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Mercer County · Operating Engineer
Operating Engineer prevailing wage in Mercer County, Illinois
$85.50an hour, base wage + fringe benefits (our sum)
$43.00 base wage + $42.50 fringe benefits · Building
On Illinois public works in Mercer County, an operating engineer must be paid at least $85.50 an hour: a $43.00 base wage plus $42.50 in fringe benefits for health and welfare, pension, vacation, training and other insurance. IDOL lists each part but prints no total, so $85.50 is our sum of its columns. Overtime after 8 hours a day, Monday to Friday, is 1.5 times the base wage. This is IDOL's building rate; it lists separate highway rates for this trade in Mercer County. IDOL sorts this trade into numbered classes by equipment or duties, and this is Class 1.
IDOL's Mercer County schedule, posted October 19, 2026, for work performed on or after October 19, 2026. Checked against labor.illinois.gov on October 24, 2026.
IDOL lists 20 operating engineer rates for Mercer County, from $81.80 to $88.50 an hour. See all of them.
Base wage and fringe benefits: $43.00 + $42.50
The base wage is the taxable hourly wage. The other lines are the fringe benefits IDOL lists for each hour: health and welfare, pension, vacation, training, and "other insurance", which IDOL's legend defines as the "employer hourly cost for any other type(s) of insurance".
| Base wage (taxable) | $43.00 |
| Health and welfare | $22.50 |
| Pension | $15.75 |
| Vacation and holiday | $2.00 |
| Training | $2.25 |
| Base + fringes (our sum; IDOL prints no total) | $85.50 |
Foreman base wage: $46.00 an hour, with the same fringe benefits.
When does this rate change?
- Illinois rates don't lock at bid. When IDOL revises a rate, “the revised rate shall apply to such contract” from its effective date, including jobs already under way (820 ILCS 130/4(l)).
- A missing notice is no excuse. A public body's failure to send the new rates “does not relieve the contractor of the duty to comply”, or of paying back wages (820 ILCS 130/4(g), (j)).
- IDOL surveys in June and must publish the year's schedule by July 15 (820 ILCS 130/9), then posts revisions through the year. In 2026 its postings took effect on Jan 15, Mar 2, Apr 15, May 21, Jul 15, Aug 15, Sep 21 and Oct 19, 2026. Each posting replaces all 102 county schedules.
- This page uses the posting for work performed on or after October 19, 2026 (IDOL current rates; older postings are on IDOL's historical rates page).
What each class covers
IDOL's explanation of classes for Mercer County, copied as printed. The class number on a row decides its rate.
OPERATING ENGINEERS - BUILDING
Class 1. Shovel; Concrete Spreader; Dipper Dredge Operator; Dipper Dredge Crane man; Dual Purpose Truck (boom, Boom, Winch, etc.); Pile Driver; Boom Tractor or Side Boom; Trenching Machine (40 H.P. and over); Building Hoist (1, 2 or 3 drums); Cleaning and Priming Machine; Backfiller (throw bucket); Locomotive Engineer; Concrete Paver; Slip Form Paver; Caisson Augering Machines; Mucking Machine; Asphalt Heater-Planer Unit; Laser Screed; Pug Mill; Concrete Conveyor or Pump; Mechanical loaded Log Chippers or similar machines; Group Equipment Greaser; Off-Road Haul Units; Pipe Bending; Automatic Curbing Machines; Blastholer; Self-Propelled Rotary Drill or similar machines; Work Boat; Combination Concrete Finishing Machine and Float; Asphalt Paver Screed Operator; Forklift (6,000 lb. cap. or over or working heights 28 ft. and above); Chip Spreader; Straddle Carrier; Asphalt Paver; Asphalt Plant Operator; Boring Machine (Directional, Vertical, or Horizontal); Central Redi-Mix Plant Operator; Combination Backhoe Front End loader; Concrete Breaker or Hydro-Hammer (excluding walk-behinds); Concrete Wheel Saw (Large self-propelled - excluding walk-behinds); Crusher (Stone, Concrete, Asphalt, etc.); Curing-Tinning Machine; Excavator; Farm-type Tractor Operating Scoop or Scraper or with Power Attachment; Grader; Motor Grader; Motor Patrol; Auto Grader; Form Grader; Pull Grader; Sub Grader; Elevating Grader; Guard Rail Post Driver; Hoists; Hydraulic Dredge Leverman or Engineer; Hydro-Vac truck mounted or pull type (excluding hose work), and similar equipment; Loader (Track, Rubber Tire, or Articulated); Milling Machine (excluding walk-behinds); Road Widener-Shoulder Spreader; Scraper (Self- Propelled); Self-Propelled Roller or Tire Roller (on asphalt or Blacktop); Sheep Foot or Pad Foot Compactor (excluding walk- behinds); Steel Track-Type Tractor (Dozer, Push Cat, etc.); Transfer or Shuttle Buggy (excluding motorized wheel barrows and Georgia buggies). Class 2. Asphalt Booster; Fireman and Pump Operator at Asphalt Plant; Mud Jack; Distributor; Self-propelled Roller (other than provided for in Class I); Pump Operator (more than one well-point pump); Trench Machine (under 40 H.P.); Forklift (less than 6,000 lb. cap. or working heights below 28 ft.); Gypsum Pump; Conveyor over 20 H.P.; Light Plant; Boiler (Engineer or Fireman); Mechanical Broom; Driver on Truck Crane or similar machines; Elevator (Permanent inside or Temporary outside); Farm-Type Tractor (without Power Attachment); Grout Pump (excluding hose work). Class 3. Skid Loader; Oiler; Mechanic's Helper; Mechanical Heater (other than steam boiler); Small Outboard Motor Boat (Safety Boat and Life Boat); Engine Driven Welding Machine; Water Pumps; Air Compressor (400 c.f.m. or over); Deck Engineers. Class 4. Leadman - Mechanic or Equipment Greaser. Class 5. Track Excavator with Bucket (4 cubic yard and up to but not including 6 cubic yard). Class 6. Track Excavator with Bucket (6 cubic yard and over). Class 7. Crane (Friction or Hydraulic, regardless of size or attachments); Tow or Push Boat. Class 8. Truck Mounted Concrete Conveyor or Pumps Extending to 90’ or more. Class 9. Crawler Crane Class 10 Mechanic-Welder
OPERATING ENGINEERS- HIGHWAY
Class 1. Shovel; Concrete Spreader; Dipper Dredge Operator; Dipper Dredge Crane man; Dual Purpose Truck (Boom, Winch, etc.); Pile Driver; Boom Tractor or Side Boom; Building Hoist (1, 2 or 3 drums); Cleaning and Priming Machine; Backfiller (throw bucket); Locomotive Engineer; Concrete Paver; Slip Form Paver; Caisson Augering Machines; Mucking Machine; Asphalt Heater Planer Unit; Laser Screed; Pug Mill; Concrete Conveyor or Pump (excluding truck-mounted); Mechanical loaded Log Chippers or similar machines; Group Equipment Greaser; off-road haul units; Pipe Bending; Automatic Curbing Machines; Blastholer; Self-propelled Rotary Drill or similar machines; Work Boat; Combination Concrete Finishing Machine and Float; Asphalt Paver Screed Operator; Forklift (6,000 lb. cap. or over or working heights above 28 ft.); Chip Spreader; Asphalt Paver; Asphalt Plant Operator; Boring Machine (Directional, Vertical, or Horizontal); Central Redi-Mix Plant Operator; Combination Backhoe Front End loader; Concrete Breaker or Hydro-Hammer (excluding walk-behinds); Concrete Wheel Saw (Large self-propelled - excluding walk-behinds); Crusher (Stone, Concrete, Asphalt, etc.); Curing-Tinning Machine; Excavator; Farm-Type Tractor Operating Scoop or Scraper with Power Attachment; Grader; Motor Grader; Motor Patrol; Auto Grader; Form Grader; Pull Grader; Sub Grader; Elevating Grader; Guard Rail Post Driver; Hoists; Hydraulic Dredge Leverman or Engineer; Hydro-Vac truck mounted or pull type, and similar equipment; Loader (Track, Rubber Tire, or Articulated); Milling Machine (excluding walk-behinds); Road Widener-Shoulder Spreader; Scraper (self-propelled); Self-propelled Roller or Tire Roller (on asphalt or Blacktop); Sheep Foot or Pad Foot Compactor (excluding walk-behinds); Steel Track-Type Tractor (Dozer, Push Cat, etc.); Transfer or Shuttle Buggy (excluding motorized wheel barrows and Georgia buggies); Trenching Machine (40 H.P. and over). Class 2. Asphalt Booster; Fireman and Pump Operator at Asphalt Plant; Mud Jack; Farm-Type Tractor without Power attachment; Distributor; Straddle Carrier; Self-propelled Roller or Compactor (other than provided for in Class I); Pump Operator (more than one well-point pump); Trench Machine (under 40 H.P.); Forklift (less than 6,000 lb. capacity or working heights below 28 ft.); Conveyor over 20 H.P.; Air Compressor (400 c.f.m. or over); Light Plant; Boiler (Engineer or Fireman); Mechanical Broom; Driver on Truck Crane or similar machines; Elevator (Permanent inside or Temporary outside); Grout Pump (excluding hose work). Class 3. Oiler; Mechanic's Helper; Mechanical Heater (other than steam boiler); Small Outboard Motor Boat (Safety Boat and Life Boat); Engine Driven Welding Machine; skid steer. Class 4. Leadman - Mechanic or Equipment Greaser. Class 5. Track Excavator with Bucket (4 cubic yard and up to but not including 6 cubic yard). Class 6. Track Excavator with Bucket (6 cubic yard and over). Class 7. Truck mounted Concrete Conveyor or Pumps Extending to 90 ft. or more. Class 8. Crane (Friction or Hydraulic, regardless of size or attachments); Tow or Push Boat. Class 9. Crawler Crane Class 10. Mechanic-Welder TRUCK DRIVER - BUILDING, HEAVY AND HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION Class 1. Drivers on 2 axle trucks hauling less than 9 ton. Air compressor and welding machines and brooms, including those pulled by separate units, truck driver helpers, warehouse employees, mechanic helpers, greasers and tiremen, pickup trucks when hauling materials, tools, or workers to and from and on- the-job site, and fork lifts up to 6,000 lb. capacity. Class 2. Two or three axle trucks hauling more than 9 ton but hauling less than 16 ton. A-frame winch trucks, hydrolift trucks, vactor trucks or similar equipment when used for transportation purposes. Fork lifts over 6,000 lb. capacity, winch trucks, four axle combination units, and ticket writers. Class 3. Two, three or four axle trucks hauling 16 ton or more. Drivers on water pulls, articulated dump trucks, mechanics and working forepersons, and dispatchers. Five axle or more combination units. Class 4. Low Boy and Oil Distributors. Class 5. Drivers who require special protective clothing while employed on hazardous waste work.
LANDSCAPING
Landscaping work falls under the existing classifications for laborer, operating engineer and truck driver. The work performed by landscape plantsman and landscape laborer is covered by the existing classification of laborer. The work performed by landscape operators (regardless of equipment used or its size) is covered by the classifications of operating engineer. The work performed by landscape truck drivers (regardless of size of truck driven) is covered by the classifications of truck driver.
Every operating engineer rate in Mercer County
As IDOL lists them. The highlighted row is the one this page leads with.
- Operating Engineer, Class 9Building$88.50
- Operating Engineer, Class 9Highway$88.50
- Operating Engineer, Class 7Building$87.50
- Operating Engineer, Class 7Highway$87.50
- Operating Engineer, Class 4Building$86.75
- Operating Engineer, Class 6Building$86.75
- Operating Engineer, Class 4Highway$86.75
- Operating Engineer, Class 6Highway$86.75
- Operating Engineer, Class 10Building$86.50
- Operating Engineer, Class 10Highway$86.50
- Operating Engineer, Class 5Building$86.25
- Operating Engineer, Class 5Highway$86.25
- Operating Engineer, Class 8Building$86.00
- Operating Engineer, Class 8Highway$86.00
- Operating Engineer, Class 1Building$85.50
- Operating Engineer, Class 1Highway$85.50
- Operating Engineer, Class 2Building$82.85
- Operating Engineer, Class 2Highway$82.85
- Operating Engineer, Class 3Building$81.80
- Operating Engineer, Class 3Highway$81.80
| Trade and class | Base wage | Fringe benefits | Total rate | OT Mon–Fri |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Engineer, Class 1Building | $43.00 | $42.50 | $85.50 | 1.5× |
| Operating Engineer, Class 2Building | $40.35 | $42.50 | $82.85 | 1.5× |
| Operating Engineer, Class 3Building | $39.30 | $42.50 | $81.80 | 1.5× |
| Operating Engineer, Class 4Building | $44.25 | $42.50 | $86.75 | 1.5× |
| Operating Engineer, Class 5Building | $43.75 | $42.50 | $86.25 | 1.5× |
| Operating Engineer, Class 6Building | $44.25 | $42.50 | $86.75 | 1.5× |
| Operating Engineer, Class 7Building | $45.00 | $42.50 | $87.50 | 1.5× |
| Operating Engineer, Class 8Building | $43.50 | $42.50 | $86.00 | 1.5× |
| Operating Engineer, Class 9Building | $46.00 | $42.50 | $88.50 | 1.5× |
| Operating Engineer, Class 10Building | $44.00 | $42.50 | $86.50 | 1.5× |
| Operating Engineer, Class 1Highway | $43.00 | $42.50 | $85.50 | 1.5× |
| Operating Engineer, Class 2Highway | $40.35 | $42.50 | $82.85 | 1.5× |
| Operating Engineer, Class 3Highway | $39.30 | $42.50 | $81.80 | 1.5× |
| Operating Engineer, Class 4Highway | $44.25 | $42.50 | $86.75 | 1.5× |
| Operating Engineer, Class 5Highway | $43.75 | $42.50 | $86.25 | 1.5× |
| Operating Engineer, Class 6Highway | $44.25 | $42.50 | $86.75 | 1.5× |
| Operating Engineer, Class 7Highway | $45.00 | $42.50 | $87.50 | 1.5× |
| Operating Engineer, Class 8Highway | $43.50 | $42.50 | $86.00 | 1.5× |
| Operating Engineer, Class 9Highway | $46.00 | $42.50 | $88.50 | 1.5× |
| Operating Engineer, Class 10Highway | $44.00 | $42.50 | $86.50 | 1.5× |
Davis-Bacon operating engineer rate in Mercer County
Federally funded or assisted construction here uses the U.S. Department of Labor's wage determinations. When a contract requires both the state rate and the Davis-Bacon rate, paying the higher of the two meets both. The contract documents say which apply.
We don't put a federal figure next to IDOL's here, because the federal determinations split this trade into groups that don't line up with IDOL's. The federal rows for this trade are below; match the classification to the work.
| Construction | Federal classification | Base wage | Total rate | WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building | OPERATOR: POWER EQUIPMENT, GROUP 4 AIR COMPRESSOR (400 C.F.M. OR OVER); COMPACT LOADER (RUBBER TIRE, TRACK & UTILITY); ENGINE DRIVEN WELDING MACHINE; …ENGI0150-019 | $37.80 | $79.05 | IL20260001 Mod 6 |
| Building | OPERATOR: POWER EQUIPMENT, GROUP 2 ASPHALT HEATER-PLANER UNIT; ASPHALT PAVER; ASPHALT PAVER SCREED; ASPHALT PLANT; AUTOMATIC CURBING MACHINE; BACKFILLER (THROW …ENGI0150-019 | $41.50 | $82.75 | IL20260001 Mod 6 |
| Building | OPERATOR: POWER EQUIPMENT, GROUP 1 CRANE (FRICTION OR HYDRAULIC, REGARDLESS OF SIZE OR ATTACHMENTS); TOW OR PUSH BOAT (HENRY (WESTERN HALF), MERCER, ROCK …ENGI0150-019 | $43.50 | $84.75 | IL20260001 Mod 6 |
| Building | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 3 AIR COMPRESSOR, TRACK OR SELF-PROPELLED; BULK CEMENT BATCHING- PLANTS; CONVEYORS; CONCRETE MIXERS (EXCEPT PLANT, PAVER, TOWER) …ENGI0965-001 | $34.30 | $63.05 | IL20260001 Mod 6 |
| Highway, Heavy | OPERATOR: POWER EQUIPMENT, GROUP 1 CRANE (FRICTION OR HYDRAULIC, REGARDLESS OF SIZE OR ATTACHMENTS); TOW OR PUSH BOAT (MERCER COUNTY)ENGI0150-021 | $43.50 | $84.75 | IL20260014 Mod 2 |
| Highway, Heavy | OPERATOR: POWER EQUIPMENT, GROUP 2 ASPHALT HEATER-PLANER UNIT; ASPHALT PAVER; ASPHALT PAVER SCREED; ASPHALT PLANT; AUTOMATIC CURBING MACHINE; BACKFILLER (THROW …ENGI0150-021 | $41.50 | $82.75 | IL20260014 Mod 2 |
| Highway, Heavy | OPERATOR: POWER EQUIPMENT, GROUP 4 AIR COMPRESSOR (400 C.F.M. OR OVER); COMPACT LOADER (RUBBER TIRE, TRACK & UTILITY); ENGINE DRIVEN WELDING MACHINE; …ENGI0150-021 | $37.80 | $79.05 | IL20260014 Mod 2 |
Davis-Bacon rates from SAM.gov, read October 25, 2026. Our federal totals are base plus fringe; DOL prints no total. Illinois Davis-Bacon changes
Holidays
IDOL's Mercer County schedule: “The following list is considered as those days for which holiday rates of wages for work performed apply: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and Veterans Day in some classifications/counties. Generally, any of these holidays which fall on a Sunday is celebrated on the following Monday. This then makes work performed on that Monday payable at the appropriate overtime rate for holiday pay. Common practice in a given local may alter certain days of celebration. If in doubt, please check with IDOL.”
Holiday work is paid at the holiday multiple in the overtime table (2.0× the base wage for this row).
How Mercer County compares
The main operating engineer rate in every county that has one, and how the pay splits here and in the nearest counties. All bars use the same scale.
Every county in Illinois
Base wage and fringe benefits, nearby
- Mercer Countybase $43.00$85.50
- Rock Island Countybase $43.00$85.50
- Warren Countybase $49.26$95.60
- Henderson Countybase $49.26$95.60
Operating Engineer rates in nearby counties
Current IDOL rates. You pay the rate for the county where the work is done. The Act defines “locality” as the county of the physical work, with narrow exceptions (820 ILCS 130/2).
| County | Classification | Base wage | Total rate | vs Mercer County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warren County | Operating Engineer, Class 1 (building) | $49.26 | $95.60 | +$10.10 |
| Henderson County | Operating Engineer, Class 1 (building) | $49.26 | $95.60 | +$10.10 |
| Henry County | Operating Engineer, Class 1 (building) | $49.26 | $95.60 | +$10.10 |
| Knox County | Operating Engineer, Class 1 (building) | $49.26 | $95.60 | +$10.10 |
| Stark County | Operating Engineer, Class 1 (building) | $49.26 | $95.60 | +$10.10 |
| Mercer County | Operating Engineer, Class 1 (building) | $43.00 | $85.50 | |
| Rock Island County | Operating Engineer, Class 1 (building) | $43.00 | $85.50 | same |
Illinois operating engineer prevailing wage by county, with a map
More from IDOL on this rate
- Mercer County schedule (IDOL PDF, page 2)
- Work that no listed trade covers: IDOL names a neighboring county's classification to use. Call 217-782-1710.
- Apprentices: IDOL's county schedules list journeyworker and foreman rates only.
Are you being paid this rate?
Add your base wage to what your employer pays into health, pension and other plans for you, and compare it with $85.50. Your contractor has to post the rates on the job site or give you written notice of them (820 ILCS 130/4(n)), and file a certified payroll with IDOL by the 15th of each month for the month before (820 ILCS 130/5).
A worker paid less than the prevailing rate can sue for the difference (820 ILCS 130/4(g)).
Source
Illinois Department of Labor, prevailing wage rates for Mercer County, posted October 19, 2026, page 2: labor.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idol/laws-rules/conmed/documents/fy27/20261019/Mercer.pdf
Each figure is read from IDOL's PDF and checked by a second, separate reader. IDOL prints no total; ours is re-added independently. How we check · Download Mercer County as CSV · Report an error