Trades & Labor Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Delaware

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Delaware is $53,065 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $52,540.

Median Salary
$53,065
vs National
+$525
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $36,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,800 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,360
+$360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,540
+$540 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,800
+$800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $34,340
25th Percentile $41,410
Median (50th) $53,065
75th Percentile $68,680
90th Percentile $84,840

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary by City in Delaware

The largest employment areas for heavy equipment operators in Delaware include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Wilmington, DE
$55,167
Pop. 70,898 · COL 105%
Dover, DE
$50,438
Pop. 39,403 · COL 96%
Newark, DE
$53,591
Pop. 33,398 · COL 102%
Middletown, DE
$51,489
Pop. 22,350 · COL 98%
Bear, DE
$52,015
Pop. 21,000 · COL 99%

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Delaware

Education

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

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook in Delaware

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Delaware

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Delaware:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Delaware

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Delaware? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Delaware is $53,065 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $34,340 (10th percentile) to $84,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,065, a heavy equipment operator in Delaware earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for heavy equipment operators? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for heavy equipment operator pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level heavy equipment operators earn $36,360, while senior professionals earn $80,800.
How does Delaware compare to other states for heavy equipment operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for heavy equipment operators is Hawaii at $93,521. Delaware's median of $53,065 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($55,167) and Virginia ($54,642).
What is the entry-level heavy equipment operator salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level heavy equipment operator in Delaware earns approximately $36,360 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $54,540. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $80,800.
What city in Delaware pays heavy equipment operators the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for heavy equipment operators, with a median salary of $55,167. Other cities include Dover and Newark.