Trades & Labor Kentucky (KY) Rank #47 of 50

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Kentucky

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Kentucky is $45,710 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $52,540.

Median Salary
$45,710
vs National
$-6,830
State Rank
#47 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $31,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,600 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,320
$-4,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,980
$-7,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,600
$-10,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $29,580
25th Percentile $35,670
Median (50th) $45,710
75th Percentile $59,160
90th Percentile $73,080

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary by City in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for heavy equipment operators in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Louisville, KY
$48,337
Pop. 633,045 · COL 92%
Lexington, KY
$48,862
Pop. 322,570 · COL 93%
Bowling Green, KY
$44,134
Pop. 74,735 · COL 84%
Owensboro, KY
$43,083
Pop. 60,183 · COL 82%
Covington, KY
$46,235
Pop. 40,961 · COL 88%

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Kentucky

Education

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

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook in Kentucky

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Kentucky

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Kentucky:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Kentucky? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Kentucky is $45,710 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $29,580 (10th percentile) to $73,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,710, a heavy equipment operator in Kentucky earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for heavy equipment operators? ▼
Kentucky ranks #47 out of 50 states for heavy equipment operator pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level heavy equipment operators earn $31,320, while senior professionals earn $69,600.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for heavy equipment operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for heavy equipment operators is Hawaii at $93,521. Kentucky's median of $45,710 ranks #47 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($45,710) and Kansas ($45,710).
What is the entry-level heavy equipment operator salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level heavy equipment operator in Kentucky earns approximately $31,320 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $46,980. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $69,600.
What city in Kentucky pays heavy equipment operators the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for heavy equipment operators, with a median salary of $48,862. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.