Operating Engineer Salary in Virginia (2026)
Virginia · 10.0% above national average · High Demand
| City | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $75,514 | +5.0% | High |
| Richmond | $73,356 | +2.0% | High |
Virginia is home to a very strong job market for Operating Engineers. The state's key industries — Government, Technology, Defense — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $71,918 per year, Virginia's Operating Engineer salaries are 10.0% higher than the national average.
The cost of living in Virginia (index: 1.1) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Virginia can expect to earn $45,023–$60,203, while experienced Operating Engineers can command $94,358–$107,758.
Looking ahead, the Operating Engineer profession in Virginia is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Government continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.
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What is the average Operating Engineer salary in Virginia?The average Operating Engineer salary in Virginia is $71,918 per year in 2026, which is 10.0% above the national average of $65,380.
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What city in Virginia pays Operating Engineers the most?Major metro areas typically pay Operating Engineers the highest wages in Virginia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
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Is Virginia a good state for Operating Engineers?Virginia has a very strong job market with major industries in Government, Technology, Defense. This makes it one of the better states for Operating Engineer employment.
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How does Virginia Operating Engineer salary compare to the US average?At $71,918/year, Virginia Operating Engineer salaries are 10.0% higher than the national average of $65,380/year.