Trades & Labor Alabama (AL) Rank #45 of 50

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Alabama

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Alabama is $45,710 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $52,540.

Median Salary
$45,710
vs National
$-6,830
State Rank
#45 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Alabama by Experience

In Alabama, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $31,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,600 per year. The cost of living index in Alabama is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,320
$-4,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,980
$-7,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,600
$-10,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Alabama

Percentile AL Salary
10th Percentile $29,580
25th Percentile $35,670
Median (50th) $45,710
75th Percentile $59,160
90th Percentile $73,080

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary by City in Alabama

The largest employment areas for heavy equipment operators in Alabama include Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Birmingham, AL
$47,286
Pop. 197,575 · COL 90%
Huntsville, AL
$48,337
Pop. 216,963 · COL 92%
Montgomery, AL
$45,184
Pop. 200,603 · COL 86%
Mobile, AL
$44,659
Pop. 187,041 · COL 85%
Tuscaloosa, AL
$46,235
Pop. 101,129 · COL 88%

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Alabama

Education

Most heavy equipment operator positions require a high school diploma. Alabama has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook in Alabama

Nationally, heavy equipment operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Alabama's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Alabama

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Alabama:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Alabama

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Alabama? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Alabama is $45,710 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $29,580 (10th percentile) to $73,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Alabama? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,710, a heavy equipment operator in Alabama earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alabama a good state for heavy equipment operators? ▼
Alabama ranks #45 out of 50 states for heavy equipment operator pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level heavy equipment operators earn $31,320, while senior professionals earn $69,600.
How does Alabama compare to other states for heavy equipment operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for heavy equipment operators is Hawaii at $93,521. Alabama's median of $45,710 ranks #45 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Missouri ($46,235) and South Dakota ($46,235).
What is the entry-level heavy equipment operator salary in Alabama? ▼
An entry-level heavy equipment operator in Alabama earns approximately $31,320 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $46,980. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $69,600.
What city in Alabama pays heavy equipment operators the most? ▼
Huntsville is the highest paying city in Alabama for heavy equipment operators, with a median salary of $48,337. Other cities include Birmingham and Montgomery.