Trades & Labor Arkansas (AR) Rank #49 of 50

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Arkansas

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Arkansas is $44,134 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $52,540.

Median Salary
$44,134
vs National
$-8,406
State Rank
#49 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $30,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,200 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,360
$-8,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$67,200
$-12,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $28,560
25th Percentile $34,440
Median (50th) $44,134
75th Percentile $57,120
90th Percentile $70,560

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for heavy equipment operators in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Little Rock, AR
$45,710
Pop. 202,591 · COL 87%
Fort Smith, AR
$42,032
Pop. 89,142 · COL 80%
Fayetteville, AR
$46,235
Pop. 93,949 · COL 88%
Springdale, AR
$44,134
Pop. 80,433 · COL 84%
Jonesboro, AR
$43,083
Pop. 78,576 · COL 82%

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Arkansas

Education

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

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook in Arkansas

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Arkansas

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Arkansas:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Arkansas? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Arkansas is $44,134 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $28,560 (10th percentile) to $70,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,134, a heavy equipment operator in Arkansas earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for heavy equipment operators? ▼
Arkansas ranks #49 out of 50 states for heavy equipment operator pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level heavy equipment operators earn $30,240, while senior professionals earn $67,200.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for heavy equipment operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for heavy equipment operators is Hawaii at $93,521. Arkansas's median of $44,134 ranks #49 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($45,710) and West Virginia ($45,184).
What is the entry-level heavy equipment operator salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level heavy equipment operator in Arkansas earns approximately $30,240 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $45,360. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $67,200.
What city in Arkansas pays heavy equipment operators the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for heavy equipment operators, with a median salary of $46,235. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.