Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in Nebraska
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Nebraska earn a median of $58,360 a year ($28.06 an hour), based on BLS data for 3,180 workers.
Pay ranges from $44,620 for the lowest-paid 10% to $75,700 for the top 10%. That is 2% lower than the national median of $59,850. Nebraska ranks 33rd of 51 states for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators pay. There are 3.1 operating engineers and other construction equipment operators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $58,240, close to the median.
Pay range for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in Nebraska
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $44,620 | $21.45 |
| 25th percentile | $47,940 | $23.05 |
| Median | $58,360 | $28.06 |
| 75th percentile | $63,480 | $30.52 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $75,700 | $36.40 |
| Average (mean) | $58,240 | $28.00 |
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 | $4,863.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,431.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,244.62 |
| Weekly | $1,122.31 |
| Hourly | $28.06 |
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 cities in Nebraska
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln, NE | $60,810 | 490 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $60,020 | 1,380 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $59,140 | 200 |
| Grand Island, NE | $55,020 | 120 |
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.
Related jobs in Nebraska
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Laborer | $47,260 | $22.72 |
| Electrician | $60,820 | $29.24 |
| Carpenter | $50,320 | $24.19 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $60,970 | $29.31 |
| Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers | $49,510 | $23.80 |
| Roofer | $46,460 | $22.34 |
| Painters, Construction and Maintenance | $47,280 | $22.73 |
| Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers | $48,620 | $23.38 |
| Structural Iron and Steel Workers | $65,470 | $31.48 |
| Pipelayer | $44,470 | $21.38 |
| Glazier | $50,190 | $24.13 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $64,440 | $30.98 |
| Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators | $45,760 | $22.00 |
| Brickmasons and Blockmasons | $61,200 | $29.42 |
More: Construction and Extraction Occupations · all salaries in Nebraska
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 Nebraska?
The median salary for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in Nebraska is $58,360 a year, or $28.06 an hour. Pay ranges from $44,620 for the lowest-paid 10% to $75,700 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid operating engineers and other construction equipment operators make in Nebraska?
The top 10% of operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in Nebraska earn at least $75,700 a year. The top 25% earn $63,480 or more.
What is the starting pay for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators in Nebraska?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $44,620 a year, and a quarter of operating engineers and other construction equipment operators earn $47,940 or less.
How many operating engineers and other construction equipment operators work in Nebraska?
About 3,180 operating engineers and other construction equipment operators are employed in Nebraska, not counting the self-employed.