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Mason County, KY · Operating Engineer
Operating Engineer prevailing wage in Mason County, Kentucky
$54.59an hour, base + fringe
$34.99 wage + $19.60 fringe benefits · Building · ENGI0181-084
On federally funded or assisted building construction in Mason 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 KY20260029 (modification 1). DOL prints no total, so $54.59 is our sum of the two.
Wage determination KY20260029, modification 1, published May 18, 2026, for building construction; rate identifier ENGI0181-084 (June 1, 2025). 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 Kentucky repealed its law in 2017 (HB 3), which also bars local prevailing wage rules (17RS HB 3).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 15 operating engineer rates for Mason County, from $35.16 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 |
When this rate changes
- 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 Mason County
As DOL lists them. The highlighted row is the one this page leads with.
- POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANE CRANES WITH BOOM 150 FEET & OVER, INCLUDING JIB, SHALL RECEIVE $.75 ABOVE THE WAGE RATE. ALL CRANES WITH PILING LEADS WILL RECEIVE $.50 ABOVE THE WAGE, REGARDLESS OF BOOM LENGTHBuilding · ENGI0181-085$61.58
- POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: FORKLIFTBuilding · ENGI0181-086$61.58
- OPERATOR: BULLDOZERBuilding · UAVGKY0013$59.15
- POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 3 ALL OFF ROAD MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING ARTICULATING DUMP TRUCKS; GREASER ON GREASE FACILITIES SERVICING HEAVY EQUIPMENT CRANES - WITH BOOMS 150 FT. & OVER (INCLUDING JIB), AND WHERE THE LENGTH OF THE BOOM IN COMBINATION WITH THE LENGTH OF THE PILING LEADS EQUALS OR EXCEEDS 150 FT. - $1.00 OVER 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 WORKHighway · ENGI0181-018$58.74
- POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 2 AIR COMPRESSOR (OVER 900 CU. FT. PER MIN.); BITUMINOUS MIXER; BOOM TYPE TAMPING MACHINE; BULL FLOAT; CONCRETE MIXER (UNDER 21 CU. FT.); DREDGE ENGINEER; ELECTRIC VIBRATOR; COMPACTOR/SELF-PROPELLED COMPACTOR; ELEVATOR (ONE DRUM OR BUCK HOIST); ELEVATOR (WHEN USED TO HOIST BUILDING MATERIAL); FINISH MACHINE; FIREMEN & HOIST (ONE DRUM); FLEXPLANE; FORKLIFT (REGARDLESS OF LIFT HEIGHT); FORM GRADER; JOINT SEALING MACHINE; OUTBOARD MOTOR BOAT; POWER SWEEPER (RIDING TYPE); ROLLER (ROCK); ROSS CARRIER; SKID MOUNTED OR TRAILER MOUNTED CONRETE PUMP; SKID STEER MACHINE WITH ALL ATTACHMENTS; SWITCHMAN OR BRAKEMAN; THROTTLE VALVE PERSON; TRACTAIR & ROAD WIDENING TRENCHER; TRACTOR (50 H.P. OR OVER); TRUCK CRANE OILER; TUGGER; WELDING MACHINE; WELL POINTS; & WHIRLEY OILER CRANES - WITH BOOMS 150 FT. & OVER (INCLUDING JIB), AND WHERE THE LENGTH OF THE BOOM IN COMBINATION WITH THE LENGTH OF THE PILING LEADS EQUALS OR EXCEEDS 150 FT. - $1.00 OVER 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 WORKHighway · ENGI0181-018$58.29
- POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER)Building · ENGI0181-084$54.59
- POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1 CRANE; DRILL; GRADER/BLADE; MECHANIC; SCRAPER 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 WORKHeavy · ENGI0181-010$51.05
- POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 2 BOBCAT/SKID STEER/SKID LOADER; FORKLIFT 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 WORKHeavy · ENGI0181-010$48.19
- POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 4 OILER 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 WORKHeavy · ENGI0181-010$47.87
- OPERATOR: BULLDOZERHeavy · SUKY2011-015$42.96
- OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOEHeavy · SUKY2011-015$39.12
- OPERATOR: LOADERHeavy · SUKY2011-015$38.35
- OPERATOR: BOBCAT/SKID STEER/SKID LOADERBuilding · SUKY2015-012$37.64
- OPERATOR: GRADER/BLADEBuilding · SUKY2015-012$37.33
- OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOEBuilding · SUKY2015-012$35.16
| Classification | Base + fringe | Base | Fringe benefits | WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER)BuildingENGI0181-084 | $54.59 | $34.99 | $19.60 | KY20260029 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANE CRANES WITH BOOM 150 FEET & OVER, INCLUDING JIB, SHALL RECEIVE $.75 ABOVE THE WAGE RATE. ALL CRANES WITH PILING LEADS WILL RECEIVE $.50 ABOVE THE WAGE, REGARDLESS OF BOOM LENGTHBuildingENGI0181-085 | $61.58 | $41.98 | $19.60 | KY20260029 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: FORKLIFTBuildingENGI0181-086 | $61.58 | $41.98 | $19.60 | KY20260029 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: GRADER/BLADEBuildingSUKY2015-012 | $37.33 | $24.33 | $13.00 | KY20260029 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BOBCAT/SKID STEER/SKID LOADERBuildingSUKY2015-012 | $37.64 | $24.64 | $13.00 | KY20260029 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOEBuildingSUKY2015-012 | $35.16 | $24.55 | $10.61 | KY20260029 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BULLDOZERBuildingUAVGKY0013 | $59.15 | $40.05 | $19.10 | KY20260029 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 3 ALL OFF ROAD MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING ARTICULATING DUMP TRUCKS; GREASER ON GREASE FACILITIES SERVICING HEAVY EQUIPMENT CRANES - WITH BOOMS 150 FT. & OVER (INCLUDING JIB), AND WHERE THE LENGTH OF THE BOOM IN COMBINATION WITH THE LENGTH OF THE PILING LEADS EQUALS OR EXCEEDS 150 FT. - $1.00 OVER 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 WORKHighwayENGI0181-018 | $58.74 | $39.14 | $19.60 | KY20260038 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 2 AIR COMPRESSOR (OVER 900 CU. FT. PER MIN.); BITUMINOUS MIXER; BOOM TYPE TAMPING MACHINE; BULL FLOAT; CONCRETE MIXER (UNDER 21 CU. FT.); DREDGE ENGINEER; ELECTRIC VIBRATOR; COMPACTOR/SELF-PROPELLED COMPACTOR; ELEVATOR (ONE DRUM OR BUCK HOIST); ELEVATOR (WHEN USED TO HOIST BUILDING MATERIAL); FINISH MACHINE; FIREMEN & HOIST (ONE DRUM); FLEXPLANE; FORKLIFT (REGARDLESS OF LIFT HEIGHT); FORM GRADER; JOINT SEALING MACHINE; OUTBOARD MOTOR BOAT; POWER SWEEPER (RIDING TYPE); ROLLER (ROCK); ROSS CARRIER; SKID MOUNTED OR TRAILER MOUNTED CONRETE PUMP; SKID STEER MACHINE WITH ALL ATTACHMENTS; SWITCHMAN OR BRAKEMAN; THROTTLE VALVE PERSON; TRACTAIR & ROAD WIDENING TRENCHER; TRACTOR (50 H.P. OR OVER); TRUCK CRANE OILER; TUGGER; WELDING MACHINE; WELL POINTS; & WHIRLEY OILER CRANES - WITH BOOMS 150 FT. & OVER (INCLUDING JIB), AND WHERE THE LENGTH OF THE BOOM IN COMBINATION WITH THE LENGTH OF THE PILING LEADS EQUALS OR EXCEEDS 150 FT. - $1.00 OVER 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 WORKHighwayENGI0181-018 | $58.29 | $38.69 | $19.60 | KY20260038 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 4 OILER 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 WORKHeavyENGI0181-010 | $47.87 | $38.37 | $9.50 | KY20260059 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 2 BOBCAT/SKID STEER/SKID LOADER; FORKLIFT 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 WORKHeavyENGI0181-010 | $48.19 | $38.69 | $9.50 | KY20260059 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1 CRANE; DRILL; GRADER/BLADE; MECHANIC; SCRAPER 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 WORKHeavyENGI0181-010 | $51.05 | $41.55 | $9.50 | KY20260059 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: LOADERHeavySUKY2011-015 | $38.35 | $25.35 | $13.00 | KY20260059 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BULLDOZERHeavySUKY2011-015 | $42.96 | $29.96 | $13.00 | KY20260059 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOEHeavySUKY2011-015 | $39.12 | $26.42 | $12.70 | KY20260059 Mod 1 |
How Mason 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
Mason $54.59
$54.59Adair$60.25Trigg
Wage and fringe benefits, nearby
- Mason Countybase $34.99$54.59
- Robertson Countybase $34.99$54.59
- Bracken 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 + fringe | Base | vs Mason County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mason County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $54.59 | $34.99 | |
| Robertson County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $54.59 | $34.99 | same |
| Bracken County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $54.59 | $34.99 | same |
| Fleming County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $54.59 | $34.99 | same |
| Nicholas County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $54.59 | $34.99 | same |
| Lewis County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $54.59 | $34.99 | same |
| Pendleton County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $54.59 | $34.99 | 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 KY20260029 Mod 1, published May 18, 2026: sam.gov/wage-determination/KY20260029/1
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 Mason County as CSV · Report an error