Trades & Labor Evansville, IN Pop. 117,429

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Evansville, Indiana

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Evansville, IN is $45,184 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 6.5% below the Indiana state average.

City Median
$45,184
vs State Avg
$-3,153
vs National
$-7,356
Cost of Living
84%

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

Evansville offers a median heavy equipment operator salary of $45,184, which is $3,153 below the Indiana state average of $48,337. Compared to the national median of $52,540, Evansville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Evansville's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $45,184 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $53,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Evansville an attractive option for heavy equipment operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for heavy equipment operators in Evansville spans from $29,240 at the 10th percentile to $72,240 at the 90th percentile — a $43,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,960, while senior heavy equipment operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,800. With a population of 117,429, Evansville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Evansville by Experience

In Evansville, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $30,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,960
$-5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,440
$-7,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,800
$-11,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Evansville, IN

Percentile Evansville
10th Percentile $29,240
25th Percentile $35,260
Median (50th) $45,184
75th Percentile $58,480
90th Percentile $72,240

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$56,218
Pop. 99,757
Indianapolis, IN
$49,913
Pop. 887,642
Fort Wayne, IN
$45,710
Pop. 263,886
South Bend, IN
$44,659
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Evansville

Education

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Evansville

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Evansville, IN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Evansville

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Evansville, IN? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Evansville, Indiana is $45,184 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $29,240 (10th percentile) to $72,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Evansville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,184, a heavy equipment operator in Evansville earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Evansville compare to the Indiana state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Evansville's median heavy equipment operator salary of $45,184 is 6.5% below the Indiana state average of $48,337. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Evansville, IN? ▼
Evansville has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $45,184 in Evansville 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 Evansville? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Evansville 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.