According to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metropolitan statistical area, the annual mean wage for operating engineers in construction was $93,560 in May 2021. This translates to an hourly mean wage of $44.93. However, it's important to note that this figure represents an average and there may be significant variations in earnings within this field.
Some operating engineers may earn significantly more or less depending on their level of specialization and experience. It is also worth noting that the cost of living in the Chicago area can be relatively high, so while salaries may seem substantial, they need to be considered in the context of expenses and purchasing power in the region.
To provide a more detailed breakdown, here are some approximate ranges for the salaries of union operating engineers in the Chicago area based on information from various sources and online resources:
- Entry-level Operating Engineer: $40,000 - $55,000
- Experienced Operating Engineer: $55,000 - $75,000
- Senior Operating Engineer: $75,000 - $95,000
It's worth noting that these salary ranges are just approximations and can vary depending on the specific circumstances and factors mentioned earlier. Additionally, there may be opportunities for union operating engineers to earn overtime pay or additional benefits that could further increase their overall compensation.
To get the most up-to-date and accurate salary information, it's recommended to directly contact union organizations, construction companies, or labor market analysts in the Chicago area to gather the latest data and insights into operating engineers' salaries.