Trades & Labor Jacksonville, FL Pop. 949,611

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Jacksonville, Florida

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Jacksonville, FL is $49,913 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.1% below the Florida state average.

City Median
$49,913
vs State Avg
$-1,576
vs National
$-2,627
Cost of Living
95%

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

Jacksonville offers a median heavy equipment operator salary of $49,913, which is $1,576 below the Florida state average of $51,489. Compared to the national median of $52,540, Jacksonville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Jacksonville's cost of living is 95% 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 Jacksonville spans from $32,300 at the 10th percentile to $79,800 at the 90th percentile — a $47,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,200, while senior heavy equipment operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,000. As a major metro area with a population of 949,611, Jacksonville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Jacksonville by Experience

In Jacksonville, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $34,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,200
$-1,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,300
$-2,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,000
$-4,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jacksonville, FL

Percentile Jacksonville
10th Percentile $32,300
25th Percentile $38,950
Median (50th) $49,913
75th Percentile $64,600
90th Percentile $79,800

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Florida Cities

Miami, FL
$61,997
Pop. 442,241
Fort Lauderdale, FL
$60,421
Pop. 182,760
Orlando, FL
$53,591
Pop. 307,573
Tampa, FL
$52,540
Pop. 384,959

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Jacksonville

Education

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Jacksonville

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Jacksonville, FL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Jacksonville

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Jacksonville, FL? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Jacksonville, Florida is $49,913 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $32,300 (10th percentile) to $79,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Jacksonville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,913, a heavy equipment operator in Jacksonville earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jacksonville compare to the Florida state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Jacksonville's median heavy equipment operator salary of $49,913 is 3.1% below the Florida state average of $51,489. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jacksonville, FL? ▼
Jacksonville has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $49,913 in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Jacksonville 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.