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Delaware operating engineer prevailing wage, county by county
An operating engineer's prevailing wage on Delaware public works is $85.29 an hour in every county that has one (3), for the main classification.
Operating Engineer rate in each Delaware county, A to Z
| County | Base wage | Fringe benefits | Total rate | Effective | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kent CountyPOWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS | incl. | incl. | $85.29 | Mar 13, 2026 | DE-OLLE-20260313-building |
New Castle CountyPOWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS | incl. | incl. | $85.29 | Mar 13, 2026 | DE-OLLE-20260313-building |
Sussex CountyPOWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS | incl. | incl. | $85.29 | Mar 13, 2026 | DE-OLLE-20260313-building |
Main operating engineer classification in each county (Power equipment operators), Delaware DOL determinations effective March 13, 2026. A project uses the rates in effect when its specifications are published; if the contract isn't signed within 120 days, the rates at signing apply (Regulations 6.3). Checked October 25, 2026.
How much does an operating engineer make on prevailing wage in Delaware?
$85.29 an hour in every county that has a rate, for the main classification. 3 counties, highest main rate first.
- Kent County1 county · POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS$85.29
- New Castle County1 county · POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS$85.29
- Sussex County1 county · POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS$85.29
Which counties share a rate
| Counties | Main classification | Base wage | Total rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kent County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS | — | $85.29 |
| New Castle County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS | — | $85.29 |
| Sussex County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS | — | $85.29 |
No two counties have identical DOL rates for this trade.
Delaware's determinations list one mechanic (journeyworker) rate per classification. Apprentices registered with the Delaware DOL get the percentage of that rate set in their apprenticeship agreement; non-registered apprentices must be paid the full mechanic's rate.
Questions about Delaware operating engineer pay
What is the operating engineer prevailing wage in New Castle County?
$85.29 an hour, fringe benefits included (one rate, no separate base wage), under Delaware DOL determinations effective March 13, 2026. Overtime and every operating engineer classification in New Castle County.
Does operating engineer prevailing wage pay overtime in Delaware?
Delaware's prevailing wage law sets no overtime premium, and the determinations print only a straight-time rate. The federal Fair Labor Standards Act applies: 1½ times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek (U.S. DOL).
Do apprentice operating engineers get this rate?
Delaware's determinations list one mechanic (journeyworker) rate per classification. Apprentices registered with the Delaware DOL get the percentage of that rate set in their apprenticeship agreement; non-registered apprentices must be paid the full mechanic's rate.