Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area earn a median of $50,320 a year ($24.19 an hour), based on BLS data for 750 workers.
Pay ranges from $40,370 for the lowest-paid 10% to $77,320 for the top 10%. That is 16% lower than the national median of $59,850. Pay here is 3% lower than the Tennessee statewide median of $52,000. There are 2.8 operating engineers and other construction equipment operators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $54,870, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in Chattanooga, TN-GA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $40,370 | $19.41 |
| 25th percentile | $45,250 | $21.75 |
| Median | $50,320 | $24.19 |
| 75th percentile | $59,840 | $28.77 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $77,320 | $37.17 |
| Average (mean) | $54,870 | $26.38 |
Half of operating engineers and other construction equipment operators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,193.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,096.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,935.38 |
| Weekly | $967.69 |
| Hourly | $24.19 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $56,030 | 3,820 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $55,960 | 770 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $53,870 | 1,140 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $50,910 | 420 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $49,430 | 8,360 |
| Savannah, GA | $48,810 | 720 |
| Knoxville, TN | $48,690 | 1,210 |
| Gainesville, GA | $48,350 | 300 |
| Cleveland, TN | $48,210 | 160 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $48,190 | 670 |
| Morristown, TN | $48,170 | 220 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $48,110 | 240 |
| Johnson City, TN | $47,560 | 200 |
| Hinesville, GA | $47,510 | 60 |
| Jackson, TN | $47,240 | 270 |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA | $46,600 | 190 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $46,430 | 490 |
| Macon-Bibb County, GA | $46,300 | 310 |
| Albany, GA | $45,460 | 260 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $44,300 | 230 |
| Valdosta, GA | $41,500 | 190 |
| Dalton, GA | $40,860 | 200 |
| Rome, GA | $36,400 | 150 |
Highest-paying states for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $115,860 |
| Illinois | $97,740 |
| New Jersey | $89,660 |
| California | $87,160 |
| Washington | $81,700 |
| New York | $80,980 |
| Indiana | $79,580 |
| Minnesota | $79,130 |
| Connecticut | $78,750 |
| Alaska | $77,810 |
See Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay in every state or the Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Laborer | $43,260 | $20.80 |
| Electrician | $72,330 | $34.77 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $58,720 | $28.23 |
| Carpenter | $50,760 | $24.41 |
| Painters, Construction and Maintenance | $47,470 | $22.82 |
| Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers | $45,360 | $21.81 |
| Brickmasons and Blockmasons | $69,660 | $33.49 |
| Structural Iron and Steel Workers | $61,880 | $29.75 |
| Roofer | $45,530 | $21.89 |
| Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators | $38,510 | $18.52 |
| Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers | $45,170 | $21.72 |
| Glazier | $47,670 | $22.92 |
| Pipelayer | $44,210 | $21.26 |
| Tile and Stone Setters | $36,740 | $17.67 |
More: Construction and Extraction Occupations · all salaries in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 47-2073. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a operating engineers and other construction equipment operators make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median salary for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area is $50,320 a year, or $24.19 an hour. Pay ranges from $40,370 for the lowest-paid 10% to $77,320 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid operating engineers and other construction equipment operators make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The top 10% of operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area earn at least $77,320 a year. The top 25% earn $59,840 or more.
What is the starting pay for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $40,370 a year, and a quarter of operating engineers and other construction equipment operators earn $45,250 or less.
How many operating engineers and other construction equipment operators work in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
About 750 operating engineers and other construction equipment operators are employed in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area, not counting the self-employed.