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Boone County, KY · Operating Engineer
Operating Engineer prevailing wage in Boone County, Kentucky
$54.59an hour, base wage + fringe benefits (our sum)
$34.99 base wage + $19.60 fringe benefits
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) · ENGI0181-093
$60.55an hour, base wage + fringe benefits (our sum)
$44.14 base wage + $16.41 fringe benefits
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANE (ALL TYPES) (BOONE, CAMPBELL, KENTON AND PENDLETON COUNTIES) · ENGI0018-020
$61.55an hour, base wage + fringe benefits (our sum)
$45.14 base wage + $16.41 fringe benefits
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 7 BOOM FROM 180 AND OVER · ENGI0018-013
$60.55an hour, base wage + fringe benefits (our sum)
$44.14 base wage + $16.41 fringe benefits
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOE · ENGI0018-016
On federally funded or assisted building construction in Boone County, an operating engineer must be paid at least $54.59 an hour: a $34.99 base wage plus $19.60 in fringe benefits, under wage determination KY20260044 (modification 2). DOL prints no total, so $54.59 is our sum of the two.
Wage determination KY20260044, modification 2, published May 18, 2026, for building construction; rate identifier ENGI0181-093 (June 1, 2025). Checked against sam.gov on October 25, 2026.
On federally funded or assisted residential construction in Boone County, an operating engineer must be paid at least $60.55 an hour: a $44.14 base wage plus $16.41 in fringe benefits, under wage determination KY20260009 (modification 1). DOL prints no total, so $60.55 is our sum of the two.
Wage determination KY20260009, modification 1, published May 18, 2026, for residential construction; rate identifier ENGI0018-020 (May 1, 2024). Checked against sam.gov on October 25, 2026.
On federally funded or assisted highway construction in Boone County, an operating engineer must be paid at least $61.55 an hour: a $45.14 base wage plus $16.41 in fringe benefits, under wage determination KY20260039 (modification 1). DOL prints no total, so $61.55 is our sum of the two.
Wage determination KY20260039, modification 1, published May 18, 2026, for highway construction; rate identifier ENGI0018-013 (May 1, 2024). Checked against sam.gov on October 25, 2026.
On federally funded or assisted heavy construction in Boone County, an operating engineer must be paid at least $60.55 an hour: a $44.14 base wage plus $16.41 in fringe benefits, under wage determination KY20260062 (modification 1). DOL prints no total, so $60.55 is our sum of the two.
Wage determination KY20260062, modification 1, published May 18, 2026, for heavy construction; rate identifier ENGI0018-016 (May 1, 2024). Checked against sam.gov on October 25, 2026.
Davis-Bacon is the only prevailing wage here (federally funded or assisted work). Kentucky repealed its law in 2017 (HB 3), which also bars local prevailing wage rules (17RS HB 3).
DOL lists 34 operating engineer rates for Boone County, from $23.29 to $61.58 an hour. See all of them.
Base wage and fringe benefits: $34.99 + $19.60
The base wage is the taxable hourly wage. DOL prints the fringe benefits as one hourly figure, not itemized; it can go to health, pension, vacation and training plans, or be paid as cash where the state allows.
| Base wage (taxable) | $34.99 |
| Fringe benefits (one figure, not itemized) | $19.60 |
| Base + fringe benefits (our sum; DOL prints no total) | $54.59 |
Base wage and fringe benefits: $44.14 + $16.41
The base wage is the taxable hourly wage. DOL prints the fringe benefits as one hourly figure, not itemized; it can go to health, pension, vacation and training plans, or be paid as cash where the state allows.
| Base wage (taxable) | $44.14 |
| Fringe benefits (one figure, not itemized) | $16.41 |
| Base + fringe benefits (our sum; DOL prints no total) | $60.55 |
Base wage and fringe benefits: $45.14 + $16.41
The base wage is the taxable hourly wage. DOL prints the fringe benefits as one hourly figure, not itemized; it can go to health, pension, vacation and training plans, or be paid as cash where the state allows.
| Base wage (taxable) | $45.14 |
| Fringe benefits (one figure, not itemized) | $16.41 |
| Base + fringe benefits (our sum; DOL prints no total) | $61.55 |
Base wage and fringe benefits: $44.14 + $16.41
The base wage is the taxable hourly wage. DOL prints the fringe benefits as one hourly figure, not itemized; it can go to health, pension, vacation and training plans, or be paid as cash where the state allows.
| Base wage (taxable) | $44.14 |
| Fringe benefits (one figure, not itemized) | $16.41 |
| Base + fringe benefits (our sum; DOL prints no total) | $60.55 |
When does this rate change?
- A contract keeps the wage determination in its bid documents. Modifications published before bid opening apply to it, though one published less than 10 days before can be left out if the agency finds there isn't time to tell bidders (29 CFR 1.6(c)).
- DOL changes a WD by publishing a numbered modification on SAM.gov. This page reads the modification named in the Source line; the Kentucky change log lists what each one changed.
Every operating engineer rate in Boone County
As DOL lists them. The highlighted row is the one this page leads with.
| Classification | Base wage | Fringe benefits | Total rate | WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (DRILL)BuildingENGI0181-054 | $40.65 | $19.60 | $60.25 | KY20260044 Mod 2 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: LOADERBuildingENGI0181-079 | $40.65 | $19.60 | $60.25 | KY20260044 Mod 2 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANE CRANES WITH BOOM 150 FEET & OVER, INCLUDING JIB, SHALL RECEIVE $.50 ABOVE THE WAGE RATEBuildingENGI0181-090 | $41.98 | $19.60 | $61.58 | KY20260044 Mod 2 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: FORKLIFTBuildingENGI0181-091 | $41.98 | $19.60 | $61.58 | KY20260044 Mod 2 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER)BuildingENGI0181-093 | $34.99 | $19.60 | $54.59 | KY20260044 Mod 2 |
| OPERATOR: ROLLERBuildingSUKY2015-025 | $23.60 | $12.65 | $36.25 | KY20260044 Mod 2 |
| OPERATOR: PAVER (ASPHALT, AGGREGATE, AND CONCRETE)BuildingSUKY2015-025 | $22.52 | $4.00 | $26.52 | KY20260044 Mod 2 |
| OPERATOR: BULLDOZERBuildingSUKY2015-025 | $19.69 | $4.71 | $24.40 | KY20260044 Mod 2 |
| OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOEBuildingSUKY2015-025 | $24.66 | $10.81 | $35.47 | KY20260044 Mod 2 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 7 BOOM FROM 180 AND OVERHighwayENGI0018-013 | $45.14 | $16.41 | $61.55 | KY20260039 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 6 MASTER MECHANIC & BOOM FROM 150 TO 180HighwayENGI0018-013 | $45.14 | $16.41 | $61.55 | KY20260039 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 5 COMPRESSOR (PORTABLE, SEWER, HEAVY & HIGHWAY); DRUM FIREPERSON (ASPHALT); GENERATOR; MASONRY FORK LIFT; INBOARD-OUTBOARD MOTOR BOAT LAUNCH; MASONRY FORK LIFT; OIL HEATER (ASPHALT PLANT); OILER; POWER DRIVEN HEATER; POWER SWEEPER & SCRUBBER; PUMP (UNDER 4" DISCHARGE); SIGNALPERSON; TIRE REPAIRPERSON; & VAC/ALLSHighwayENGI0018-013 | $36.34 | $16.41 | $52.75 | KY20260039 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 4 BACKFILLER; BALLAST RE-LOCATOR; BARS, JOINT & MESH INSTALLING MACHINE; BATCH PLANT; BORING MACHINE OPERATOR (48" OR LESS); BULL FLOATS; BURLAP & CURING MACHINE; CONCRETE PLANT (CAPACITY 4 YD. & UNDER); CONCRETE SAW (MULTIPLE); CONVEYOR (HIGHWAY); CRUSHER; DECKHAND; FARM-TYPE TRACTOR WITH ATTACHMENTS (HIGHWAY) EXCEPT MASONRY); FINISHING MACHINE; FIREPERSON, FLOATING EQUIPMENT (ALL TYPES); FORK LIFT (HIGHWAY); FORM TRENCHER; HYDRO HAMMER; HYDRO SEEDER; PAVEMENT BREAKER; PLANT MIXER; POST DRIVER; POST HOLE DIGGER (POWER AUGER); POWER BRUSH BURNER; POWER FORM HANDLING EQUIPMENT; ROAD WIDENING TRENCHER; ROLLER (BRICK, GRADE & MACADAM); SELF-PROPELLED POWER SPREADER; SELF-PROPELLED POWER SUBGRADER; STEAM FIREPERSON; TRACTOR (PULLING SHEEPFOOT, ROLLER OR GRADER); & VIBRATORY COMPACTOR WITH INTEGRAL POWERHighwayENGI0018-013 | $41.80 | $16.41 | $58.21 | KY20260039 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 3 A-FRAME; AIR COMPRESSOR ON TUNNEL WORK (LOW PRESSURE); ASPHALT PLANT ENGINEER; BOBCAT-TYPE AND/OR SKID STEER LOADER WITH OR WITHOUT ATTACHMENTS; HIGHWAY DRILLS (ALL TYPES); LOCOMOTIVE (NARROW GAUGE); MATERIAL HOIST/ELEVATOR; MIXER, CONCRETE (MORE THAN ONE BAG CAPACITY); MIXER, ONE BAG CAPACITY (SIDE LOADER); POWER BOILER (OVER 15 LBS. PRESSURE) PUMP OPERATOR INSTALLING & OPERATING WELL POINTS; PUMP (4" & OVER DISCHARGE); ROLLER, ASPHALT; ROTOVATOR (LIME SOIL STABILIZER); SWITCH & TIE TAMPERS (WITHOUT LIFTING & ALIGNING DEVICE); UTILITY OPERATOR (SMALL EQUIPMENT); & WELDING MACHINESHighwayENGI0018-013 | $42.98 | $16.41 | $59.39 | KY20260039 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 2 ASPHALT PAVER; AUTOMATIC SUBGRADER MACHINE, SELF-PROPELLED (CMI TYPE); BOBCAT TYPE AND/OR SKID STEER LOADER WITH HOE ATTACHMENT GREATER THAN 7,000 LBS.; BORING MACHINE MORE THAN 48"; BULLDOZER; ENDLOADER; HYDRO MILLING MACHINE; HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILL (OVER 500,000 FT. LBS. THRUST); KOLMAN-TYPE LOADER (PRODUCTION TYPE-DIRT); LEAD GREASEMAN; LIGHTING & TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATION EQUIPMENT (INCLUDES ALL GROUPS OR CLASSIFICATIONS); MATERIAL TRANSFER EQUIPMENT (SHUTTLE BUGGY) ASPHALT; PETTIBONE-RAIL EQUIPMENT; POWER GRADER; POWER SCRAPER; PUSH CAT; ROTOMILL (ALL), GRINDERS & PLANERS OF ALL TYPES; TRENCH MACHINE (24" WIDE & UNDER); & VERMEER TYPE CONCRETE SAWHighwayENGI0018-013 | $44.02 | $16.41 | $60.43 | KY20260039 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1 AIR COMPRESSOR ON STEEL ERECTION; BARRIER MOVING MACHINE; BOILER OPERATOR ON COMPRESSOR OR GENERATOR WHEN MOUNTED ON A RIG; CABLEWAY; COMBINATION CONCRETE MIXER & TOWER; CONCRETE PLANT (OVER 4 YD. CAPACITY); CONCRETE PUMP; CRANE (ALL TYPES, INCLUDING BOOM TRUCK, CHERRY PICKER); CRANE-COMPACT, TRACK OR RUBBER OVER 4,000 LBS. CAPACITY; CRANES-SELF ERECTING, STATIONARY, TRACK OR TRUCK (ALL CONFIGURATIONS); DERRICK; DRAGLINE; DREDGE (DIPPER, CLAM OR SUCTION); ELEVATING GRADER OR EUCLID LOADER; FLOATING EQUIPMENT (ALL TYPES); GRADALL; HELICOPTER CREW (OPERATOR-HOIST OR WINCH); HOE (ALL TYPES); HOISTING ENGINE ON SHAFT OR TUNNEL WORK; HYDRAULIC GANTRY (LIFTING SYSTEM); INDUSTRIAL-TYPE TRACTOR; JET ENGINE DRYER (D8 OR D9) DIESEL TRACTOR; LOCOMOTIVE (STANDARD GAUGE); MAINTENANCE OPERATOR CLASS A; MIXER, PAVING (SINGLE OR DOUBLE DRUM); MUCKING MACHINE; MULTIPLE SCRAPER; PILEDRIVING MACHINE (ALL TYPES); POWER SHOVEL; PRENTICE LOADER; QUAD 9 (DOUBLE PUSHER); RAIL TAMPER (WITH AUTO LIFTING & ALIGNING DEVICE); REFRIGERATING MACHINE (FREEZER OPERATION); ROTARY DRILL, ON CAISSON WORK; ROUGH TERRAIN FORK LIFT WITH WINCH/HOIST; SIDE-BOOM; SLIP-FORM PAVER; TOWER DERRICK; TREE SHREDDER; TRENCH MACHINE (OVER 24" WIDE); TRUCK MOUNTED CONCRETE PUMP; TUG BOAT; TUNNEL MACHINE AND/OR MINING MACHINE; & WHEEL EXCAVATORHighwayENGI0018-013 | $44.14 | $16.41 | $60.55 | KY20260039 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOEHeavyENGI0018-016 | $44.14 | $16.41 | $60.55 | KY20260062 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1 DRILL; PUMPCRETE; ROLLER (BITUMINOUS) OPERATORS ON CRANES WITH BOOMS 150 FEET AND OVER (INCLUDING JIB) SHALL RECEIVE $1.00 ABOVE GROUP 1 RATE; 250 FEET AND OVER INCLUDING JIB SHALL RECEIVE $1.50 ABOVE CLASS 1 RATE. COMBINATION RATE: ALL CRANE OPERATORS OPERATING CRANES, WHERE THE LENGTH OF THE BOOM IN COMBINATION WITH THE LENGTH OF THE PILING LEADS EQUAL OR EXCEEDS 150 FEET, SHALL RECEIVE $1.00 ABOVE THE GROUP 1 RATE. EMPLOYEES ASSIGNED TO WORK BELOW GROUND LEVEL ARE TO BE PAID 10% ABOVE BASIC WAGE RATE. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO OPEN CUT WORKHeavyENGI0181-016 | $41.55 | $19.60 | $61.15 | KY20260062 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1 Crane ForkliftHeavyENGI0181-016 | $41.55 | $19.60 | $61.15 | KY20260062 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1 CRANE; FORKLIFT OPERATORS ON CRANES WITH BOOM 150 FEET AND OVER, INCLUDING JIB, SHALL RECEIVE $0.75 ABOVE GROUP 1. ALL CRANES WITH PILING LEADS WILL RECEIVE $0.50 ABOVE GROUP 1 RATE REGARDLESS OF BOOM LENGTH. COMBINATION RATE SHALL MEAN $0.50 PER HOUR ABOVE THE BASIC HOURLY RATE OF PAY. EMPLOYEES ASSIGNED TO WORK BELOW GROUND LEVEL ARE TO BE PAID 10% ABOVE BASIC WAGE RATE. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO OPEN CUT WORKHeavyENGI0181-016 | $41.55 | $19.60 | $61.15 | KY20260062 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 4 PUMP; ROLLER (EARTH) OPERATORS ON CRANES WITH BOOMS 150 FEET AND OVER (INCLUDING JIB) SHALL RECEIVE $1.00 ABOVE GROUP 1 RATE; 250 FEET AND OVER INCLUDING JIB SHALL RECEIVE $1.50 ABOVE CLASS 1 RATE. COMBINATION RATE: ALL CRANE OPERATORS OPERATING CRANES, WHERE THE LENGTH OF THE BOOM IN COMBINATION WITH THE LENGTH OF THE PILING LEADS EQUAL OR EXCEEDS 150 FEET, SHALL RECEIVE $1.00 ABOVE THE GROUP 1 RATE. EMPLOYEES ASSIGNED TO WORK BELOW GROUND LEVEL ARE TO BE PAID 10% ABOVE BASIC WAGE RATE. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO OPEN CUT WORKHeavyENGI0181-019 | $38.37 | $19.60 | $57.97 | KY20260062 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1 Drill; Pumpcrete; Roller (Bituminous)HeavyENGI0181-019 | $41.55 | $19.60 | $61.15 | KY20260062 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1 Drill Pumpcrete RollerHeavyENGI0181-019 | $41.55 | $19.60 | $61.15 | KY20260062 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1 DRILL; PUMPCRETE; ROLLER (BITUMINOUS) OPERATORS ON CRANES WITH BOOMS 150 FEET AND OVER (INCLUDING JIB) SHALL RECEIVE $1.00 ABOVE GROUP 1 RATE; 250 FEET AND OVER INCLUDING JIB SHALL RECEIVE $1.50 ABOVE CLASS 1 RATE. COMBINATION RATE: ALL CRANE OPERATORS OPERATING CRANES, WHERE THE LENGTH OF THE BOOM IN COMBINATION WITH THE LENGTH OF THE PILING LEADS EQUAL OR EXCEEDS 150 FEET, SHALL RECEIVE $1.00 ABOVE THE GROUP 1 RATE. EMPLOYEES ASSIGNED TO WORK BELOW GROUND LEVEL ARE TO BE PAID 10% ABOVE BASIC WAGE RATE. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO OPEN CUT WORKHeavyENGI0181-019 | $41.55 | $19.60 | $61.15 | KY20260062 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1 CRANE; FORKLIFT OPERATORS ON CRANES WITH BOOM 150 FEET AND OVER, INCLUDING JIB, SHALL RECEIVE $0.75 ABOVE GROUP 1. ALL CRANES WITH PILING LEADS WILL RECEIVE $0.50 ABOVE GROUP 1 RATE REGARDLESS OF BOOM LENGTH. COMBINATION RATE SHALL MEAN $0.50 PER HOUR ABOVE THE BASIC HOURLY RATE OF PAY. EMPLOYEES ASSIGNED TO WORK BELOW GROUND LEVEL ARE TO BE PAID 10% ABOVE BASIC WAGE RATE. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO OPEN CUT WORKHeavyENGI0181-019 | $41.55 | $19.60 | $61.15 | KY20260062 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: TRENCHERHeavySUKY2011-018 | $26.27 | $12.37 | $38.64 | KY20260062 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: OILERHeavySUKY2011-018 | $24.34 | $13.00 | $37.34 | KY20260062 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: MECHANICHeavySUKY2011-018 | $29.74 | $11.16 | $40.90 | KY20260062 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: LOADERHeavySUKY2011-018 | $26.68 | $13.00 | $39.68 | KY20260062 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BULLDOZERHeavySUKY2011-018 | $29.37 | $11.16 | $40.53 | KY20260062 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANE (ALL TYPES) (BOONE, CAMPBELL, KENTON AND PENDLETON COUNTIES)ResidentialENGI0018-020 | $44.14 | $16.41 | $60.55 | KY20260009 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: ROLLERResidentialSUKY2010-043 | $21.50 | $1.79 | $23.29 | KY20260009 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BULLDOZERResidentialSUKY2010-043 | $21.50 | $1.79 | $23.29 | KY20260009 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BACKHOEResidentialSUKY2010-043 | $21.50 | $1.79 | $23.29 | KY20260009 Mod 1 |
How Boone County compares
The main operating engineer rate in every county that has one, and how the pay splits here and nearby. All bars use the same scale.
Every county in Kentucky
Wage and fringe benefits, nearby
- Boone Countybase $34.99$54.59
- Kenton Countybase $34.99$54.59
- Gallatin Countybase $34.99$54.59
- Trigg Countybase $40.65$60.25
Operating Engineer rates in nearby counties
Current DOL rates. Davis-Bacon rates are set for groups of counties, so neighbours often share them; the county where the work is done decides.
| County | Classification | Base wage | Total rate | vs Boone County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boone County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $34.99 | $54.59 | |
| Kenton County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $34.99 | $54.59 | same |
| Gallatin County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $34.99 | $54.59 | same |
| Campbell County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $34.99 | $54.59 | same |
| Grant County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $34.99 | $54.59 | same |
| Pendleton County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $34.99 | $54.59 | same |
| Carroll County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $34.99 | $54.59 | same |
Kentucky operating engineer prevailing wage by county, with a map
More from DOL on this rate
- DOL wage determination
- SAM.gov wage determinations
- Davis-Bacon determinations list journeyworker rates. Apprentices in a program registered with DOL or a recognized state agency can be paid the program's percentage of the rate, within its ratio; anyone else gets the full rate (29 CFR 5.5(a)(4)).
Are you being paid this rate?
Add your base pay to the fringe your employer pays for you, in cash or into plans, and compare the sum with the total. The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division takes complaints: 1-866-487-9243, or dol.gov/agencies/whd/contact/complaints.
Source
U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division (DOL), wage determination KY20260044 Mod 2, published May 18, 2026: sam.gov/wage-determination/KY20260044/2
We read every active Kentucky Davis-Bacon wage determination from SAM.gov's own data and check every number with a second, independent read of the same file. DOL prints no total; ours is base plus fringe. How we check · Download Boone County as CSV · Report an error