46,730

Hourly rate

$28.23/hr

$22.47/hr

Entry level (10th %)

$40,080

$34,200

Senior level (90th %)

$100,690

$77,530

Education required

Varies

U.S. employment

469,270

1,057,660

Job growth (10-year)

N/A