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Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Iowa

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Iowa?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$60,330
Median Annual Salary
▼ -1.4% vs 2024
$63,770
Mean Salary
$60,330
Median Salary
$29.00
Hourly Rate
5,530 people work as Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Iowa

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary by percentile in Iowa

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in Iowa — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Iowa.10thBottom 10% earn less than $46,690$46,69025th25% earn less than $53,610$53,610MedianHalf earn more than $60,330$60,33075th75% earn less than $72,660$72,66090thTop 10% earn more than $87,460$87,460

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Iowa earn a median salary of $60,330 per year ($5,027/month). This is 5.8% below the national average of $64,047. Iowa ranks #30 out of 51 states for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay. Approximately 5,530 people work in this occupation across Iowa. Salaries decreased by 1.4% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.

Top Skills

Operation and Control
4.12
Operations Monitoring
3.25
Equipment Maintenance
3.25
Monitoring
3.12
Active Listening
3.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Mechanical
3.56
English Language
3.33
Public Safety and Security
3.13
Mathematics
2.81
Administration and Management
2.78
Typical Education: Less than a High School Diploma (1.4% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Iowa

Salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Iowa range from $46,690 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $87,460 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $53,610 and $72,660.

Median $60,330
P10: $46,690 P25: $53,610 P75: $72,660 P90: $87,460
10th
$46,690
25th
$53,610
Median
$60,330
75th
$72,660
90th
$87,460
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $46,690 $22.45 $3,890
25th Percentile $53,610 $25.77 $4,467
Median (50th) $60,330 $29.00 $5,027
75th Percentile $72,660 $34.93 $6,055
90th Percentile (Experienced) $87,460 $42.05 $7,288

Note: The mean (average) salary of $63,770 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#30
Iowa ranks #30 of 51 states
$64,047
National avg. for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
-5.8%
vs. national average
Below Average

What does this salary really buy? See Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in Iowa adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators take-home pay in Iowa after taxes →

Explore Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Data in Iowa

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary by State

Compare Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Iowa is $60,330 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $63,770.
What is the salary range for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Iowa?
Salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Iowa range from $46,690 at the 10th percentile to $87,460 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $53,610 and $72,660.
What is the starting salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Iowa?
Entry-level Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators positions in Iowa typically start around $46,690 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $53,610 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Iowa?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 5,530 people are employed as Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Iowa.
What is the hourly rate for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Iowa?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Iowa is approximately $29.00 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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