📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators Salary in Colorado (2026)

Colorado · 10.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$77,418
per year
Median
$72,116
per year
Hourly
$37.22
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$49,478
25th Percentile — Junior$64,878
50th Percentile — Median$72,116
75th Percentile — Senior$99,528
90th Percentile — Top Earners$112,818
💡 Top-earning Operating Engineers and Equipment Operatorss in Colorado make up to $112,818 per year. The job market in Colorado is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Aerospace, Tourism.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$65.2k
2021
$67.5k
2022
$69.8k
2023
$72.3k
2024
$74.8k
2025
$77.4k
2026
📈 Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators salaries in Colorado have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong demand in Colorado's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators Salary by City in Colorado
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Denver $89,031 +15.0% High
Colorado Springs $82,063 +6.0% High
Aurora $85,160 +10.0% High
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Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators Job Market in Colorado
Key factors affecting compensation

Colorado is home to a very strong job market for Operating Engineers and Equipment Operatorss. The state's key industries — Technology, Aerospace, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $77,418 per year, Colorado's Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators salaries are 10.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Colorado (index: 1.1) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Colorado can expect to earn $49,478–$64,878, while experienced Operating Engineers and Equipment Operatorss can command $99,528–$112,818.

Looking ahead, the Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators profession in Colorado is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators salary in Colorado is $77,418 per year in 2026, which is 10.0% above the national average of $70,380.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Operating Engineers and Equipment Operatorss the highest wages in Colorado due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Colorado has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Aerospace, Tourism. This makes it one of the better states for Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators employment.
  • At $77,418/year, Colorado Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators salaries are 10.0% higher than the national average of $70,380/year.