Trades & Labor Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Colorado

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Colorado is $56,218 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $52,540.

Median Salary
$56,218
vs National
+$3,678
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $38,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,600 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,520
+$2,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,780
+$3,780 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,600
+$5,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $36,380
25th Percentile $43,870
Median (50th) $56,218
75th Percentile $72,760
90th Percentile $89,880

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for heavy equipment operators in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Denver, CO
$59,896
Pop. 715,522 · COL 112%
Colorado Springs, CO
$53,591
Pop. 478,961 · COL 100%
Aurora, CO
$56,218
Pop. 386,261 · COL 105%
Fort Collins, CO
$56,743
Pop. 169,810 · COL 106%
Boulder, CO
$68,302
Pop. 105,673 · COL 128%

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Colorado

Education

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

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook in Colorado

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Colorado

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Colorado:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Colorado

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Colorado? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Colorado is $56,218 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $36,380 (10th percentile) to $89,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,218, a heavy equipment operator in Colorado earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for heavy equipment operators? ▼
Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for heavy equipment operator pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level heavy equipment operators earn $38,520, while senior professionals earn $85,600.
How does Colorado compare to other states for heavy equipment operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for heavy equipment operators is Hawaii at $93,521. Colorado's median of $56,218 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Connecticut ($58,845) and Maryland ($57,794).
What is the entry-level heavy equipment operator salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level heavy equipment operator in Colorado earns approximately $38,520 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $57,780. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $85,600.
What city in Colorado pays heavy equipment operators the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for heavy equipment operators, with a median salary of $68,302. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.