Trades & Labor Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Cambridge, MA is $84,064 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$84,064
vs State Avg
+$13,135
vs National
+$31,524
Cost of Living
160%

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

Cambridge offers a median heavy equipment operator salary of $84,064, which is $13,135 above the Massachusetts state average of $70,929. Compared to the national median of $52,540, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $84,064 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $52,540. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for heavy equipment operators in Cambridge spans from $54,400 at the 10th percentile to $134,400 at the 90th percentile — a $80,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,600, while senior heavy equipment operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $128,000. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $57,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,600
+$21,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,400
+$32,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$128,000
+$48,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $54,400
25th Percentile $65,600
Median (50th) $84,064
75th Percentile $108,800
90th Percentile $134,400

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$79,861
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$57,794
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$55,167
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$51,489
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Cambridge

Education

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Cambridge, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $84,064 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $54,400 (10th percentile) to $134,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,064, a heavy equipment operator in Cambridge earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Cambridge's median heavy equipment operator salary of $84,064 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $70,929. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $84,064 in Cambridge 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 Cambridge? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Cambridge 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.