Trades & Labor Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Denver, CO is $59,896 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 6.5% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$59,896
vs State Avg
+$3,678
vs National
+$7,356
Cost of Living
112%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $41,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $91,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,040
+$5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,560
+$7,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$91,200
+$11,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $38,760
25th Percentile $46,740
Median (50th) $59,896
75th Percentile $77,520
90th Percentile $95,760

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Denver

Education

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Denver

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Denver, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Denver

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Denver, CO?
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Denver, Colorado is $59,896 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $38,760 (10th percentile) to $95,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Denver?
Based on the median annual salary of $59,896, a heavy equipment operator in Denver earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for heavy equipment operator pay?
Denver's median heavy equipment operator salary of $59,896 is 6.5% above the Colorado state average of $56,218. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO?
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $59,896 in Denver 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 Denver?
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Denver 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.