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Nelson County, KY · Operating Engineer
Operating Engineer prevailing wage in Nelson 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
$26.13an hour, base wage + fringe benefits (our sum)
$20.41 base wage + $5.72 fringe benefits
OPERATOR: ROLLER · SUKY2010-046
$58.74an hour, base wage + fringe benefits (our sum)
$39.14 base wage + $19.60 fringe benefits
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 WORK · ENGI0181-018
$57.97an hour, base wage + fringe benefits (our sum)
$38.37 base wage + $19.60 fringe benefits
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 4 OILER; PUMP 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 WORK · ENGI0181-024
On federally funded or assisted building construction in Nelson 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 KY20260096 (modification 1). DOL prints no total, so $54.59 is our sum of the two.
Wage determination KY20260096, modification 1, 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 Nelson County, an operating engineer must be paid at least $26.13 an hour: a $20.41 base wage plus $5.72 in fringe benefits, under wage determination KY20260012 (modification 1). DOL prints no total, so $26.13 is our sum of the two.
Wage determination KY20260012, modification 1, published May 18, 2026, for residential construction; rate identifier SUKY2010-046 (July 21, 2010). Checked against sam.gov on October 25, 2026.
On federally funded or assisted highway construction in Nelson County, an operating engineer must be paid at least $58.74 an hour: a $39.14 base wage plus $19.60 in fringe benefits, under wage determination KY20260038 (modification 1). DOL prints no total, so $58.74 is our sum of the two.
Wage determination KY20260038, modification 1, published May 18, 2026, for highway construction; rate identifier ENGI0181-018 (July 1, 2025). Checked against sam.gov on October 25, 2026.
On federally funded or assisted heavy construction in Nelson County, an operating engineer must be paid at least $57.97 an hour: a $38.37 base wage plus $19.60 in fringe benefits, under wage determination KY20260075 (modification 1). DOL prints no total, so $57.97 is our sum of the two.
Wage determination KY20260075, modification 1, published May 18, 2026, for heavy construction; rate identifier ENGI0181-024 (July 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 23 operating engineer rates for Nelson County, from $23.29 to $61.15 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: $20.41 + $5.72
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) | $20.41 |
| Fringe benefits (one figure, not itemized) | $5.72 |
| Base + fringe benefits (our sum; DOL prints no total) | $26.13 |
Base wage and fringe benefits: $39.14 + $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) | $39.14 |
| Fringe benefits (one figure, not itemized) | $19.60 |
| Base + fringe benefits (our sum; DOL prints no total) | $58.74 |
Base wage and fringe benefits: $38.37 + $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) | $38.37 |
| Fringe benefits (one figure, not itemized) | $19.60 |
| Base + fringe benefits (our sum; DOL prints no total) | $57.97 |
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 Nelson County
As DOL lists them. The highlighted row is the one this page leads with.
- POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1 CRANE; DRILL; PUMPCRETE 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 · ENGI0181-024$61.15
- POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (DRILL)Building · ENGI0181-054$60.25
- POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: LOADERBuilding · ENGI0181-079$60.25
- POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANE CRANES WITH BOOM 150 FEET & OVER, INCLUDING JIB, SHALL RECEIVE $.75 ABOVE THE WAGE RATE; 250 FEET AND OVER, INCLUDING JIB, SHALL RECEIVE $1.50 ABOVE THE WAGE RATE. ALL CRANES WITH PILING LEADS WILL RECEIVE $.50 ABOVE THE WAGE, REGARDLESS OF BOOM LENGTHBuilding · ENGI0181-081$60.25
- POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: FORKLIFTBuilding · ENGI0181-082$60.25
- OPERATOR: FORKLIFTHeavy · UAVGKY0005$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 GROUP 4 OILER; PUMP 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 · ENGI0181-024$57.97
- POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER)Building · ENGI0181-093$54.59
- OPERATOR: BULLDOZERHeavy · SUKY2011-031$39.92
- OPERATOR: LOADERHeavy · SUKY2011-031$39.50
- OPERATOR: TRENCHERHeavy · SUKY2011-031$38.92
- OPERATOR: MECHANICHeavy · SUKY2011-031$38.81
- OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOEHeavy · SUKY2011-031$38.35
- OPERATOR: ROLLERHeavy · SUKY2011-031$36.39
- OPERATOR: ROLLERBuilding · SUKY2015-035$36.25
- OPERATOR: PAVER (ASPHALT, AGGREGATE, AND CONCRETE)Building · SUKY2015-035$26.52
- OPERATOR: ROLLERResidential · SUKY2010-046$26.13
- OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOEBuilding · SUKY2015-035$25.99
- OPERATOR: BULLDOZERBuilding · SUKY2015-035$25.33
- OPERATOR: BULLDOZERResidential · SUKY2010-046$23.29
- OPERATOR: BACKHOEResidential · SUKY2010-046$23.29
| Classification | Base wage | Fringe benefits | Total rate | WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (DRILL)BuildingENGI0181-054 | $40.65 | $19.60 | $60.25 | KY20260096 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: LOADERBuildingENGI0181-079 | $40.65 | $19.60 | $60.25 | KY20260096 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANE CRANES WITH BOOM 150 FEET & OVER, INCLUDING JIB, SHALL RECEIVE $.75 ABOVE THE WAGE RATE; 250 FEET AND OVER, INCLUDING JIB, SHALL RECEIVE $1.50 ABOVE THE WAGE RATE. ALL CRANES WITH PILING LEADS WILL RECEIVE $.50 ABOVE THE WAGE, REGARDLESS OF BOOM LENGTHBuildingENGI0181-081 | $40.65 | $19.60 | $60.25 | KY20260096 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: FORKLIFTBuildingENGI0181-082 | $40.65 | $19.60 | $60.25 | KY20260096 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER)BuildingENGI0181-093 | $34.99 | $19.60 | $54.59 | KY20260096 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: ROLLERBuildingSUKY2015-035 | $23.60 | $12.65 | $36.25 | KY20260096 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: PAVER (ASPHALT, AGGREGATE, AND CONCRETE)BuildingSUKY2015-035 | $22.52 | $4.00 | $26.52 | KY20260096 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BULLDOZERBuildingSUKY2015-035 | $21.49 | $3.84 | $25.33 | KY20260096 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOEBuildingSUKY2015-035 | $22.27 | $3.72 | $25.99 | KY20260096 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 | $39.14 | $19.60 | $58.74 | 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 | $38.69 | $19.60 | $58.29 | KY20260038 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 4 OILER; PUMP 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 WORKHeavyENGI0181-024 | $38.37 | $19.60 | $57.97 | KY20260075 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1 CRANE; DRILL; PUMPCRETE 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 WORKHeavyENGI0181-024 | $41.55 | $19.60 | $61.15 | KY20260075 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: TRENCHERHeavySUKY2011-031 | $26.34 | $12.58 | $38.92 | KY20260075 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: ROLLERHeavySUKY2011-031 | $23.39 | $13.00 | $36.39 | KY20260075 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: MECHANICHeavySUKY2011-031 | $25.81 | $13.00 | $38.81 | KY20260075 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: LOADERHeavySUKY2011-031 | $26.50 | $13.00 | $39.50 | KY20260075 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BULLDOZERHeavySUKY2011-031 | $24.73 | $15.19 | $39.92 | KY20260075 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOEHeavySUKY2011-031 | $25.35 | $13.00 | $38.35 | KY20260075 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: FORKLIFTHeavyUAVGKY0005 | $40.05 | $19.10 | $59.15 | KY20260075 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: ROLLERResidentialSUKY2010-046 | $20.41 | $5.72 | $26.13 | KY20260012 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BULLDOZERResidentialSUKY2010-046 | $21.50 | $1.79 | $23.29 | KY20260012 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BACKHOEResidentialSUKY2010-046 | $21.50 | $1.79 | $23.29 | KY20260012 Mod 1 |
How Nelson 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
- Nelson Countybase $34.99$54.59
- Washington Countybase $34.99$54.59
- Bullitt 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 Nelson County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nelson County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $34.99 | $54.59 | |
| Washington County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $34.99 | $54.59 | same |
| Bullitt County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $34.99 | $54.59 | same |
| Spencer County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $34.99 | $54.59 | same |
| Marion County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $34.99 | $54.59 | same |
| Larue County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $34.99 | $54.59 | same |
| Hardin 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 KY20260096 Mod 1, published May 18, 2026: sam.gov/wage-determination/KY20260096/1
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 Nelson County as CSV · Report an error