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Washington · Operating Engineer · 9 counties
Operating Engineer prevailing wage, Yakima County group, Washington (9 counties)
L&I sets the same operating engineer rates, row for row, in 9 counties: Chelan, Clallam, Douglas, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kittitas, Mason, Okanogan and Yakima. Every figure on this page applies in each of them.
$93.00an hour, base wage + fringe benefits
$62.85 base wage + $30.15 fringe benefits
On Washington public works in each of these 9 counties, an operating engineer must be paid at least $93.00 an hour in total: $62.85 in wages plus $30.15 in fringe benefits for health, pension, vacation, training and other plans. L&I's rate took effect September 2, 2026.
L&I published this rate on August 3, 2026 and it took effect September 2, 2026. Checked against L&I's wage lookup on October 24, 2026.
L&I lists 206 commercial operating engineer rates for each of these counties, from $86.78 to $95.76 an hour. See all of them.
Base wage and fringe benefits: $62.85 + $30.15
The wage is the taxable hourly rate. The other lines are what Washington law calls "usual benefits": contributions to health, pension, vacation and holiday, apprenticeship and similar plans. A contractor that doesn't provide a benefit pays its value as wages instead (RCW 39.12.010).
| Base wage (taxable) | $62.85 |
| Health and welfare | $10.72 |
| Pension | $16.80 |
| Vacation and holiday | $1.58 |
| Training | $1.05 |
| Total straight-time hourly rate | $93.00 |
Set from: collective bargaining agreement, 2024 – 2027 Agreement Between Independent (MLAWW) Contractors Of Washington and Operating Engineers Local 302. Where a county has a collective bargaining agreement, L&I adopts its wage and benefits; with more than one, the higher rate prevails. Otherwise L&I uses wage surveys (RCW 39.12.015).
When does this rate change?
- Rates lock at the bid date. A project uses “the rates that are in effect on the date when bids by prime contractors are due”, and they stay for the life of the contract. If the contract isn't awarded within six months of the bid date, the award-date rates apply. Contracts without bids use the date they're signed (WAC 296-127-011).
- L&I publishes on the first business day of February and August, and rates take effect 30 days later. Corrections can be published at any time and also take effect 30 days later (WAC 296-127-011(1); L&I publications and corrections). L&I's next set is due February 1, 2027, effective March 3, 2027.
- L&I doesn't republish every rate each period. A rate stays until L&I changes it, so each one has its own date. This one was published August 3, 2026 and took effect September 2, 2026.
Every operating engineer rate in the Yakima County group
As L&I lists them. The highlighted row is the one this page leads with.
| Classification | Base wage | Fringe benefits | Total rate | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Plant Operators | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Assistant Engineer | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Barrier Machine (zipper) | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Batch Plant Operator: concrete | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Boat Operator | $63.71 | $28.57 | $92.28 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Bobcat | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Brokk - Remote Demolition Equipment | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Brooms | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Bump Cutter | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Cableways | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Chipper | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Compressor | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Concrete Finish Machine - Laser Screed | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Concrete Pump - Mounted Or Trailer High Pressure Line Pump, Pump High Pressure | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Concrete Pump: Truck Mount With Boom Attachment Over 42 M | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Concrete Pump: Truck Mount With Boom Attachment Up To 42m | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Conveyors | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Cranes Friction: 200 tons and over | $66.52 | $28.57 | $95.09 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Cranes, A-frame: 10 tons and under | $58.21 | $28.57 | $86.78 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Cranes: 100 tons through 199 tons, or 150' of boom (including jib with attachments) | $64.64 | $28.57 | $93.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Cranes: 20 tons through 44 tons with attachments | $62.89 | $28.57 | $91.46 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Cranes: 200 tons- 299 tons, or 250' of boom including jib with attachments | $65.59 | $28.57 | $94.16 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Cranes: 300 tons and over or 300' of boom including jib with attachments | $66.52 | $28.57 | $95.09 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Cranes: 45 tons through 99 tons, under 150' of boom(including jib with attachments) | $63.71 | $28.57 | $92.28 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Cranes: Friction cranes through 199 tons | $65.59 | $28.57 | $94.16 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Cranes: through 19 tons with attachments, a-frame over 10 tons | $62.19 | $28.57 | $90.76 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Crusher | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Deck Engineer/Deck Winches (power) | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Derricks, On Building Work | $63.71 | $28.57 | $92.28 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Dozers D-9 & Under | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Drill Oilers: Auger Type, Truck Or Crane Mount | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Drilling Machine | $64.60 | $30.19 | $94.79 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Elevator and man-lift: permanent and shaft type | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Finishing Machine, Bidwell And Gamaco & Similar Equipment | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Forklift: 3000 lbs and over with attachments | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Forklifts: under 3000 lbs. with attachments | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Grade Engineer: Using Blue Prints, Cut Sheets, Etc | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Gradechecker/Stakeman | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Guardrail Punch | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Hard Tail End Dump Articulating Off- Road Equipment 45 Yards. & Over | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Hard Tail End Dump Articulating Off-road Equipment Under 45 Yards | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Horizontal/Directional Drill Locator | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Horizontal/Directional Drill Operator | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Hydralifts/Boom Trucks Over 10 Tons | $62.19 | $28.57 | $90.76 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Hydralifts/boom trucks: 10 tons and under | $58.21 | $28.57 | $86.78 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Leverman | $65.55 | $30.21 | $95.76 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Loader, Overhead, 6 Yards. But Not Including 8 Yards | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Loader: Overhead 8 yards and over | $64.60 | $30.19 | $94.79 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Loaders, Overhead Under 6 Yards | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Loaders, Plant Feed | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Loaders: Elevating Type Belt | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Locomotives, All | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Material Transfer Device | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Mechanics: All (Leadmen - $0.50 per hour over mechanic) | $64.60 | $30.19 | $94.79 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Motor Patrol Graders | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Mucking Machine, Mole, Tunnel Drill, Boring, Road Header And/or Shield | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Oil Distributors, Blower Distribution & Mulch Seeding Operator | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Outside Hoists (Elevators and Manlifts), Air Tuggers, Strato | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Overhead, bridge type Crane: 20 tons through 44 tons | $62.89 | $28.57 | $91.46 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Overhead, bridge type: 100 tons and over | $64.64 | $28.57 | $93.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Overhead, bridge type: 45 tons through 99 tons | $63.71 | $28.57 | $92.28 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Pavement Breaker | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Pile Driver (other Than Crane Mount) | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Plant Oiler - Asphalt, Crusher | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Posthole Digger, Mechanical | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Plant | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Pumps - Water | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Quad 9, Hd 41, D10 And Over | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Quick tower: no cab, under 100 feet in height base to boom | $62.19 | $28.57 | $90.76 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Remote Control Operator On Rubber Tired Earth Moving Equipment | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Rigger and Bellman | $58.21 | $28.57 | $86.78 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Rigger/Signal Person, Bellman(Certified) | $62.19 | $28.57 | $90.76 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Rollagon | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Roller, Other Than Plant Mix | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Roller, Plant Mix Or Multi-lift Materials | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Roto-mill, Roto-grinder | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Saws - Concrete | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Scraper, Self Propelled Under 45 Yards | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Scrapers - Concrete & Carry All | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Scrapers, Self-propelled: 45 Yards And Over | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Service Engineers: Equipment | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Shotcrete/Gunite Equipment | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Shovel, Excavator, Backhoe, Tractors Under 15 Metric Tons | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Shovel, Excavator, Backhoe: Over 30 Metric Tons To 50 Metric Tons | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Shovel, Excavator, Backhoes, Tractors: 15 To 30 Metric Tons | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Shovel, Excavator, Backhoes: Over 50 Metric Tons To 90 Metric Tons | $64.60 | $30.19 | $94.79 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Shovel, Excavator, Backhoes: Over 90 Metric Tons | $65.55 | $30.21 | $95.76 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Slipform Pavers | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Spreader, Topsider & Screedman | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Subgrader Trimmer | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Tower Bucket Elevators | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Tower Crane: over 175' through 250' in height, base to boom | $65.59 | $28.57 | $94.16 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Tower crane: up to 175' in height base to boom | $64.64 | $28.57 | $93.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Tower Cranes: over 250' in height from base to boom | $66.52 | $28.57 | $95.09 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Transporters, All Track Or Truck Type | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Trenching Machines | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Truck Crane Oiler/Driver: 100 tons and over | $62.89 | $28.57 | $91.46 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators Crane: Truck crane oiler/driver: under 100 tons | $62.19 | $28.57 | $90.76 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Truck Mount Portable Conveyor | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Vac Truck (Vactor Guzzler, Hydro Excavator) | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Welder | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Wheel Tractors, Farmall Type | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Yo Yo Pay Dozer | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Asphalt Plant Operators | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Assistant Engineer | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Barrier Machine (zipper) | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Batch Plant Operator, Concrete | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Boat Operator | $63.71 | $28.57 | $92.28 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Bobcat | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Brokk - Remote Demolition Equipment | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Brooms | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Bump Cutter | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Cableways | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Chipper | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Compressor | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Concrete Finish Machine - Laser Screed | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Concrete Pump - Mounted Or Trailer High Pressure Line Pump, Pump High Pressure | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Concrete Pump: Truck Mount With Boom Attachment Over 42 M | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Concrete Pump: Truck Mount With Boom Attachment Up To 42m | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Conveyors | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Cranes Friction: 200 tons and over | $66.52 | $28.57 | $95.09 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Cranes, A-frame: 10 tons and under | $58.21 | $28.57 | $86.78 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Cranes: 100 tons through 199 tons, or 150' of boom (including jib with attachments) | $64.64 | $28.57 | $93.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Cranes: 20 tons through 44 tons with attachments | $62.89 | $28.57 | $91.46 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Cranes: 200 tons- 299 tons, or 250' of boom including jib with attachments | $65.59 | $28.57 | $94.16 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Cranes: 300 tons and over or 300' of boom including jib with attachments | $66.52 | $28.57 | $95.09 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Cranes: 45 tons through 99 tons, under 150' of boom(including jib with attachments) | $63.71 | $28.57 | $92.28 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Cranes: Friction cranes through 199 tons | $65.59 | $28.57 | $94.16 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Cranes: through 19 tons with attachments, a-frame over 10 tons | $62.19 | $28.57 | $90.76 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Crusher | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Deck Engineer/Deck Winches (power) | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Derricks, On Building Work | $63.71 | $28.57 | $92.28 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Dozers D-9 & Under | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Drill Oilers: Auger Type, Truck Or Crane Mount | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Drilling Machine | $64.60 | $30.19 | $94.79 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Elevator and man-lift: permanent and shaft type | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Finishing Machine, Bidwell And Gamaco & Similar Equipment | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Forklift: 3000 lbs and over with attachments | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Forklifts: under 3000 lbs. with attachments | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Grade Engineer: Using Blue Prints, Cut Sheets, Etc | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Gradechecker/Stakeman | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Guardrail Punch | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Hard Tail End Dump Articulating Off- Road Equipment 45 Yards. & Over | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Hard Tail End Dump Articulating Off-road Equipment Under 45 Yards | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Horizontal/Directional Drill Locator | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Horizontal/Directional Drill Operator | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Hydralifts/boom trucks: 10 tons and under | $58.21 | $28.57 | $86.78 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Hydralifts/boom trucks: over 10 tons | $62.19 | $28.57 | $90.76 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Leverman | $65.55 | $30.21 | $95.76 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Loader, Overhead, 6 Yards. But Not Including 8 Yards | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Loader: Overhead 8 yards and over | $64.60 | $30.19 | $94.79 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Loaders, Overhead Under 6 Yards | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Loaders, Plant Feed | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Loaders: Elevating Type Belt | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Locomotives, All | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Material Transfer Device | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Mechanics: All (Leadmen - $0.50 per hour over mechanic) | $64.60 | $30.19 | $94.79 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Motor Patrol Graders | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Mucking Machine, Mole, Tunnel Drill, Boring, Road Header And/or Shield | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Oil Distributors, Blower Distribution & Mulch Seeding Operator | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Outside Hoists (Elevators and Manlifts), Air Tuggers, Strato | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Overhead, bridge type Crane: 20 tons through 44 tons | $62.89 | $28.57 | $91.46 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Overhead, bridge type: 100 tons and over | $64.64 | $28.57 | $93.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Overhead, bridge type: 45 tons through 99 tons | $63.71 | $28.57 | $92.28 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Pavement Breaker | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Pile Driver (other Than Crane Mount) | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Plant Oiler - Asphalt, Crusher | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Posthole Digger, Mechanical | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Plant | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Pumps - Water | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Quad 9, Hd 41, D10 And Over | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Quick tower: no cab, under 100 feet in height base to boom | $62.19 | $28.57 | $90.76 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Remote Control Operator On Rubber Tired Earth Moving Equipment | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Rigger and Bellman | $58.21 | $28.57 | $86.78 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Rigger/Signal Person, Bellman(Certified) | $62.19 | $28.57 | $90.76 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Rollagon | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Roller, Other Than Plant Mix | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Roller, Plant Mix Or Multi-lift Materials | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Roto-mill, Roto-grinder | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Saws - Concrete | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Scraper, Self Propelled Under 45 Yards | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Scrapers - Concrete & Carry All | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Scrapers, Self-propelled: 45 Yards And Over | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Service Engineers: Equipment | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Shotcrete/Gunite Equipment | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Shovel, Excavator, Backhoe, Tractors Under 15 Metric Tons | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Shovel, Excavator, Backhoe: Over 30 Metric Tons To 50 Metric Tons | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Shovel, Excavator, Backhoes, Tractors: 15 To 30 Metric Tons | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Shovel, Excavator, Backhoes: Over 50 Metric Tons To 90 Metric Tons | $64.60 | $30.19 | $94.79 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Shovel, Excavator, Backhoes: Over 90 Metric Tons | $65.55 | $30.21 | $95.76 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Slipform Pavers | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Spreader, Topsider & Screedman | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Subgrader Trimmer | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Tower Bucket Elevators | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Tower Crane: over 175' through 250' in height, base to boom | $65.59 | $28.57 | $94.16 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Tower crane: up to 175' in height base to boom | $64.64 | $28.57 | $93.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Tower Cranes: over 250' in height from base to boom | $66.52 | $28.57 | $95.09 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Transporters, All Track Or Truck Type | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Trenching Machines | $62.16 | $30.13 | $92.29 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Truck Crane Oiler/Driver: 100 tons and over | $62.89 | $28.57 | $91.46 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Power Equipment Operators- Underground Sewer & Water Cranes: Truck crane oiler/driver: under 100 tons | $62.19 | $28.57 | $90.76 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Truck Mount Portable Conveyor | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Vac Truck (Vactor Guzzler, Hydro Excavator) | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Welder | $63.68 | $30.17 | $93.85 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Wheel Tractors, Farmall Type | $58.18 | $30.03 | $88.21 | Sep 2, 2026 |
| Yo Yo Pay Dozer | $62.85 | $30.15 | $93.00 | Sep 2, 2026 |
Davis-Bacon operating engineer rates in these counties
The counties share L&I's rates, but not always the same federal wage determination. 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.
| County | Federal classification | Base + fringe | WD | vs L&I |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelan County | Federal rates listed on the county page; no one-to-one match | |||
| Clallam County | Federal rates listed on the county page; no one-to-one match | |||
| Douglas County | Federal rates listed on the county page; no one-to-one match | |||
| Grays Harbor County | Federal rates listed on the county page; no one-to-one match | |||
| Jefferson County | Federal rates listed on the county page; no one-to-one match | |||
| Kittitas County | Federal rates listed on the county page; no one-to-one match | |||
| Mason County | Federal rates listed on the county page; no one-to-one match | |||
| Okanogan County | Federal rates listed on the county page; no one-to-one match | |||
| Yakima County | Federal rates listed on the county page; no one-to-one match | |||
Holidays
L&I holiday code 15J:
Holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day (9). Any holiday which falls on a Sunday shall be observed as a holiday on the following Monday. If any of the listed holidays falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be a regular work day.
How the Yakima County group 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 Washington
Yakima $93.0086552
$68.01Asotin$96.99King
Base wage and fringe benefits, nearby
- Yakima County groupbase $62.85$93.00
- Klickitat Countybase $55.60$73.15
- Kittitas Countybase $62.85$93.00
- Benton Countybase $42.59$68.01
Which county is in which operating engineer group
Every Washington county with a operating engineer rate. Counties L&I treats alike share one page; the rest have their own. You pay the rate for the county where the work is done.
| Counties | Main classification | Base wage | Total rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| King County group, 2 counties: King, Snohomish | Shovel, Excavator, Backhoes, Tractors: 15 To 30 Metric Tons | $66.75 | $96.99 |
| Whatcom County group, 2 counties: Skagit, Whatcom | Shovel, Excavator, Backhoes, Tractors: 15 To 30 Metric Tons | $63.55 | $93.71 |
| Kitsap County | Shovel, Excavator, Backhoes, Tractors: 15 To 30 Metric Tons | $63.55 | $93.71 |
| Pierce County | Shovel, Excavator, Backhoes, Tractors: 15 To 30 Metric Tons | $63.55 | $93.71 |
| Thurston County | Shovel, Excavator, Backhoes, Tractors: 15 To 30 Metric Tons | $63.55 | $93.71 |
| Yakima County group, 9 counties: Chelan, Clallam, Douglas, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kittitas, Mason, Okanogan, Yakima | Shovel, Excavator, Backhoes, Tractors: 15 To 30 Metric Tons | $62.85 | $93.00 |
| Island County group, 2 counties: Island, San Juan | Shovel, Excavator, Backhoes, Tractors: 15 To 30 Metric Tons | $62.85 | $93.00 |
| Lewis County group, 2 counties: Lewis, Pacific | Shovel, Excavator, Backhoes, Tractors: 15 To 30 Metric Tons | $62.56 | $92.69 |
| Clark County group, 5 counties: Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania, Wahkiakum | Excavator Operator, Over 20,000 Lbs Through 80,000 Lbs(group 4) | $55.60 | $73.15 |
| Grant County group, 6 counties: Adams, Columbia, Ferry, Grant, Pend Oreille, Stevens | Shovel, excavator, backhoe, tractor: 15 to 30 metric tons | $45.59 | $71.08 |
| Spokane County group, 8 counties: Asotin, Benton, Franklin, Garfield, Lincoln, Spokane, Walla Walla, Whitman | Shovel, excavator, backhoe, tractor: 15 to 30 metric tons | $42.59 | $68.01 |
8 groups of counties with identical L&I rates, and 3 counties with rates of their own.
Washington operating engineer prevailing wage by county, with a map
Notes on this rate
L&I's notes, in L&I's words. Some add premiums for hazardous work, special shifts or certifications.
- 8X Workers on hazmat projects receive additional hourly premiums as follows - Class A Suit: $2.00, Class B Suit: $1.50, Class C Suit: $1.00, and Class D Suit: $0.50. Special Shift Premium: Basic hourly rate plus $2.00 per hour. When due to conditions beyond the control of the Employer or when an owner (not acting as the contractor), a government agency or the contract specifications requires that work can only be performed outside the normal 5 am to 6pm shift, then the special shift premium will be applied to the basic hourly rate. When an employee works on a special shift, they shall be paid a special shift premium for each hour worked unless they are in OT or Double-time status. (For example, the special shift premium does not waive the overtime requirements for work performed on Saturday or Sunday.)
More from L&I on this rate
- Scope of work, WAC 296-127-01354: which tasks this trade covers. L&I says the right classification “depends upon determinations published by L&I” (L&I).
- L&I's prevailing wage lookup, for any county, trade and bid date
- Apprentices: registered apprentices are paid L&I's apprentice rate for the trade. Anyone without a registered agreement counts as a journey-level worker (RCW 39.12.021).
Every trade's rates, county by county: Chelan · Clallam · Douglas · Grays Harbor · Jefferson · Kittitas · Mason · Okanogan · Yakima
Are you being paid this rate?
Add your wage to what your employer pays into health, pension and other plans for you, and compare it with $93.00. Each contractor files an L&I-approved Statement of Intent to Pay Prevailing Wages before it's paid, and an Affidavit of Wages Paid when the job is accepted (RCW 39.12.040). On contracts over $10,000 the approved intent and L&I's contact details are posted on the job site (RCW 39.12.020).
Source
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, prevailing wage lookup, Power Equipment Operators (POWE), published August 3, 2026, effective September 2, 2026: secure.lni.wa.gov/wagelookup/. L&I keeps a wage record for each county; for the row this page leads with:
- Chelan County: L&I wage record 149726
- Clallam County: L&I wage record 149726
- Douglas County: L&I wage record 149726
- Grays Harbor County: L&I wage record 149726
- Jefferson County: L&I wage record 149726
- Kittitas County: L&I wage record 149726
- Mason County: L&I wage record 149726
- Okanogan County: L&I wage record 149726
- Yakima County: L&I wage record 149726
Each figure comes from L&I's lookup and is checked against L&I's CSV export and a second, separate query. How we check · Download every Washington rate as CSV · Report an error