Trades & Labor Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Des Moines, IA is $48,337 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$48,337
vs State Avg
+$1,576
vs National
$-4,203
Cost of Living
92%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $33,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,120
$-2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,680
$-4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,600
$-6,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $31,280
25th Percentile $37,720
Median (50th) $48,337
75th Percentile $62,560
90th Percentile $77,280

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$49,913
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$46,235
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$45,184
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$44,134
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Des Moines

Education

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $48,337 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $31,280 (10th percentile) to $77,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,337, a heavy equipment operator in Des Moines earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Des Moines's median heavy equipment operator salary of $48,337 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $46,761. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $48,337 in Des Moines 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 Des Moines? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Des Moines 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.