Trades & Labor Little Rock, AR Pop. 202,591

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Little Rock, Arkansas

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Little Rock, AR is $45,710 per year, which is 13% below the national median and 3.6% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$45,710
vs State Avg
+$1,576
vs National
$-6,830
Cost of Living
87%

Heavy Equipment Operator Pay in Little Rock: What to Expect (2026)

Little Rock offers a median heavy equipment operator salary of $45,710, which is $1,576 above the Arkansas state average of $44,134. Compared to the national median of $52,540, Little Rock pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Little Rock's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 87% of the national average. This means the $45,710 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for heavy equipment operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for heavy equipment operators in Little Rock spans from $29,580 at the 10th percentile to $73,080 at the 90th percentile — a $43,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,320, while senior heavy equipment operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $69,600. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Little Rock by Experience

In Little Rock, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $31,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,600 per year. The local cost of living index 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 Little Rock, AR

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

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$46,235
Pop. 93,949
Springdale, AR
$44,134
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$43,083
Pop. 78,576
Fort Smith, AR
$42,032
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Little Rock

Education

Most heavy equipment operator positions require a high school diploma. Little Rock and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook

Nationally, heavy equipment operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Little Rock may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Little Rock

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Little Rock, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Little Rock

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Little Rock, AR? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Little Rock, Arkansas 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 Little Rock? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,710, a heavy equipment operator in Little Rock earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Little Rock compare to the Arkansas state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Little Rock's median heavy equipment operator salary of $45,710 is 3.6% above the Arkansas state average of $44,134. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Little Rock, AR? ▼
Little Rock has a cost of living index of 87% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $45,710 in Little Rock has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a heavy equipment operator in Little Rock? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Little Rock require a high school diploma. Key skills include Equipment Operation, GPS/Grade Control, Safety Procedures, Mechanical Knowledge. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.