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Kanawha County, WV · Operating Engineer
Operating Engineer prevailing wage in Kanawha County, West Virginia
$68.61an hour, base wage + fringe benefits (our sum)
$46.56 base wage + $22.05 fringe benefits
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 1 ALL FRICTION CRANES, TOWER CRANES AND ALL CRANES WITH 180 FT. OR MORE OF BOOM INCLUDING MAST AND JIBS OR LIFTING CAPACITY OF 100 TONS OR MORE AND HOISTS WITH 30,000 POUND LINE PULL OR MORE, MECHANICS WITH TOOLS WITH 3/4 INCH DRIVE AND BELOW · ENGI0132-011
$60.65an hour, base wage + fringe benefits (our sum)
$40.35 base wage + $20.30 fringe benefits
OPERATOR: CRANE · ENGI0132-002
$58.53an hour, base wage + fringe benefits (our sum)
$38.08 base wage + $20.45 fringe benefits
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 3 ROLLER · ENGI0132-023
On federally funded or assisted building construction in Kanawha County, an operating engineer must be paid at least $68.61 an hour: a $46.56 base wage plus $22.05 in fringe benefits, under wage determination WV20260038 (modification 1). DOL prints no total, so $68.61 is our sum of the two.
Wage determination WV20260038, modification 1, published May 18, 2026, for building construction; rate identifier ENGI0132-011 (December 1, 2024). Checked against sam.gov on October 25, 2026.
On federally funded or assisted highway construction in Kanawha County, an operating engineer must be paid at least $60.65 an hour: a $40.35 base wage plus $20.30 in fringe benefits, under wage determination WV20260103 (modification 1). DOL prints no total, so $60.65 is our sum of the two.
Wage determination WV20260103, modification 1, published May 18, 2026, for highway construction; rate identifier ENGI0132-002 (December 1, 2024). Checked against sam.gov on October 25, 2026.
On federally funded or assisted heavy construction in Kanawha County, an operating engineer must be paid at least $58.53 an hour: a $38.08 base wage plus $20.45 in fringe benefits, under wage determination WV20260069 (modification 1). DOL prints no total, so $58.53 is our sum of the two.
Wage determination WV20260069, modification 1, published May 18, 2026, for heavy construction; rate identifier ENGI0132-023 (December 1, 2024). Checked against sam.gov on October 25, 2026.
Davis-Bacon is the only prevailing wage here (federally funded or assisted work). West Virginia repealed its law in 2016 (HB 4005; DOL state table).
DOL lists 28 operating engineer rates for Kanawha County, from $35.86 to $68.61 an hour. See all of them.
Base wage and fringe benefits: $46.56 + $22.05
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) | $46.56 |
| Fringe benefits (one figure, not itemized) | $22.05 |
| Base + fringe benefits (our sum; DOL prints no total) | $68.61 |
Base wage and fringe benefits: $40.35 + $20.30
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) | $40.35 |
| Fringe benefits (one figure, not itemized) | $20.30 |
| Base + fringe benefits (our sum; DOL prints no total) | $60.65 |
Base wage and fringe benefits: $38.08 + $20.45
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) | $38.08 |
| Fringe benefits (one figure, not itemized) | $20.45 |
| Base + fringe benefits (our sum; DOL prints no total) | $58.53 |
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 West Virginia change log lists what each one changed.
Every operating engineer rate in Kanawha 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: GROUP 4 BOBCAT/SKID STEER/SKID LOADER, FARM TYPE TRACTOR, LOADERBuildingENGI0132-011 | $34.71 | $22.05 | $56.76 | WV20260038 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 3 BACKHOE, BULLDOZER, EXCAVATOR, FORKLIFT, NON-FARM TYPE TRACTOR, ALL OTHER CRANES, ALL OTHER MECHANICSBuildingENGI0132-011 | $45.21 | $22.05 | $67.26 | WV20260038 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 2 OPERATING CRANES AND TOWER CRANES WITH A LIFTING CAPACITY OF 15 TONS AND OVERBuildingENGI0132-011 | $46.21 | $22.05 | $68.26 | WV20260038 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 1 ALL FRICTION CRANES, TOWER CRANES AND ALL CRANES WITH 180 FT. OR MORE OF BOOM INCLUDING MAST AND JIBS OR LIFTING CAPACITY OF 100 TONS OR MORE AND HOISTS WITH 30,000 POUND LINE PULL OR MORE, MECHANICS WITH TOOLS WITH 3/4 INCH DRIVE AND BELOWBuildingENGI0132-011 | $46.56 | $22.05 | $68.61 | WV20260038 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: CRANEHighwayENGI0132-002 | $40.35 | $20.30 | $60.65 | WV20260103 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOEHighwayENGI0132-003 | $37.59 | $20.30 | $57.89 | WV20260103 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BOBCAT/SKID STEER/SKID LOADERHighwayENGI0132-004 | $37.59 | $20.30 | $57.89 | WV20260103 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BROOM/SWEEPERHighwayENGI0132-005 | $37.59 | $20.30 | $57.89 | WV20260103 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BULLDOZERHighwayENGI0132-030 | $37.59 | $20.30 | $57.89 | WV20260103 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: DRILLHighwayENGI0132-031 | $37.59 | $20.30 | $57.89 | WV20260103 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: FORKLIFTHighwayENGI0132-032 | $37.59 | $20.30 | $57.89 | WV20260103 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: GRADER/BLADEHighwayENGI0132-033 | $37.59 | $20.30 | $57.89 | WV20260103 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: PAVER/SPREADER/FINISH EQUIPMENT(ASPHALT, AGGREGATE, & CONCRETE)HighwayENGI0132-035 | $37.59 | $20.30 | $57.89 | WV20260103 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: LOADER (UP TO SIX (6) CUBIC YARD CAPACITY)HighwayENGI0132-036 | $37.59 | $20.30 | $57.89 | WV20260103 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: MECHANICHighwayENGI0132-037 | $37.59 | $20.30 | $57.89 | WV20260103 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: ROLLERHighwaySUWV2022-023 | $29.38 | $18.60 | $47.98 | WV20260103 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: MILLING MACHINEHighwaySUWV2022-023 | $34.18 | $18.91 | $53.09 | WV20260103 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 3 ROLLERHeavyENGI0132-023 | $38.08 | $20.45 | $58.53 | WV20260069 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 2 LOADERS UP TO SIX (6) CUBIC YARD CAPACITY, BACKHOE, COMPACTOR, FORKLIFT, GRADER/BLADE, MECHANIC, EXCAVATORS WITH AN OPERATING WEIGHT OF UP TO ONE HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND (110,000) POUNDS, TRACTOR, TRENCHERHeavyENGI0132-023 | $39.19 | $20.45 | $59.64 | WV20260069 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 1 CRANE (TOWER), LOADERS OF SIX (6) CUBIC YARD CAPACITY AND OVER, EXCAVATORS WITH AN OPERATING WEIGHT OF ONE HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND (110,000) POUNDS AND OVERHeavyENGI0132-023 | $41.95 | $20.45 | $62.40 | WV20260069 Mod 1 |
| PIPELINE: OPERATOR-EXCAVATORHeavyENGI0132-028 | $41.95 | $20.45 | $62.40 | WV20260069 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: PAVER (ASPHALT, AGGREGATE, AND CONCRETE)HeavySUWV2012-067 | $24.39 | $15.50 | $39.89 | WV20260069 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: OILERHeavySUWV2012-067 | $21.44 | $14.42 | $35.86 | WV20260069 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: CRANEHeavySUWV2012-067 | $25.43 | $13.10 | $38.53 | WV20260069 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BULLDOZERHeavySUWV2012-067 | $23.98 | $13.10 | $37.08 | WV20260069 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BOOMHeavySUWV2012-067 | $28.71 | $11.59 | $40.30 | WV20260069 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BOBCAT/SKID STEER/SKID LOADERHeavySUWV2012-067 | $25.28 | $14.99 | $40.27 | WV20260069 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: DRILLHeavyUAVGWV0022 | $35.19 | $19.18 | $54.37 | WV20260069 Mod 1 |
How Kanawha 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 West Virginia
Wage and fringe benefits, nearby
- Kanawha Countybase $46.56$68.61
- Boone Countybase $46.56$68.61
- Putnam Countybase $46.56$68.61
- Clay Countybase $46.56$68.61
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 Kanawha County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kanawha County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 1 ALL FRICTION CRANES, TOWER CRANES AND ALL CRANES WITH 180 FT. OR MORE OF BOOM INCLUDING MAST AND JIBS OR LIFTING CAPACITY OF 100 TONS OR MORE AND HOISTS WITH 30,000 POUND LINE PULL OR MORE, MECHANICS WITH TOOLS WITH 3/4 INCH DRIVE AND BELOW | $46.56 | $68.61 | |
| Boone County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 1 ALL FRICTION CRANES, TOWER CRANES AND ALL CRANES WITH 180 FT. OR MORE OF BOOM INCLUDING MAST AND JIBS OR LIFTING CAPACITY OF 100 TONS OR MORE AND HOISTS WITH 30,000 POUND LINE PULL OR MORE, MECHANICS WITH TOOLS WITH 3/4 INCH DRIVE AND BELOW | $46.56 | $68.61 | same |
| Putnam County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 1 ALL FRICTION CRANES, TOWER CRANES AND ALL CRANES WITH 180 FT. OR MORE OF BOOM INCLUDING MAST AND JIBS OR LIFTING CAPACITY OF 100 TONS OR MORE AND HOISTS WITH 30,000 POUND LINE PULL OR MORE, MECHANICS WITH TOOLS WITH 3/4 INCH DRIVE AND BELOW | $46.56 | $68.61 | same |
| Clay County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 1 ALL FRICTION CRANES, TOWER CRANES AND ALL CRANES WITH 180 FT. OR MORE OF BOOM INCLUDING MAST AND JIBS OR LIFTING CAPACITY OF 100 TONS OR MORE AND HOISTS WITH 30,000 POUND LINE PULL OR MORE, MECHANICS WITH TOOLS WITH 3/4 INCH DRIVE AND BELOW | $46.56 | $68.61 | same |
| Roane County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 1 ALL FRICTION CRANES, TOWER CRANES AND ALL CRANES WITH 180 FT. OR MORE OF BOOM INCLUDING MAST AND JIBS OR LIFTING CAPACITY OF 100 TONS OR MORE AND HOISTS WITH 30,000 POUND LINE PULL OR MORE | $46.56 | $68.61 | same |
| Lincoln County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 1 ALL FRICTION CRANES, TOWER CRANES AND ALL CRANES WITH 180 FT. OR MORE OF BOOM INCLUDING MAST AND JIBS OR LIFTING CAPACITY OF 100 TONS OR MORE AND HOISTS WITH 30,000 POUND LINE PULL OR MORE, MECHANICS WITH TOOLS WITH 3/4 INCH DRIVE AND BELOW | $46.56 | $68.61 | same |
| Fayette County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 1 ALL FRICTION CRANES, TOWER CRANES AND ALL CRANES WITH 180 FT. OR MORE OF BOOM INCLUDING MAST AND JIBS OR LIFTING CAPACITY OF 100 TONS OR MORE AND HOISTS WITH 30,000 POUND LINE PULL OR MORE | $46.56 | $68.61 | same |
West Virginia 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 WV20260038 Mod 1, published May 18, 2026: sam.gov/wage-determination/WV20260038/1
We read every active West Virginia 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 Kanawha County as CSV · Report an error