Trades & Labor Aurora, CO Pop. 386,261

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Aurora, Colorado

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Aurora, CO is $56,218 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 0.0% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$56,218
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
+$3,678
Cost of Living
105%

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

Aurora offers a median heavy equipment operator salary of $56,218, which is $0 above the Colorado state average of $56,218. Compared to the national median of $52,540, Aurora pays above average for this role.

Aurora's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for heavy equipment operators in Aurora spans from $36,380 at the 10th percentile to $89,880 at the 90th percentile — a $53,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,520, while senior heavy equipment operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,600. With a population of 386,261, Aurora is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Aurora by Experience

In Aurora, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $38,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,600 per year. The local cost of living index 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 Aurora, CO

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

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$68,302
Pop. 105,673
Denver, CO
$59,896
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$56,743
Pop. 169,810
Colorado Springs, CO
$53,591
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Aurora

Education

Most heavy equipment operator positions require a high school diploma. Aurora and the surrounding Colorado 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 Aurora may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Aurora

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Aurora, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Aurora

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Aurora, CO? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Aurora, 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 Aurora? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,218, a heavy equipment operator in Aurora earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aurora compare to the Colorado state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Aurora's median heavy equipment operator salary of $56,218 is 0.0% above the Colorado state average of $56,218. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aurora, CO? ▼
Aurora has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $56,218 in Aurora has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a heavy equipment operator in Aurora? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Aurora 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.