Trades & Labor Jackson, MS Pop. 153,701

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Jackson, Mississippi

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Jackson, MS is $44,659 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 2.4% above the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$44,659
vs State Avg
+$1,051
vs National
$-7,881
Cost of Living
85%

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

Jackson offers a median heavy equipment operator salary of $44,659, which is $1,051 above the Mississippi state average of $43,608. Compared to the national median of $52,540, Jackson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Jackson's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $44,659 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Jackson an attractive option for heavy equipment operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for heavy equipment operators in Jackson spans from $28,900 at the 10th percentile to $71,400 at the 90th percentile — a $42,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,600, while senior heavy equipment operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,000. With a population of 153,701, Jackson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Jackson by Experience

In Jackson, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $30,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,600
$-5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,900
$-8,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,000
$-12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jackson, MS

Percentile Jackson
10th Percentile $28,900
25th Percentile $34,850
Median (50th) $44,659
75th Percentile $57,800
90th Percentile $71,400

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Southaven, MS
$44,134
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$43,608
Pop. 46,212
Gulfport, MS
$43,083
Pop. 72,926
Hattiesburg, MS
$42,032
Pop. 48,728

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Jackson

Education

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Jackson

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Jackson, MS:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Jackson

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Jackson, MS? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Jackson, Mississippi is $44,659 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $28,900 (10th percentile) to $71,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Jackson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,659, a heavy equipment operator in Jackson earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jackson compare to the Mississippi state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Jackson's median heavy equipment operator salary of $44,659 is 2.4% above the Mississippi state average of $43,608. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jackson, MS? ▼
Jackson has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $44,659 in Jackson 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 Jackson? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Jackson 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.