As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief Operating Engineer in the United States is $81,672 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Chief Operating Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Chief Operating Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Chief Operating Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Chief Operating Engineer | $77,867 |
| Intermediate Level Chief Operating Engineer | $78,218 |
| Senior Level Chief Operating Engineer | $79,973 |
| Specialist Level Chief Operating Engineer | $83,786 |
| Expert Level Chief Operating Engineer | $85,195 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Chief Operating Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Biotechnology | 25% |
| Pneumatics | 25% |
| Preventive Maintenance | 25% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Biotechnology
|
$103,723 |
27%
|
|
Preventive Maintenance
|
$81,672 |
0%
|
Understanding how a Chief Operating Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026Salaries for a Chief Operating Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $86,834 in 2023 to around $86,781 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Chief Operating Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $86,834 |
| 2024 | $87,133 |
| 2025 | $86,781 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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