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Suffolk County, MA · Operating Engineer
Operating Engineer prevailing wage in Suffolk County, Massachusetts
$60.53an hour, base + fringe · MECHANIC
$48.74 wage + $11.79 fringe benefits · Highway · SUMA2014-014
On federally funded or assisted highway construction in Suffolk County, an operating engineer working as mechanic must be paid at least $60.53 an hour: a $48.74 base wage plus $11.79 in fringe benefits, under wage determination MA20260024 (modification 1). DOL prints no total, so $60.53 is our sum of the two.
Wage determination MA20260024, modification 1, published May 18, 2026, for highway construction; rate identifier SUMA2014-014 (January 11, 2017). Checked against sam.gov on October 25, 2026.
Massachusetts also sets its own rates; on jobs covered by both, pay the higher. The Department of Labor Standards issues them per project, by wage request number, and they must be re-requested after 90 days (M.G.L. c. 149 ss. 26-27), so there is no county schedule to show here.
DOL lists 9 operating engineer rates for Suffolk County, from $60.53 to $90.88 an hour. See all of them.
Base wage and fringe benefits: $48.74 + $11.79
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) | $48.74 |
| Fringe benefits (one figure, not itemized) | $11.79 |
| Base + fringe benefits (our sum; DOL prints no total) | $60.53 |
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 Massachusetts change log lists what each one changed.
Every operating engineer rate in Suffolk County
As DOL lists them. The highlighted row is the one this page leads with.
- POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 2 BULLDOZER; GRADER/BLADE; MILLING MACHINE; ROLLER FOOTNOTE FOR POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: A. PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY, LABOR DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, PATRIOT'S DAY, COLUMBUS DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAYHighway · ENGI0004-020$90.88
- POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: GROUP 2 SONIC OR VIBRATORY HAMMER; GRADER; SCRAPER; TANDEM SCRAPER; BULLDOZER; TRACTOR; MECHANIC - MAINTENANCE; YORK RAKE; MULCHING MACHINE; PAVING SCREED MACHINE;STATIONARY STEAM BOILER; PAVING CONCRETE FINISHING MACHINE; GROUT PUMP; PORTABLE STEAM BOILER; PORTABLE STEAM GENERATOR; ROLLER; SPREADER; ASPHALT PAVER; LOCOMOTIVES OR MACHINES USED IN PLACE THEREOF; TAMPER (SELF PROPELLED OR TRACTOR-DRAW); CAL TRACKS; BALLAST REGULATOR;RAIL ANCHOR MACHINE; SWITCH TAMPER; TIRE TRUCK HOURLY PREMIUM FOR BOOM LENGTHS (INCLUDING JIB): OVER 150 FT. +2.18 OVER 185 FT. +3.84 OVER 210 FT. +5.39 OVER 250 FT. +8.16 OVER 295 FT. +11.29 OVER 350 FT. +13.14 FOOTNOTE FOR POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: A. PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON,S BIRTHDAY, LABOR DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, PATRIOT'S DAY, COLUMBUS DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAYHeavy · ENGI0004-009$90.88
- OPERATOR: BOBCAT/SKID STEER/SKID LOADERHighway · SUMA2014-014$80.37
- POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: GROUP 4 ASSISTANT ENGINEER (FIREMAN) FOOTNOTE FOR POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: A. PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY, LABOR DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, PATRIOT'S DAY, COLUMBUS DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY HOURLY PREMIUM FOR BOOM LENGTHS (INCLUDING JIB): OVER 150 FT. +2.28 OVER 185 FT. +4.05 OVER 210 FT. +5.67 OVER 250 FT. +8.59 OVER 295 FT. +11.86 OVER 350 FT. +13.82Building · ENGI0004-001$80.22
- POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: GROUP 4 ASSITANT ENGINEER (FIREMAN) HOURLY PREMIUM FOR BOOM LENGTHS (INCLUDING JIB): OVER 150 FT. +2.18 OVER 185 FT. +3.84 OVER 210 FT. +5.39 OVER 250 FT. +8.16 OVER 295 FT. +11.29 OVER 350 FT. +13.14 FOOTNOTE FOR POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: A. PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON,S BIRTHDAY, LABOR DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, PATRIOT'S DAY, COLUMBUS DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAYHeavy · ENGI0004-009$80.22
- POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: GROUP 3 PUMPS (1-3 GROUPED); COMPRESSOR; WELDING MACHINE (1-3 GROUPED); GENERATOR; CONCRETE VIBRATOR; HEATER (POWER DRIVEN 1- 5); WELL POINT SYSTEM (OPERATING); SYPHON-PULSOMETER; CONCRETE MIXER; VALVES CONTROLLING PERMANENT PLANT AIR OR STEAM; CONVEYOR; JACKSON TYPE TAMPER; SINGLE DIAPHRAGM PUMP; LIGHTING PLANT FOOTNOTE FOR POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: A. PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY, LABOR DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, PATRIOT'S DAY, COLUMBUS DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY HOURLY PREMIUM FOR BOOM LENGTHS (INCLUDING JIB): OVER 150 FT. +2.28 OVER 185 FT. +4.05 OVER 210 FT. +5.67 OVER 250 FT. +8.59 OVER 295 FT. +11.86 OVER 350 FT. +13.82Building · ENGI0004-001$70.72
- POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: GROUP 3 PUMPS (1-3 GROUPED); COMPRESSOR; WELDING MACHINES (1-3 GROUPED); GENERATOR; SIGHTING PLANT; HEATERS (POWER DRIVEN, 1- 5); SYPHON-PULSOMETER; CONCRETE MIXER; VALVES CONTROLLING PERMANENT PLANT AIR STEAM, CONVEYOR, WELLPOINT SYSTEM (OPERATING) HOURLY PREMIUM FOR BOOM LENGTHS (INCLUDING JIB): OVER 150 FT. +2.18 OVER 185 FT. +3.84 OVER 210 FT. +5.39 OVER 250 FT. +8.16 OVER 295 FT. +11.29 OVER 350 FT. +13.14 FOOTNOTE FOR POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: A. PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON,S BIRTHDAY, LABOR DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, PATRIOT'S DAY, COLUMBUS DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAYHeavy · ENGI0004-009$70.72
- OPERATOR: FORKLIFTHighway · SUMA2014-014$64.67
- OPERATOR: MECHANICHighway · SUMA2014-014$60.53
| Classification | Base + fringe | Base | Fringe benefits | WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: GROUP 4 ASSISTANT ENGINEER (FIREMAN) FOOTNOTE FOR POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: A. PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY, LABOR DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, PATRIOT'S DAY, COLUMBUS DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY HOURLY PREMIUM FOR BOOM LENGTHS (INCLUDING JIB): OVER 150 FT. +2.28 OVER 185 FT. +4.05 OVER 210 FT. +5.67 OVER 250 FT. +8.59 OVER 295 FT. +11.86 OVER 350 FT. +13.82BuildingENGI0004-001 | $80.22 | $46.52 | $33.70 | MA20260001 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: GROUP 3 PUMPS (1-3 GROUPED); COMPRESSOR; WELDING MACHINE (1-3 GROUPED); GENERATOR; CONCRETE VIBRATOR; HEATER (POWER DRIVEN 1- 5); WELL POINT SYSTEM (OPERATING); SYPHON-PULSOMETER; CONCRETE MIXER; VALVES CONTROLLING PERMANENT PLANT AIR OR STEAM; CONVEYOR; JACKSON TYPE TAMPER; SINGLE DIAPHRAGM PUMP; LIGHTING PLANT FOOTNOTE FOR POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: A. PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY, LABOR DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, PATRIOT'S DAY, COLUMBUS DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY HOURLY PREMIUM FOR BOOM LENGTHS (INCLUDING JIB): OVER 150 FT. +2.28 OVER 185 FT. +4.05 OVER 210 FT. +5.67 OVER 250 FT. +8.59 OVER 295 FT. +11.86 OVER 350 FT. +13.82BuildingENGI0004-001 | $70.72 | $37.02 | $33.70 | MA20260001 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 2 BULLDOZER; GRADER/BLADE; MILLING MACHINE; ROLLER FOOTNOTE FOR POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: A. PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY, LABOR DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, PATRIOT'S DAY, COLUMBUS DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAYHighwayENGI0004-020 | $90.88 | $57.18 | $33.70 | MA20260024 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: MECHANICHighwaySUMA2014-014 | $60.53 | $48.74 | $11.79 | MA20260024 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: FORKLIFTHighwaySUMA2014-014 | $64.67 | $64.67 | $0.00 | MA20260024 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BOBCAT/SKID STEER/SKID LOADERHighwaySUMA2014-014 | $80.37 | $64.67 | $15.70 | MA20260024 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: GROUP 4 ASSITANT ENGINEER (FIREMAN) HOURLY PREMIUM FOR BOOM LENGTHS (INCLUDING JIB): OVER 150 FT. +2.18 OVER 185 FT. +3.84 OVER 210 FT. +5.39 OVER 250 FT. +8.16 OVER 295 FT. +11.29 OVER 350 FT. +13.14 FOOTNOTE FOR POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: A. PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON,S BIRTHDAY, LABOR DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, PATRIOT'S DAY, COLUMBUS DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAYHeavyENGI0004-009 | $80.22 | $46.52 | $33.70 | MA20260008 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: GROUP 3 PUMPS (1-3 GROUPED); COMPRESSOR; WELDING MACHINES (1-3 GROUPED); GENERATOR; SIGHTING PLANT; HEATERS (POWER DRIVEN, 1- 5); SYPHON-PULSOMETER; CONCRETE MIXER; VALVES CONTROLLING PERMANENT PLANT AIR STEAM, CONVEYOR, WELLPOINT SYSTEM (OPERATING) HOURLY PREMIUM FOR BOOM LENGTHS (INCLUDING JIB): OVER 150 FT. +2.18 OVER 185 FT. +3.84 OVER 210 FT. +5.39 OVER 250 FT. +8.16 OVER 295 FT. +11.29 OVER 350 FT. +13.14 FOOTNOTE FOR POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: A. PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON,S BIRTHDAY, LABOR DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, PATRIOT'S DAY, COLUMBUS DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAYHeavyENGI0004-009 | $70.72 | $37.02 | $33.70 | MA20260008 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: GROUP 2 SONIC OR VIBRATORY HAMMER; GRADER; SCRAPER; TANDEM SCRAPER; BULLDOZER; TRACTOR; MECHANIC - MAINTENANCE; YORK RAKE; MULCHING MACHINE; PAVING SCREED MACHINE;STATIONARY STEAM BOILER; PAVING CONCRETE FINISHING MACHINE; GROUT PUMP; PORTABLE STEAM BOILER; PORTABLE STEAM GENERATOR; ROLLER; SPREADER; ASPHALT PAVER; LOCOMOTIVES OR MACHINES USED IN PLACE THEREOF; TAMPER (SELF PROPELLED OR TRACTOR-DRAW); CAL TRACKS; BALLAST REGULATOR;RAIL ANCHOR MACHINE; SWITCH TAMPER; TIRE TRUCK HOURLY PREMIUM FOR BOOM LENGTHS (INCLUDING JIB): OVER 150 FT. +2.18 OVER 185 FT. +3.84 OVER 210 FT. +5.39 OVER 250 FT. +8.16 OVER 295 FT. +11.29 OVER 350 FT. +13.14 FOOTNOTE FOR POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: A. PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON,S BIRTHDAY, LABOR DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, PATRIOT'S DAY, COLUMBUS DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAYHeavyENGI0004-009 | $90.88 | $57.18 | $33.70 | MA20260008 Mod 1 |
How Suffolk 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 Massachusetts
Suffolk $60.53210
$60.53Suffolk$91.53Barnstable
Wage and fringe benefits, nearby
- Suffolk Countybase $48.74$60.53
- Norfolk Countybase $57.83$91.53
- Middlesex Countybase $57.83$91.53
- Essex Countybase $57.83$91.53
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 Suffolk County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1 BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOE; BOBCAT/SKID STEER/SKID LOADER; BROOM/SWEEPER; CRANE; GRADALL; PAVER (ASPHALT, AGGREGATE, AND CONCRETE); POST DRIVER (GUARDRAIL/FENCES) FOOTNOTE FOR POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: A. PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY, LABOR DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, PATRIOT'S DAY, COLUMBUS DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY | $91.53 | $57.83 | +$31.00 |
| Middlesex County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1 BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOE; BOBCAT/SKID STEER/SKID LOADER; BROOM/SWEEPER; GRADALL; LOADER; PAVER (ASPHALT, AGGREGATE, AND CONCRETE) FOOTNOTE FOR POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: A. PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY, LABOR DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, PATRIOT'S DAY, COLUMBUS DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY | $91.53 | $57.83 | +$31.00 |
| Essex County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1 BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOE; BOBCAT/SKID STEER/SKID LOADER; BROOM/SWEEPER; GRADALL; LOADER; PAVER (ASPHALT, AGGREGATE, AND CONCRETE); POST DRIVER (GUARDRAIL/FENCES) FOOTNOTE FOR POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: A. PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY, LABOR DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, PATRIOT'S DAY, COLUMBUS DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY | $91.53 | $57.83 | +$31.00 |
| Plymouth County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 1B BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOE, LOADER | $91.53 | $57.83 | +$31.00 |
| Bristol County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1 BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOE; BOBCAT/SKID STEER/SKID LOADER; BROOM/SWEEPER; CRANE; GRADALL; LOADER; PAVER (ASPHALT, AGGREGATE, AND CONCRETE); POST DRIVER (GUARDRAIL/FENCES) FOOTNOTE FOR POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: A. PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY, LABOR DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, PATRIOT'S DAY, COLUMBUS DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY | $91.53 | $57.83 | +$31.00 |
| Worcester County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 1B BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOE, LOADER | $91.53 | $57.83 | +$31.00 |
| Suffolk County | OPERATOR: MECHANIC | $60.53 | $48.74 |
Massachusetts 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 MA20260024 Mod 1, published May 18, 2026: sam.gov/wage-determination/MA20260024/1
We read every active Massachusetts 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 Suffolk County as CSV · Report an error