Trades & Labor Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Chicago, IL is $56,218 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$56,218
vs State Avg
+$6,305
vs National
+$3,678
Cost of Living
107%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, 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 107% 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 Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
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 Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$56,743
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$49,913
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$44,659
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$43,083
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Chicago

Education

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Chicago

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Chicago, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Chicago

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Chicago, Illinois 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 Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,218, a heavy equipment operator in Chicago earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Chicago's median heavy equipment operator salary of $56,218 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $49,913. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $56,218 in Chicago 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 Chicago? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Chicago 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.