Trades & Labor Illinois (IL) Rank #28 of 50

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Illinois

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Illinois is $49,913 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $52,540.

Median Salary
$49,913
vs National
$-2,627
State Rank
#28 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $34,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,000 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois 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 Illinois

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

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary by City in Illinois

The largest employment areas for heavy equipment operators in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Chicago, IL
$56,218
Pop. 2,693,976 · COL 107%
Aurora, IL
$49,913
Pop. 197,757 · COL 95%
Naperville, IL
$56,743
Pop. 149,540 · COL 108%
Rockford, IL
$43,083
Pop. 148,655 · COL 82%
Springfield, IL
$44,659
Pop. 114,394 · COL 85%

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Illinois

Education

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

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook in Illinois

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Illinois

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Illinois:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Illinois

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Illinois? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Illinois 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 Illinois? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,913, a heavy equipment operator in Illinois earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Illinois a good state for heavy equipment operators? ▼
Illinois ranks #28 out of 50 states for heavy equipment operator pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level heavy equipment operators earn $34,200, while senior professionals earn $76,000.
How does Illinois compare to other states for heavy equipment operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for heavy equipment operators is Hawaii at $93,521. Illinois's median of $49,913 ranks #28 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Texas ($50,438) and Wyoming ($50,438).
What is the entry-level heavy equipment operator salary in Illinois? ▼
An entry-level heavy equipment operator in Illinois earns approximately $34,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,300. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $76,000.
What city in Illinois pays heavy equipment operators the most? ▼
Naperville is the highest paying city in Illinois for heavy equipment operators, with a median salary of $56,743. Other cities include Chicago and Aurora.