Trades & Labor
Heavy Equipment Operator Salary
Heavy equipment operators drive construction and mining equipment including bulldozers, excavators, and cranes.
Median Salary
$52,540
Mean Salary
$56,200
Total Employed
526,600
Job Growth
+4%
Heavy Equipment Operator Salary by Experience Level
Entry-level heavy equipment operators earn around $36,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $54,000. Senior-level heavy equipment operators can earn $80,000 or more.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,000 Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,000 Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,000 Salary Percentile Breakdown
The salary range for heavy equipment operators varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $34,000, while the top 10% earn $84,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $34,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,000 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $52,540 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $84,000 |
Heavy Equipment Operator Salary by State
Heavy Equipment Operator salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $93,521, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $43,608.
| State | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Hawaii | $93,521 | Details → |
| #2 California | $75,132 | Details → |
| #3 Massachusetts | $70,929 | Details → |
| #4 Alaska | $70,404 | Details → |
| #5 New York | $64,099 | Details → |
| #6 Washington | $62,523 | Details → |
| #7 New Jersey | $60,421 | Details → |
| #8 Oregon | $59,370 | Details → |
| #9 Connecticut | $58,845 | Details → |
| #10 Maryland | $57,794 | Details → |
| #11 Colorado | $56,218 | Details → |
| #12 New Hampshire | $55,167 | Details → |
| #13 Rhode Island | $55,167 | Details → |
| #14 Virginia | $54,642 | Details → |
| #15 Delaware | $53,065 | Details → |
| #16 Vermont | $53,065 | Details → |
| #17 Nevada | $52,540 | Details → |
| #18 Florida | $51,489 | Details → |
| #19 Maine | $51,489 | Details → |
| #20 Arizona | $50,964 | Details → |
| #21 Minnesota | $50,964 | Details → |
| #22 Montana | $50,964 | Details → |
| #23 Utah | $50,964 | Details → |
| #24 Louisiana | $50,438 | Details → |
| #25 Pennsylvania | $50,438 | Details → |
| #26 Texas | $50,438 | Details → |
| #27 Wyoming | $50,438 | Details → |
| #28 Illinois | $49,913 | Details → |
| #29 North Dakota | $49,913 | Details → |
| #30 Idaho | $49,388 | Details → |
| #31 Georgia | $48,862 | Details → |
| #32 New Mexico | $48,862 | Details → |
| #33 Indiana | $48,337 | Details → |
| #34 North Carolina | $48,337 | Details → |
| #35 Wisconsin | $48,337 | Details → |
| #36 Michigan | $47,286 | Details → |
| #37 Nebraska | $47,286 | Details → |
| #38 Ohio | $47,286 | Details → |
| #39 Iowa | $46,761 | Details → |
| #40 Oklahoma | $46,761 | Details → |
| #41 South Carolina | $46,761 | Details → |
| #42 Tennessee | $46,761 | Details → |
| #43 Missouri | $46,235 | Details → |
| #44 South Dakota | $46,235 | Details → |
| #45 Alabama | $45,710 | Details → |
| #46 Kansas | $45,710 | Details → |
| #47 Kentucky | $45,710 | Details → |
| #48 West Virginia | $45,184 | Details → |
| #49 Arkansas | $44,134 | Details → |
| #50 Mississippi | $43,608 | Details → |
Key Responsibilities
- ● Operate excavators and bulldozers
- ● Grade earth for construction
- ● Load and haul materials
- ● Inspect equipment daily
- ● Follow safety protocols
Top Skills
Equipment Operation GPS/Grade Control Safety Procedures Mechanical Knowledge Spatial Awareness CDL
Education Required
High school diploma
Job Outlook
As fast as average — projected 4% growth over the next decade
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Frequently Asked Questions About Heavy Equipment Operator Salaries
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per year? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in the United States is $52,540 per year. Entry-level positions start around $36,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $80,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $56,200.
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $52,540 per year, a heavy equipment operator earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for heavy equipment operators? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for heavy equipment operators, with a median salary of $93,521. Other top-paying states include California ($75,132) and Massachusetts ($70,929).
What education do you need to become a heavy equipment operator? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions require a high school diploma. Key skills include Equipment Operation, GPS/Grade Control, Safety Procedures, Mechanical Knowledge. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for heavy equipment operators? ▼
Employment for heavy equipment operators is projected to grow 4% over the next decade, which is as fast as average. There are currently 526,600 heavy equipment operators employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level heavy equipment operator make? ▼
An entry-level heavy equipment operator with 0-2 years of experience earns around $36,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $54,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $34,000, while the top 10% earn $84,000.